Stretching leather shoes and boots - help!

[*Jen*]

Does anyone have any experience with stretching out leather boots?

I bought an AMAZING pair last week, but I had problems choosing the size. One size fit well in the length of the foot, but was tight around the calves and over the top of the foot. The second pair were way too long, but fit better in other places.

Based on the assurance of not one, but 3 different sales staff that they would stretch out (and if they didn't, I could return them so long as I hadn't worn them out of the house), I took them home to wear around the house and try to break them in.

This has worked over the top of the foot (mostly) and around the calves...but I would like to stretch them a little more. Has anyone ever tried to use a leather softener on the calves of boots? Many years ago I stretched some shoes, but never the calves of knee high boots

They do fit fine with tights and long sock, but my hope is to stretch them a tiny bit so I can tuck my jeans in. I could return them for the size up, but am a massive clutz and worry that I'd trip over boots that are too long...

Any advice?

[skatemommy]

I would go to your shoe smith or local department store and get shoe stretch spray. It is basically isopropyl alcohol. Spray a little on the insides of the calf and wear them around the house. Good luck!

[Cocomo]

I just recently had a pair stretched at my local shoe repair, was told to expect just a half a size bigger, and it was only $12. You can always try the water/freezer method, there are several YouTube tutorials like this one http://youtu.be/LA9OPuANjJs

[*Jen*]

Thanks for your input Cocomo, were the boots in fact half a size bigger after? Were you happy with the results?

And Skatemommy, have you used the spray? I know what can be done and where I can buy it, I just don't want to ruin brand new boots, so am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and can tell me how it turned out

As it happens, I wore them around the house today and they stretched out a lot - enough for me to put them on over jeans. They're still a bit tight though, especially over the top of the foot

[IceAlisa]

As Cocomo said, taking them to a shoe repair professional may help or wearing them over really sick socks around the house.

[PRlady]

"He was a bad boy and I was a good girl
He needed me to smooth out the edges
He'd get his drink on and flirt with the ladies
After two years of his crap I quit begging
I'm a magnet for the fixer upper man
If I know it's fire, why do I let it burn my hand

Cupid works for the devil
Be suspicious if he cries
You know sex is usually good
Yeah, but it ain't always right
Chocolate is a band-aid and no matter what they say
Shoes don't stretch and men don't change."
-- Amy Dalley

[*Jen*]

PRlady - but I disagree. Shoes stretch. Especially leather ones

Sick socks IceAlisa? Or thick socks? I might try increasing the thickness of the socks progressively. Thanks

[IceAlisa]

PRlady - but I disagree. Shoes stretch. Especially leather ones

Sick socks IceAlisa? Or thick socks? I might try increasing the thickness of the socks progressively. Thanks

Thick, pardon the typo. Super thick and yes, try layering progressively.

[Reuven]

As a former shoe salesman, yes, leather will stretch. As a regular wearer of cowboy boots (like PL, I like pointy toes and high heels ), make sure the shaft is actually leather. Not all boots are. The material label will tell you. A good cobbler should be able to stretch them.

[GarrAarghHrumph]

As a former shoe salesman, yes, leather will stretch. As a regular wearer of cowboy boots (like PL, I like pointy toes and high heels ), make sure the shaft is actually leather. Not all boots are. The material label will tell you. A good cobbler should be able to stretch them.

I also used to sell shoes, and will confirm what Reuven said - leather shoes can be stretched. So if these are leather, you're in luck.

As with skate boots, leather can be stretched. If you bring them to a shoe repair guy/cobbler, they'll have a machine that'll do this quickly, and only in the exact places you need it.

[made_in_canada]

And Skatemommy, have you used the spray? I know what can be done and where I can buy it, I just don't want to ruin brand new boots, so am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and can tell me how it turned out

I've used isopropyl alcohol on specific places in my skates and it's worked well

[Japanfan]

As a former shoe salesman, yes, leather will stretch.

Doesn't it stretch wider, but not longer?

[Reuven]

The sole of the shoe will prevent shoe size change, but width can be gained.

[Cocomo]

Thanks for your input Cocomo, were the boots in fact half a size bigger after? Were you happy with the results?

My twelve dollars was money well spent and I'm guessing the stretch was just about a half size like they said. The kept my shoes for about 4 days so plan ahead if you want to wear them anythime soon.

[*Jen*]

The sole of the shoe will prevent shoe size change, but width can be gained.

My twelve dollars was money well spent and I'm guessing the stretch was just about a half size like they said. The kept my shoes for about 4 days so plan ahead if you want to wear them anythime soon.

Thanks guys I don't want the shoe size to change, I am just after width. I've committed to this pair, and wore them to work today. They've stretched out already, I'm just going to find the spray and then wear thicker and thicker socks

[Tinami Amori]

Next time save 12 dollars... and buy cheap 5.99 bottle of Popov Vodka.
Take thick socks, soak in Vodka and wear inside the shoes/boots for 2 hours.


- This is a free Old World advise from the Victim of Soviet Consumer Goods Shortages who made size 34/35 shoes stretch to size 35/36 for 4 years

[*Jen*]

Next time save 12 dollars... and buy cheap 5.99 bottle of Popov Vodka.
Take thick socks, soak in Vodka and wear inside the shoes/boots for 2 hours.


- This is a free Old World advise from the Victim of Soviet Consumer Goods Shortages who made size 34/35 shoes stretch to size 35/36 for 4 years

Thanks Tinami. I haven't bought anything yet, so I'll keep it in mind

[Reuven]

And if the vodka doesn’t work, you can always drink it, then you won’t feel a thing!

[*Jen*]

I did think that my legs might be drunk. I'm sure it's possible to absorb alcohol that way