Do boots stretch over time?

Yes, leather boots, with use, naturally stretch over time. The weight and stress you apply to the boots as you wear them will eventually cause the boots to shape to your feet. But the change will be minimal, and won't be enough to correct for wrong sizing.
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How long does it take for boots to stretch?

Depending on how much your boots need to be stretched, it may take 2-3 nights to get them to the right size. Be patient and try the boots on every morning to see how much progress has been made. Boot stretchers also work well for stretching rubber boots.
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How tight should new boots be?

It should not pinch across the ball of the foot or the toes, but should be comfortably snug in the instep area of your foot. Just like a good handshake. A new boot may slip some when new, but if it is snug in the instep, that slip will come out, after it is flexed from wearing.
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Do boots get bigger over time?

One more important point: a lot of folks say that you should never under any circumstances buy a boot with the expectation that they'll stretch. This is a decent rule to follow, but note that most boots will stretch — but only about a millimeter.
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How do you know if boots are too small?

Be on the lookout for these indicators when you aren't certain about the sizing.
  1. You Can See Bumps Outside. Examine the outside edges of the boots. ...
  2. You Have Loose Heels. Now at first glance, this one may seem counterintuitive. ...
  3. Your Toes Feel Cramped.
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Do Work Boots Stretch Out? (Answered + A Few Helpful Stretching Tips)



Should you be able to wiggle your toes in boots?

You should be able to wiggle your toes inside the toe box (the front of the shoe). To see if you have enough room, slide your foot forward so your toes are just touching the end of the unlaced boot. In this position, you should have a finger's width (about ½") between the base of your heel and the boot.
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How long do boots take to break in?

New boots can take around 80 to 100 hours to break in. That being said, don't subject yourself to wearing your boots for 4 days straight and expect your feet to be happy with you. Instead, space this time out to about 2 to 3 hours a day and keep a second pair of boots to change into.
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Can you stretch boots a half-size?

In general, stretching your shoes can add a quarter- to a half-size in space, David Mesquita, owner of The Leather Spa, a leather repair boutique in New York City, tells SELF.
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How do you loosen new boots?

Use a Hairdryer
  1. Put your boots on with a pair of thick socks.
  2. Point a hair dryer about 6 inches from the boot pointed at the tightest parts where you feel a pinch.
  3. Turn on the dryer on hold for about 20 seconds.
  4. Move your toes during point three for better stretching.
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Are boots supposed to be loose around the ankle?

In general, boots should not be too loose or too tight. If they're too loose, your heel will move up and down within the shoe as you walk. This may result in overpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or an inflamed Achilles tendon.
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Is it normal for new boots to hurt?

The boots will hurt for a couple of days no matter what, but if you space out that wear-time over a longer period and in the comfort of your own home, it won't be so bad. You should try to enjoy this period, even though you may be uncomfortable. Your boots will never be this clean and pristine again!
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How do you know if boots fit right?

How Boots Should Fit: 30-Second-Summary
  1. Your entire foot should feel snug EXCEPT for your heel. ...
  2. Have a bit of wiggle room for your toes in the front of the boots. ...
  3. The ball of your foot should sit at the widest part of the sole of the boot. ...
  4. Wear thick socks when trying on the boots.
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Will my leather boots stretch?

Do leather boots stretch? Yes, leather boots, with use, naturally stretch over time. The weight and stress you apply to the boots as you wear them will eventually cause the boots to shape to your feet. But the change will be minimal, and won't be enough to correct for wrong sizing.
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How much can boots be stretched?

How much can one stretch boots safely? The experts agree the limit here is up to one full size. Stretching too much, especially all at once, could damage the integrity of the boot and make it more likely to wear down over time, especially in winter.
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How can I stretch my boots for wide feet?

You can make use of:
  1. Ice to stretch your boots. Freezing your boots can help expand them. ...
  2. Heat can also help stretch boots. ...
  3. Last but not least, you can stuff your boots with materials such as rolled up towels, old newspapers or any other material that may help stretch the boots.
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How do you stretch out a boot that is too small?

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.
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How do you break in stiff leather boots?

Right when you get your boots, apply some leather conditioner (I like Chamberlain's Leather Milk) or mink oil. These will help soften the leather, and won't cause the damage that heat or water will. Apply weekly until the shoes are broken in, and then monthly or so after that as part of your leather care routine.
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Do leather boots stretch in the calf?

Keep in mind that leather won't stretch very much. So if your problem is really tight boots around the calf, like inches too small, be prepared that no amount of stretching will fix your problem. You'll either need to have the boot rebuilt, returned, or resold.
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Does 0.5 shoe size make a difference?

It's better to be a half size too big than too small. It does make a difference. One problem is that sometimes one foot is a half size larger than the other.
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Can wearing shoes too big hurt you?

As we all know, if you wear a shoe that is too tight it will hurt your feet and lead to foot ailments, such as blisters, bunions and calluses. But wearing a shoe that is too big will cause us to walk in an unnatural and dysfunctional way. This can lead to serious foot problems.
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How can I make my boots more comfortable?

How Should Work Boots Fit?
  1. Wear the same socks you wear on the job. Polyester or wool/synthetic blends will keep your feet more comfortable than cotton. ...
  2. Test for length. ...
  3. Make sure the laces keep your foot comfortably in place. ...
  4. Make sure the boots flex at the ball of your foot. ...
  5. Try work boots on at the end of the day.
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How do you soften hard boots?

HOW TO STRETCH AND SOFTEN LEATHER BOOTS AND SHOES
  1. It can take a while for new footwear to feel like it's been in your wardrobe forever. ...
  2. 1) Wear them little and often. ...
  3. 2) Wear them indoors. ...
  4. 3) Use a spoon. ...
  5. 4) Use the hairdryer. ...
  6. 5) Use screwed up newspaper. ...
  7. 6) Buy shoe stretchers. ...
  8. 7) Use a stretching spray.
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Why do boots hurt my ankles?

Because of all the added weight in your feet when you wear boots, it is likely that they will cause some type of foot or ankle problems. This is because there's too much pressure being put on certain areas in your feet and ankles when you wear steel-toe boots.
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