Finally score the boots of your dreams, but they’re a bit too tight? Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes, so thankfully there are simple stretching solutions to get those boots or booties ready to boogie.
Keep scrolling to learn how to stretch boots!
Use Leather Oil Conditioner on Genuine Leather Boots
Using a leather oil conditioner (available for purchase online and at most major retailers) helps prevent cracks in your boots, waterproofs them and softens the leather to enable stretching.
How to apply leather oil conditioner:
- Brush any noticeable dirt or debris off of your boots with a dry cloth.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of leather oil conditioner to the clean side of the same cloth.
- Rub the solution into the leather of the boot in a circular motion. Allow the leather to absorb the conditioner.
- Remove any excess solution by wiping down the boots with a second, clean dry cloth.
Use a Boot Stretcher
A boot stretcher is a magical device that alleviates pressure in the toe area and stretches the whole boot to a more comfortable fit. Boot stretchers can be purchased online and at most large department stores.
How to use a boot stretcher:
- Place the boot stretcher closed inside the shoe, pushing the foot-shaped end snugly into the toe area of the boot.
- Rotate the handle clockwise to expand the boot stretcher until it feels tight inside the boot.
- Leave the stretcher in for about 8 hours. Don’t leave in the stretcher too long as this could over-stretch your shoes.
- Turn the stretcher handle counterclockwise, and check the fit by trying on the boots.
- If they’re still snug, repeat this process until you’ve reached the desired size.
Wear Your Boots with Thick Socks Around the House
Boots just a touch too tight? Layer on a couple pairs of thick socks, and wear your boots around the house to help loosen them up. Sport the socks 2-3 times for a few hours before taking your boots out on the town.
Use a Blow Dryer to Stretch Genuine Leather Boots
If your boots are genuine leather, you can use the heat of a hair dryer to speed up the stretching process. Heat softens the leather, allowing your feet to expand the shoe so that the leather can mold to your foot shape.
How to stretch boots with a blow dryer:
- Put your boots on with a pair or two of thick socks.
- Point a blow dryer about 6 inches away from your boots at the tightest parts of your shoe (usually the toe and heel area). Hold for about 30 seconds on each spot.
- Curl, bend and wiggle your toes during this process for better stretching.
- Wear the boots until they cool down so they can mold to your foot shape.
- Test your boots with regular socks, and repeat the heating process if needed.
Are you a pro at stretching out boots now? Take your style quiz, schedule a Fix and let your stylist know you are ready for pieces to make pairing your new boots a breeze. You’ll have a five-item Fix headed your way. Try on the pieces in the comfort of your home. Keep what you love and send back the rest. Shipping and returns are always free.