Should boots be tight on top of foot?

A boot should fit like a handshake
That is just how a boot should fit. 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.
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How do I know if my boot is too tight?

If your toes feel jammed with a finger behind your ankle, they're most likely too tight. Another way to test it is to put your boots on, stand up straight, and then wiggle your toes. If you can't wiggle your toes, the boot is too tight.
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How can I stretch the top of my foot boots?

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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Should boots be tight at first?

For a start, should they be a little loose or should one err on the side of tightness? The answer is you need a little breathing room, but not too much. To explain that a little better, the primary purpose of a work boot besides merely covering the foot is that of support.
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How much space should be at the top of your shoe?

There should be about half an inch between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe. If you have small hands, this is about the size of the tip of your index finger. If you have large hands, it's about the size of the tip of your pinky finger.
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How to Make Sure Your Boots Fit



How much toe room should you have 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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Is it better for shoes to be tight or loose?

Shoes that are on the tighter side are likely to rub, and since this friction can cause blisters, it's best to have a bit of wiggle room. The ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, and at the heel make sure that you have some room for slight heel slippage.
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Do boots loosen 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 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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How tight should walking boot be?

We suggest using one under the ankle strap as there is no padding there. Fasten the remaining straps until your foot feels snug but not tight. If you fasten the boot too tight you may cause pressure to your skin.
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Why do my shoes hurt the top of my foot?

Extensor tendonitis: This is caused by overuse or tight-fitting shoes. The tendons that run along the top of the foot and pull the foot upwards become inflamed and painful.
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Do cowboy boots loosen up?

Cowboy boots will stretch out if you wear them on for a while. After a few days, the leather will expand and stretch out. However, if you want to stretch them out immediately, here are some tips that can help you. Wear 2-3 extra socks and keep the boots on for the whole day.
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Where should a boot Bend?

The Flex Point

No need to overcomplicate this one: every boot has a natural break point where it wants to bend, be it at the end of a stitched toe box or simply where your toes start, but that's what you need to remember. The boot must flex where your foot does, and that's at the toe line.
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How tight should leather boots be?

The boot should feel snug (like a firm handshake) across the vamp (top of the foot). The widest part of your foot should be resting in the widest part of the outsole.
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Should winter boots be tight or loose?

Snow boots should hug your foot comfortably, providing both support and insulation. A looser fitting boot will offer greater warmth and comfort but will cause problems when walking longer distances. Snow boots that are too tight will lead to circulation issues and problems walking.
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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 break in boots without it hurting?

13 Surefire Ways to Break in Boots
  1. Start with the right size. ...
  2. Wear thick socks around the house. ...
  3. Use leather conditioner or oil. ...
  4. Put on a band-aid or blister pad. ...
  5. Don't wear your boots too often. ...
  6. Take your old boots with you. ...
  7. Adjust the lacing. ...
  8. Scuff the inside heel.
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How do you walk in boots?

Wear Them Around The House

Make sure you wear thick walking socks, as this is when the new boots will be at their stiffest (and may rub in places). If you normally use specialist insoles, don't forget to put these in your new boots too. The boots should gradually start to feel more comfortable.
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Do leather boots stretch or shrink?

Do leather shoes stretch or shrink? Since they are made from animal skin, they shrink and stretch in response to the stress subjected to them. So, if you wear them, they stretch from the inside. However, if you don't wear them for a long time, they shrink as a response to the pressure of their surroundings.
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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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Do leather boots shrink in heat?

If your new leather boots aren't quite snug on your feet, you can shrink them using a couple of different methods. One easy way is to spray the outsides of your boots thoroughly with hot water. Then, blow dry the shoes with low heat.
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Should toes touch top of shoes?

Your toes should have ample room to spread wide. Your toes shouldn't feel constricted or touch the end of the shoe. Your heel should feel comfortably cupped in the back of the shoe, which ensures that your foot won't slip out from the back of the shoe.
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Should you be able to fit a finger in your shoe?

To check proper fit around your heel, place your index finger behind the shoe's heel and your heel. You should be able to slide your finger between them with little force. If your finger cannot fit, the shoes are too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large.
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How do you know if a shoe is too wide?

If you are trying on heels or pumps and your feet slip out of the shoes when you walk or you see gaps between the side of the shoe and your foot, the shoes are too wide. Another way to tell if shoes are too big is to feel for the side gaps in the shoe while seated.
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