When it comes to western style clothing and accessories, there are few things as classic as the cowboy boot. These tall, lace-up boots have been an essential part of country style for decades and continue to be a go-to choice for country music stars, rodeo competitors and everyday cowboys and cowgirls alike. However, one potential problem with these rugged boots is they tend to be quite snug, which makes it challenging to stretch them so that they’re more comfortable to wear. Fortunately, by following a few simple tips you can learn how to stretch your cowboy boots so that they fit more comfortably and look great too. Read on for our insider secrets on how to stretch cowboy boots so that they feel better whenever you wear them!
What to know before you start stretching your boots
There are a few important things to keep in mind before you start stretching your boots. First, you should only try to stretch a pair of boots once; if you keep trying to stretch them, you could cause irreparable damage. That being said, you should only try to stretch a pair of boots once they’ve already been broken in. That being said, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing the correct size when trying to stretch your boots. If they’re too large, they won’t be able to be stretched as easily, if at all! When stretching your boots, it’s also important to keep in mind that they can stretch in any direction, which means you should try to avoid stretching one part more than another.
Step 1: Try on your boots and mark where they’re too tight
Before you start trying to stretch your boots, it’s a good idea to first make sure they fit correctly. To do this, simply put them on and walk around in them for a bit to make sure they’re comfortable and don’t cause any rubbing or pinching. Once you’ve worn the boots for a bit, you should be able to feel where the footwear is too tight. Mark these areas with a piece of chalk or a marker so you know where to focus when trying to stretch your boots.
Step 2: Soak the boots in warm water
Cowboy boots are designed to be as durable and long-lasting as possible, and one way manufacturers accomplish this is by stitching the boots together with a strong, sturdy thread. As a result, it can be challenging to stretch the uppers of the boots, where this strong thread is located. To get around this, you’ll want to soak your boots in warm water before trying to stretch them. This will help the thread to relax and become more malleable, making it easier to stretch the upper portion of the boots. Make sure you use warm water and let the boots soak for at least 30 minutes — you may need to soak them for longer if the thread is particularly strong.
Step 3: Use a shoe stretcher
Once you’ve soaked your boots, you’ll want to use a shoe stretcher to stretch them out. There are a few different types of stretchers you can use, including wooden, metal, or even carbide ones. To use a shoe stretcher, set one end of the device against the portion of the boot you marked as being too tight, and then push down on the other end of the device. This will cause the shoe to stretch a bit. You should repeat this step several times to get a more significant stretch.
Step 4: Let the boots dry overnight
Once you’ve used the shoe stretcher to get the upper of your boots to a more comfortable level, you’ll want to let them dry overnight. This will help the leather to fully stretch and return to its original shape, so that the boots have a more comfortable fit.
Conclusion
Cowboy boots are rugged and comfortable footwear, but they’re designed to fit pretty snugly, which can make them challenging to wear if you have wide or oversized feet. Fortunately, you can learn how to stretch cowboy boots by following these simple steps and getting a more comfortable and stylish fit that’s perfect for any occasion! Now that you know how to stretch cowboy boots, you can be sure they are always comfortable. There are few things as timeless or as western-inspired as a pair of cowboy boots, and they are an essential part of country style. Now that you know how to properly stretch them, you can wear them whenever you want without worrying about them being too tight!
