Boot problem, is this possible?

murphydog999

I've got a beautiful pair of calf length boots which are really too tight at the top of the calf to be comfortable (shouldn't have bought them really but :heartpuls)

Does anyone know if it's possible a cobbler-type person could put some kind of elastic piece in the back? I've only got a re-sole/heel shop near me and they didn't know.

T.I.A.

puddy

if they are leather, spray leather stretch on them and put them in a vice thing which will stretch out the calf section, im not sure on the terminology of the piece of equipment i mean, i know my dad's got loads in his shed

Dizzy_Ditzy

i used to wear hold it all in tights underneath them and they would be ok, after a while they'll stretch anyway

Chakani

If they are leather, I'd try some leather softener first (Effax is my favourite - any saddlery or you can buy it online) or failing that, a good saddler might help you? It might not be a cheap fix though.

If they aren't leather, I doubt there is any easy way to adjust them.

poorly_scammo

I'd try and stretch them by getting a pair of good quality adjustable boot inserts and stretch them gradually. http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/boot-stretcher.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_base_gbp

Thing is, you might ruin them and not be able to wear them anyway. Your choice.

murphydog999

They are def leather, and they are zipped. I've just called a shoe repairers and without hesitation they said NO. There's a good inch + of stretch I need, I can't see them stretching that far without something undergoing surgery - me or the boots!!

jenniewb

Saddlers soap.

Did you visit the repairers or call them? It could be they can see the boots are coated in a certain way or know they wont stretch- some leathers are also made up of several thinner layers (its a way to make them more cheaply) and stretching them out would mean the leather peices separate and so the boots end up looking shoddy and really cheap. Boots made from just one skin would probably stretch more evenly (again, depends) and the worn in look may look a bit more genuine and rock-n-roll.

If you don't mind them looking a bit worn in, I'd say wear them in the rain and let them get wet, keep them on as they dry, you may need to repeat this several times before you get what you want especially if they are too tight to wear or have on for long periods of time. They may stretch unevenly this way as the skins may not be from an ultra symmetrical animal or even the same animal and also your own body wont be 100% even but it is a way to get the calf part expanded at least.

If it was the sole of the boot I'd suggest a shoe tree (and water) but having been told I have the beginnings of bunions after wearing too smaller shoes in the winter last year, maybe this isn't such a good idea!

Otherwise ask another cobblers and also ask any advice ie why they wont do this, is it even possible or are they just scared of the results?

murphydog999

Just an update, incase anyone is interested. Found a guy who has been repairing a long time and he says it's not possible - mainly because the top of the boot is turned over . A boot stretch tool will put too much strain on the zip, heat will damage the leather as will water. The suggestion was a shoe stretch spray/softener and then wear them round the house until they are more comfortable.

It's amazing what difference the time of day makes, as I tried them on this morning, and although tight, I got the zip to the top, (something I couldn't do last time in the afternoon), unfortunately they aren't the kind of boot to wear first thing!!