topic Re: Stretching shoes in Shoes

Stretching shoes

Texasmouse — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:36:30 GMT

I have a pair of leather western boots that are too tight in the toe box area and would like to know if anyone has successfully stretched shoes/boots, enough to make a difference in the fit.

I've read of methods using heat, ice, shoe stretchers and even raw potatoes but if none of these are particularly effective (not that I'm going to try them all) I'll just have them stretched professionally at a cobbler.

I don't have a boot stretcher (I do have a shoe stretcher) and I don't really want to buy one. TIA!

Re: Stretching shoes

Redshoes07 — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:46:14 GMT

I have shoe stretchers that work very well. I've had to stretch several pairs of shoes and boots and they did stretch them enough for me to wear them without hurting. My shoe stretchers are made from wood and I've had them for years, I think I bought them from Amazon.

Re: Stretching shoes

PA Mom-mom — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:49:00 GMT

@Texasmouse I had great Acme "cowboy" boots I used for riding and throughout college. They were very tight to begin with, but I wore them every day for a few hours until they shaped themselves to my feet. It took MONTHS, but it was worth it. They were the most comfortable boots I ever had. I think that's how it works.

Re: Stretching shoes

Texasmouse — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:52:09 GMT

@PA Mom-mom thanks but I guess I don't have the patience (nor the tolerance for pain) to have it take that long. 🤷‍♀️

Re: Stretching shoes

PickyPicky3 — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 22:13:44 GMT

I think the toe box is the most difficult area to stretch, so I would definitely take them to a professional.

Re: Stretching shoes

kate2357 — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 22:58:19 GMT

For the authentic cowboy boots I have owned, I did have to break them in slowly. These boots were for actual riding and not just wearing as a regular shoe/boot. It was a pain. Literally a pain.

Re: Stretching shoes

Desertdi — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 23:23:00 GMT

I buy boots ½ size larger...because I wear heavy socks with them

Re: Stretching shoes

Kachina624 — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 00:13:04 GMT

I've had many pairs of Western-style boots and would question whether their sturdier leather could be adequately stretch enough to make them comfortable.

@Texasmouse. If you just bought them new, I'd return them and look elsewhere.

Re: Stretching shoes

cosmic1 — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 00:19:41 GMT

I have some boots that were too tight in the calves and I used a stretcher spray and wore them at home until they fit. However, I don’t know how that would work with the toe box area. You might need a different style; I know I cannot wear the pointy toed style.

Re: Stretching shoes

Texasmouse — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 00:41:23 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I've had many pairs of Western-style boots and would question whether their sturdier leather could be adequately stretch enough to make them comfortable.

@Texasmouse. If you just bought them new, I'd return them and look elsewhere.

@Kachina624 these are western "style", not actually western boots. They're not lined and are not particularly thick. They used to fit when I bought them, about 17 years ago, but my feet have increased by half a size and have become a tad bit wider. These boots are a 6M. Now, when I buy new shoes, I get a 6.5W, if I can. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll be able to be stretched enough to where, even if they're not perfect, they are not painful to wear.

Re: Stretching shoes

ECBG — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 01:09:15 GMT

@Texasmouse

My family owned the top quality shoe store for decades.

You are working with good leather. You will have to get boot stretchers. I use shoe stretchers from Colonial Medical; after, I wet the under side of the leather with wet fingers.

Turn the stretchers until you can't turn any tighter and leave several weeks. Remember, leather and skin have elasticity, which work against you.

From Foot Fitter

Re: Stretching shoes

Tinkrbl44 — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 20:46:21 GMT

@Texasmouse wrote:
I have a pair of leather western boots that are too tight in the toe box area and would like to know if anyone has successfully stretched shoes/boots, enough to make a difference in the fit.

I've read of methods using heat, ice, shoe stretchers and even raw potatoes but if none of these are particularly effective (not that I'm going to try them all) I'll just have them stretched professionally at a cobbler.

I don't have a boot stretcher (I do have a shoe stretcher) and I don't really want to buy one. TIA!

@Texasmouse

Years ago, I watched a friend stretch a very expensive pair of shoes and was surprised how easy it was.

(These weren't going to be worn with socks)

She had a can of Kiwi Leather Shoe Stretch spray and put on a pair of heavy socks, then put the shoes on. She then sprayed the entire shoe ... well, up and down the sides and toes and back of heel ... and then wore them for two minutes or so to let them dry.

Then, she took off the shoes and socks and slipped her feet into the shoes. They fit PERFECTLY.

She said once she had to do this twice, but it made all the difference in comfort.

This is one of my best wardrobe tips EVER.

Re: Stretching shoes

IamDoodles — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 01:10:30 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@Texasmouse wrote:
I have a pair of leather western boots that are too tight in the toe box area and would like to know if anyone has successfully stretched shoes/boots, enough to make a difference in the fit.

I've read of methods using heat, ice, shoe stretchers and even raw potatoes but if none of these are particularly effective (not that I'm going to try them all) I'll just have them stretched professionally at a cobbler.

I don't have a boot stretcher (I do have a shoe stretcher) and I don't really want to buy one. TIA!

@Texasmouse

Years ago, I watched a friend stretch a very expensive pair of shoes and was surprised how easy it was.

(These weren't going to be worn with socks)

She had a can of Kiwi Leather Shoe Stretch spray and put on a pair of heavy socks, then put the shoes on. She then sprayed the entire shoe ... well, up and down the sides and toes and back of heel ... and then wore them for two minutes or so to let them dry.

Then, she took off the shoes and socks and slipped her feet into the shoes. They fit PERFECTLY.

She said once she had to do this twice, but it made all the difference in comfort.

This is one of my best wardrobe tips EVER.

That's an awesome tip. I will give it on try on some boots that are too tight.

Re: Stretching shoes

SaveTheTurtles — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 02:13:01 GMT

I would take them to a shoe cobbler shop if you can find one as they can stretch them professionally.

Re: Stretching shoes

Texasmouse — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:20:49 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@Texasmouse wrote:
I have a pair of leather western boots that are too tight in the toe box area and would like to know if anyone has successfully stretched shoes/boots, enough to make a difference in the fit.

I've read of methods using heat, ice, shoe stretchers and even raw potatoes but if none of these are particularly effective (not that I'm going to try them all) I'll just have them stretched professionally at a cobbler.

I don't have a boot stretcher (I do have a shoe stretcher) and I don't really want to buy one. TIA!

@Texasmouse

Years ago, I watched a friend stretch a very expensive pair of shoes and was surprised how easy it was.

(These weren't going to be worn with socks)

She had a can of Kiwi Leather Shoe Stretch spray and put on a pair of heavy socks, then put the shoes on. She then sprayed the entire shoe ... well, up and down the sides and toes and back of heel ... and then wore them for two minutes or so to let them dry.

Then, she took off the shoes and socks and slipped her feet into the shoes. They fit PERFECTLY.

She said once she had to do this twice, but it made all the difference in comfort.

This is one of my best wardrobe tips EVER.

@Tinkrbl44 I'm surprised it worked that quickly!

Re: Stretching shoes

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:12:20 GMT

@Texasmouse

ITA .... It works as quickly as it takes the spray to dry. I'm never without a can of that stuff!