How to Widen Boots for Big Calves

Tall boots are have been in fashion for decades but, for some women, their calves are too large to fit in the boot shaft. For those women with larger calves who want to wear tall boots, there are several methods to stretch the shaft.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Tall leather boots
• Metal boot stretcher
• Yellow pages

1. Take your boots to a cobbler to get the shaft stretched. They have methods to stretch a boot and the knowledge of how much they can stretch your boot shaft. Getting this professionally done may take a week and up to two to three fittings to get the width right.
2. Purchase a metal boot stretcher from a specialty footwear company. These can be found on line and cost around $100 or more. Insert the metal stretcher in the boot shaft and start stretching the boot slowly.
3. Spray the boot shaft with leather stretching spray. Tighten the metal stretcher starting slowly. After two days, try on the boot and try again every two days until the fit is perfect.
4. Stretch the boots by wearing them. The last way to stretch boots can be the most painful. Put on the tight boots and wear until the leather stretches out. You may be uncomfortable, but this is the least expensive way to stretch the calves of the boot.

Tips & Warnings

• Before wearing your new boots, take your boots to a shoe repair shop to get their advice on whether the shaft can be stretched.
• Test the stretching spray on a hidden part of the boot to test the leather and fabric for its color fastness.