A comfortable pair of hiking boots can make the difference between an enjoyable hike and a torturous march. Bunions, blisters and swollen feet can affect you if your boots abrade your skin or cut off circulation. Hiking boots will stretch and conform to your feet over time--but if you recently bought a pair of boots and don't have time to let nature take its course, there are ways to stretch out your boots.
Step 1
Wear your hiking boots as often as you can. Hiking on a trail is typically what stretches out your boots. If you can't do that often, wear the boots at home, around town, even when you're walking on a treadmill. Rotate your ankles to move your feet around, applying pressure on the boots from different angles to simulate walking on rough terrain.
Step 2
Keep your boots in the bathroom. After a hot, steamy shower, put on your boots and walk around in them while the leather is softer and pliable.
Step 3
Freeze your boots. Slide your stockinged feet into plastic waterproof bags and step into your boots. Lace up your boots loosely. Carefully slide your feet out of the bags, leaving them in place inside your boots. Fill the bags with water, and place the boots and bags in the freezer, being careful not to spill any of the water. Freeze for several hours or overnight. The water will expand as it freezes, forcing your boot to expand with it.
Step 4
Take your boots to a shoe repair shop, or use a boot stretcher at home. A professional can stretch your boots, or you can insert boot stretchers into your boots. Turn the crank on the stretcher a full turn every eight hours. Leave them in for two days. If a specific place inside your boot is rubbing your foot, add pressure relieving dots to your stretcher to stretch out that area.
Tips and Warnings
- Try a stretching spray, and apply according to the directions.
- Wearing boots while they're wet increases your risk of developing blisters.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic bags
- Boot stretchers
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