Boot Stretcher - When You Need To Break In Those New Boots

New leather boots may need to be stretched with a boot stretcher.  Stretching will help to “break in” the boots.  Using a boot stretcher will provide a more comfortable fit within 24 to 48 hours.  The stretching time will vary depending on the boots.  The time will depend on the amount of stretching needed, also.  It is a good idea to check the progress regularly to avoid overstretching.  Sometimes, old boots will need to be stretched after they have gotten wet.  The boots may shrink slightly as they are drying out.  Wet leather boots should be dried at room temperature, as quickly as possible.  Do not use heat to dry them. Heat will cause them to become stiff and brittle.  A fan can be used to expedite the drying process.  The boot can be stretched after it is completely dry, if needed.

Boot stretchers can be purchased at most shoe stores and shoe repair shops.  The internet is a good place to look, also.  Browsing on Google, Amazon, or Yahoo will provide an opportunity to view products and comparison shop.  Some of the best selling, quality boot stretchers are:
 
The Mallory Combination Upper Shaft & Instep Stretcher Kit:  This dual purpose boot stretcher will stretch the upper instep area and the shaft of the boot.  It is quality constructed of heavy duty cast aluminum for durability.  It expands, from the center, like an accordion and can be used in the right or left boot.  The stretcher comes with a free 2 ounce bottle of Angelus Professional Shoe Stretch.  The Mallory Combination Upper Shaft & Instep Stretcher Kit is available online from shoeshineexpress (dot com) for $149.95.   
 
The Mallory Vamps Boot Instep Stretcher Kit:  Anyone with a high instep and a new pair of leather boots needs this boot stretcher. The design applies pressure raising and stretching the instep area of the boot.  It is made with heavy duty cast aluminum and comes with a free 2 ounce bottle of Angelus Professional Shoe Stretch.  The Mallory Vamps Boot Instep Stretcher Kit can be found online at shoeshineexpress (dot com) for $119.95.
 
The Mallory Western Boot Toe Stretcher:  Sometimes a little more room is needed in the toe area of western style boots.  This heavy duty aluminum boot stretcher will eliminate pinched and squashed toes.  It comes with a free bottle of Angelus Professional Shoe Stretch.  The Mallory Western Boot Stretcher is available online from shoeshineexpress (dot com) for $119.95.

Boot stretchers are a convenient accessory for stretching boots at home.  Shoe repair shops and many shoe stores will stretch boots, also.  Proper boot care is essential to maintaining the appearance and shape of leather boots.  Boots should be cleaned, polished, and conditioned periodically.  Boot shapers, or trees, should be kept in the boots when they are not being worn.