how to shape leather in new shoes
 

I bought a new pair of likely Chinese made high top boots. I have warped ankle bones and need to bow the sides out on the shoes. Whats the best way to do that??

I also have to have shoes that are WIDE> There near impossible to find at 3X

There is a pliers-like device called a "bunion stretcher" that can reach down into a shoe and spot-stretch an area for your little toe and the side of your foot. Not sure if it will reach down into a pair of high boots. Might be useful for shaping the ankle-bone area too. When breaking in a new pair of over-the-calf thin leather boots, I had a cobbler sell me a "leather stretch" spray to dampen the leather to help allow it to stretch. I'm pretty sure it is mostly rubbing alcohol.

I would use some bent metal, bend up a coat hanger or something like that and put it in the boot to stretch it in the spot that needs stretched. Are they dress boots or work boots? If you aren't worried about the finish I would get them wet in that spot, that will help them stretch.

My Great-grandfather came from Norway to the USA in 1867, his name was Rastus and full blooded Norwegian.

Bill, did you try soaking the boots in water and wearing them until they were dry? That's how we usually get western boots to fit odd shaped feet.

maybe you can make a custom set of wood stretchers. Wet the boots lace them and using jack screws stretch away.

If you have a cobbler around, or a shoe/boot repair store, they should be able to help. It will cost, though. Are you *sure* they are leather?

Mon

wr, Im afraid to soak the ENTIRE boot for fear the inner sole liner will raise up on the sides. I HAVE heard of using HOT water on the area needed to be shaped. Any of you heard of that??

There is no cobbler that I know of, but ill check in Tulsa. IF there is, Ill ask them FM Thanks.

I have very wide feet and I have also used hot water on specific areas and it does help. There is also a spray on product you can get for stretching shoes but I didn't find it overly effective beyond the fact that it simply wet an affected area.

I did a google search of shoe repair in the Tulsa area and came up with 3 options.

Keylon's Boot & Shoe Repair
6019 S Sheridan Rd Tulsa, OK 74145
+1 918-492-4211
Shoe Repair Shop

Country Hollow Shoe Repair
8088 S Yale Ave # A Tulsa, OK 74136
+1 918-491-9848

Tulsa Shoe Rebuilders
5455-C South Mingo RD
Tulsa, OK 74146
Toll Free 877.313.0675
Phone: 918.584.6062

Maybe give them a call and see how much they'd charge to stretch your boots. It's usually not an awful lot and given the condition of your feet, it would be a good idea to get it sorted out.

Bill, wrap a wet, hot towel, wrung out, around the boot, tie with knot or twine and sit a while with 2-3 pair of thick socks, until boot dries. Next time walk a little. May take 2-3 times.

I have a huge bump on inside ankle bone of left foot from surgery for broken ankle, 4 screws and a plate. This has worked for me....James

Found I can order wide shoes online at E Bay, and so, have done so. Ill return these tomorrow.

Something you might want to check out...I have found out there's a whole science to lacing shoes (and likely boots) where you can lace to give a little extra room where you need it. Info on it is online somewhere...found it several years ago when DH had troubles lacing his shoes so they wouldn't hurt his ankles (very swollen). A clerk at a shoe store told me about this "science" of lacing.

Mon

Dampen as much as possible, lace tightly, line with tightly-woven fabric to protect the lining from abrasion, and fill with sand. Pound the sand into the boot tightly until it's expanded the leather and let dry. It may take a couple tries, but dad did this with various leather goods.
Kit

that's probably the best thing Bill. get as wide as you can. with feet like yours I'm surprised you can get anything to fit. I have to have very wide footwear and I have very good feet. ~Georgia

nf Are they kissable, like mine?? LOL

they were at one time Bill. haven't found anybody lately that I let get that close. ~Georgia.

Put boots on,ride across the USofA on a Harley in the rain/sun/snow(mountians). It is preferable if you pick the choice of color you would like your feet to be afterwards.I didn't know,,, red python,,, I would have gone with purple.
ps. I also have wide feet,always barefoot,,,like to say they are so wide, I can walk on water.....

I've heard putting a water tight bag inside the boot, fill with water, then freeze. When the ice expands it should stretch them out. Then repeat as needed.

I worked at a Clark's shoe store back in the day. We stretched people's shoes with a set in stretcher free of charge. Maybe see if a near by store can do the same?

I returned the shoes today.

Good idea. I think your world will be a lot less uncomfortable if you can find something closer to your width.