How to stretch a pair of boots?

[trouty]

I have a pair of Meindl’s that are a bit too tight maybe half size.

How can I stretch them?

Thanks.

[elkhunter11]

If you try to stretch them, you will likely damage the goretex.

[Hunter guy]

You can get spray on boot stretcher. Seen it at peavy mart

[graybeard]

I had two pairs of Danner's with Gortex with the same problem, several years ago.

I filled the boots with hot tap water and with the socks I wear; I drained the water and I cinched them up like I would normal do and wore them for the day.

End of the day, I let them air dry until the next day and repeated for 3 days.

They fit like a glove, very comfortable and I am still rotating them to this day.

I do the same with all my new foot wear; cowboy boots, baseball glove and skates, back in the day.

This is just me, others may have their own solution?

Good luck,

Note: Don't wait to do this a week before you need them.

[urban rednek]

You can stretch leather uppers with moisture and pressure, but that won't work if the boots have a rubber rand and toe cap. And, too much pressure will likely damage the Goretex liner, leading to wet feet in the field.
Might be better off getting new boots.

[Bearbreath]

If you can return them, if not use a shoe stretcher like this. https://www.amazon.ca/Moneysworth-Be.../dp/B00HRSOU3Q

You can buy online or go to a shoe repair shop. I have one I have used on multiple boots and it does stretch them a little. Not length wise of course. Get the boots wet and tie them up around the shoe stretcher then stretch them.

A rubber rand makes it more difficult. A shoe repair shop could possibly stretch them for you,

[Dean2]

Graybeard's recommendations and methods are right, as are the guys that talk about only works on leather. None of those techniques are likely to give you a full half size. That is new boot territory.

[kilgoretrout]

You might want to try a pair of superfeet insoles in them...... most boots come with a fairly basic insole which provides little support and therefore allows the foot to flatten out .... a good supportive insole supports the foot which will give you more room ..... go to a good boot or perhaps a ski shop where they custom fit boots all the time......

[Vacation]

I filled a zip bag with water, placed tightly in boot. Put in the freezer. Froze and stretched out my workboots in the toes.

[Hooter]

I had my buddy use a skate stretcher in my boots to try to get an extra 1/8” in length, but it didn’t work. It’s easy enough to get spots “punched” out, but adding length is a completely different beast. Now I have a pair of barely used Hanwag GTX boots sitting in the garage....hope my wife doesn’t find them.... 🤫

[Dubious]

If you try to stretch them to much it’ll likely just blow the seams. Get them wet wear them wet and hope they don’t fail to fast.