Want to learn how to enlarge your rain boots?
Many people do, especially those with thicker calvesa. You see, enlarging a rain boot adds more comfort.
Plus, it ensures that blood flow isn’t blocked to your legs (from the constriction).
So today, we’ll help you with the enlargement part. We’ll discuss tips on how to stretch them rain boots for your calves!
How to stretch wrong sized pair of rubber boots
Almost every one of you guys has ever ordered rubber shoes online. It’s a big worry for all of us if the ordered item will fit us or not because different brands have different size measurements and it is usual to order a wrong sized pair of shoes.
It is now a common question of what to do with the shoes ordered online. Whether to return it or use it by using some tips and tricks. That’s what this guide is all about “How to stretch your rubber shoes so you can use them normally?”
Also Read: The Best Waterproof Work Shoes -Tips to Find The Best
Shoes that are ordered wrong-sized by mistake don’t fit our feet and also cause some damages if you forcefully try to equip them. The wrong-sized pair of shoes may:
- ● Damage your feet while running or walking
- ● Be a cause of foot deformities like mallet toe or bunion
- ● Cause damage to your fingers like bone compression, numbness, inflammation
- ● Cause foot-ball pain
What to do with the wrong-sized boots?
The method we suggest will be stretching the rubber boots so that they become fit for your feet. Rubber boots can also shrink due to regular wear and tear when they are narrow. Stretching the rubber boots saves you some money as well as allows you to wear your favorite shoes.
First – Some Analysis
Most people trying to enlarge are doing so on “old boots.”
That is, you’re never enlarging new boots. Because why would you, when you can just buy a different size?
But the point is, boots that need stretching are old and worn out. That is, you stretch them because over time, they shrink and wear, so they don’t fit your legs anymore.
So here’s a starting tip – take care of the exterior. That way, you’ll rarely worry about stretching.
But if you still need stretch tips, then here’s what to do…
How to Stretch Rubber Boots – 6 Tips
Stretching rubber boots is not a big task and there are a number of methods available for the task.
Each tip is different, and relies on different “expansion mechanics.” Check out each tip, and applies what works for your situation!
We have collected the top 6 methods of stretching the rubber boots for you which are mentioned below.
1. Try Ice Stretching
Stretching your rubber boots with ICE is a very easy method and it requires using some household items such as water, plastic Ziploc bags, and a freezer(to obtain the ice) to complete the task.
Ice stretching isn’t a commonly known idea, but we recommend trying it out.
It works through the use of small ice cubes. And it’s actually easy to adopt (more so than traditional methods).
Follow the simple steps mentioned below to go through the stretching process.
- ● Fill about 1/3rd part in two Ziploc bags with water.
- ● Put a small hole in the seal of the sealable bags in order to push air out.
- ● Place the water bags in each of the shoes in such a way as the water is in contact with the inner layer of the boots.
- ● Place the bag’s face(open hole) to the part of the boots that need to be stretched.
- ● Now you have to put your rubber boots in the freezer for a whole night and take them out the next morning. OR Set them aside for a while. Let the ice slowly melt.
- ● Take out the frozen boot bags from the freezer the next morning and see the difference. As it melts, its volume increases, thus stretch your boots!
Note: you can repeat the same step till you are satisfied with the size.
Stretching the rubber boots using ICE only brings out a small change in the boot size and it is usually done for small and medium-size changes.
2. Try a Shoe Stretching Liquid
Maybe you find the idea of using ice cubes too time consuming. If so, you can just buy a retail stretching liquid!
Yes, there are some liquids specially designed to stretch your rubber boots to your preferred size, and those liquids are known as the ‘Shoe stretching liquids’.
You can either buy a stretching liquid readymade or can prepare such one using 50/50 of water and alcohol.
Again, that’s a product that few people discuss. But, its chemistry is easy to understand.
The steps to use the liquids to stretch your shoes are:
- ● At first, you’ll have to create a working surface in order to catch drips and spills by spreading out some papers or torn clothes.
- ● Don’t use the full liquid at a time, take out a small amount and use it in a small part of the boots that are paid less attention.
- ● Apply the stretching liquid and leave it for some minutes.
- ● If it works, apply the liquid to your preferred area.
- ● You can wear a pair of thick shoes to expand the shoes more and then wiggle your feet to enlarge the space.
- ● Have a walk in the wet shoes for better stretching
The liquids in rubber boots works by softening rubber and suede. They do so without reacting or causing them to crack. And this softening makes them more flexible, letting them stretch in-use!
It’s an effective tool, especially in rainy seasons. However, if you don’t like the idea of chemicals in your boots, you can…
3. A Hairdryer will stretch your boots
Yes, you have read the correct heading, you can also stretch your rubber boots using a Hairdryer that is used to dry up your hair. It is an excellent way to stretch the rubber boots to your preferred size.
We have mentioned the steps below to use the trick
- ● At the very first, wear a pair of thick socks and then rubber boots for better stretching as well as your protection.
- Turn the hairdryer on and target it at the specific areas of the boots that need to be stretched for 20-30 seconds.
- ● Then take a walk for some minutes to let the boots cool down and keep flexing your foot around for better stretching.
- Caution: Keep the hairdryer about 10-15 cm away from the boots to avoid burning.
Note: Keep in mind that using a Hairdryer can badly damage your boots as they can start melting at high-temperature.
4. Get a Rain Boot Stretcher
They fit in all boots. You don’t need to worry about chemicals, or “certain models”.
Initially, it’s a stick with a stretcher at the end. You can fit it into any portion of the boot’s leg, and then stretch that part. Thus, you can stretch the ankles, calves, and even the toes!
But do note, overuse of a stretcher can tear apart your boot. So instead, you can try…
5. Get your boots stretched by an expert
If you are unable to stretch your rubber boots to the preferred size by using the aforementioned household tricks, then it is a wise choice to hire an expert cobbler to get your boots stretched.
An expert cobbler can not only advise you if your boots can be stretched or you should buy a pair of new ones but also can make your tight rubber boots fit your size by using his specified tools at the workshop.
The cost of getting your boots stretched by an expert may vary from $20 to over $100 according to what type of repair is required.
6. Hot Materials
We know, it’s the opposite of using ice cubes. But it focuses on a totally different effect.
Ice cubes focus on pressure from molten ice to expand a boot. And with a hot material, you soften the boot’s rubber, making it stretchable for wear.
However, note that this technique is risky. For starters, you can’t use scalding hot water to stretch the boots. Plus, this is something you apply indoors and often, so it’s not comfortable!
Anything Else I Can Do?
Yes, there is.
If your boot isn’t made out of synthetic material (so made from rubber), then soak it in water…
Rubber boots can absorb water. And it’ll expand in size, thus making it fit bigger feet!
Plus, water softens rubber. So even if the boot loses moisture, you can still use it with ease!
But here’s a final tip. Make sure you buy a boot that can withstand abuse. It’s the best way to stretch it, without fear of destroying it!
FAQs
Q. 1 Can Hunter boots also be stretched?
Yes, it is very simple and easy to stretch Hunter boots to your preferred size as you have learned with the rubber boots by using the methods mentioned above.
But keep in mind that a boot can only be stretched to a certain limit and if you try to stretch it, even more, it can easily get torn.
Q.2 Does every boot stretch by wearing?
We can say ‘almost yes’ because new boots are prepared a bit tight but as you use them regularly, they start loosening and become soft to wear.
Some particular materials do not apply this trick so it depends on what type of shoes you need.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have come to learn how to stretch your rubber boots to fit your size. Wearing tight shoes not only gives an uncomfortable feeling but also causes a lot of damage to your feet such as ball pains and bone pains.
Stretching your rubber boots using the aforementioned tricks will not only effectively stretch your boots but also increase their life.
