When spending your hard-earned money on a pair of boots, it’s essential to ensure they fit comfortably and match most of your outfits. But sometimes, you get expensive boots that feel tight on your feet even when you purchase the correct size.
Unfortunately, people with wide feet face this situation often, and it’s not always easy to handle.
Most individuals just deal with the pain and accept their fate, but you don’t have to be like them. For example, ignoring boots that feel tight on your feet will give you many foot conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and corns, causing excruciating pain over the long term.
Does that mean you have to throw your brand-new boots in the garbage? The answer is no because this guide will teach you some tricks that let you stretch them until they start to feel better on your feet. Each tip is unique, and you can choose the ones that work best for you.
Tips for Stretching your Boots
1. Replace Insoles
Replacing the insoles of your boots is an excellent tactic to try to add more space. The only problem is it won’t work if you can’t take them out since some brands glue them to the shoe.
If you can remove the insole, do so immediately and replace it with a thinner one. You will now have more space inside your boot for your feet and wiggle room in the toe area while not spending much money.
2. Buy A Boot Stretcher
Boot stretchers will allow you to increase your boots’ width and length without waiting a long time.
Insert the stretcher into the boot and expand it a little bit every day. Depending on your preferences, these stretchers come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. For this method to be effective, leave the boot stretcher inside for 12 hours, and you should see a difference.
Immediately upon removing this device, walk around your home in your boots to ensure they don’t revert to their original shape. You are also welcome to use your stretcher on sneakers, leather shoes, and cleats.
3. Utilize A Hair or Blow Dryer
This method is not well known, and most haven’t heard about it. Nonetheless, it will help you stretch your boots and is effective 80% of the time.
The first step is to find a pair of thick socks and put your boots on for 20 to 25 minutes. Next, grab your blow dryer and let it warm on medium heat.
Point your blow dryer at your shoe, starting from the toe area to any other spots that feel tight around your feet. Once you are done, the mild heat from your dryer helps the boot extend until you start to feel relaxed when you walk.
Since you don’t want to damage your boots, keep your hairdryer at least 6 inches away and never direct it at one place for too long (no longer than 20 seconds). Following this rule will allow the heat to circulate evenly throughout your boots.
To break them in further, walk around your house wearing them for 10 to 15 minutes. It will allow them to mold to the size of your foot. Do this as often as you can until you no longer feel uncomfortable.
4. Buy Boot Stretching Sprays
Boot stretching sprays will cost a little money, but it’s the most convenient way to stretch your boot’s leather as much as possible. The formula used in the spray makes leather soft, so someone with a wide foot can adjust its shape.
First, spray generously around the boot, ensuring you don’t miss a single area. Next, put your shoes on and take a walk outside for 5 to 10 minutes until you feel it’s completely dry. You should wear thick socks while walking to increase your chances of this method working.
We like this method the most because it works fast, and you don’t need to worry about damaging your investment. Of course, you can use these on sneakers as well but make sure to always read the manual for suggestions.
5. Use A Tennis Ball
A tennis ball is another effective method to expand tight-fitting boots and shoes. The learning curve is short, and the only item you must have is a tennis ball split in half.
The first step is to put one piece of the split tennis ball deep inside the boot until you reach the front. It will only work if you push it in deep enough to stretch that area out. Repeat this step on the other shoe and give them one day to sit on your window sill.
For more effectiveness, combine this method with the boot stretching spray, and you are guaranteed positive results.
6. Put Your Boots in A Microwave
While it may seem strange, microwaving boots is another method you can use to stretch them to accommodate wide feet.
However, if your footwear has metal parts, please skip this method because it’s dangerous. Besides metal, avoid this method if your shoes are constructed using plastic, vinyl, or any material that can melt.
First, put your boots in a microwave-friendly pouch for 30 to 45 seconds. The heat will make them softer and supple. Next, take them out of the microwave and put them on. Your goal is to walk around your house until they cool down and mold to your foot. As always, wear the thickest socks you have to increase results.
If it doesn’t work the first time, we recommend you repeat all the steps 3 to 4 times until you get the desired results.
Lastly, we warn you that if you don’t do this properly, you risk damaging your boots permanently.
Summing It Up
Wearing a pair of boots that fits properly is vital to avoid serious long-term injuries. This becomes difficult when you have wide feet and can’t find a decent pair that fits you without feeling tight around your toes.
The good news is that the methods above can all help you with this problem and make your life easier.
Of course, neither of the methods above is perfect, so we can recommend experimenting with them to see which works best for you. Sometimes combining them makes your results even better, so testing will always be necessary.
