Can you stretch walking boots?

How much do walking boots stretch?

Full-grain and nubuck leather boots soften and mould to the foot over the first several walks, which can ease a slightly snug fit across the widest part of the foot. Suede and leather-and-fabric boots give a little less. Fabric and synthetic uppers barely change shape, and waterproof membranes and rubber rands limit stretch on any boot.

Length does not stretch in any useful way. The sole, toe cap and rand fix the length. If your toes touch the end when you stand, or hit it on a downhill, stretching will not solve it.

Safe ways to stretch leather boots

Start gently and give each method time to work. Leather responds best to slow, repeated stretching rather than one big push.

1. 1

   Wear them indoors and on short walks with your usual hiking socks so the leather moulds naturally.

2. 2

   Use a two-way boot stretcher in the boot overnight, turning it a little at a time over several days.

3. 3

   Fit the stretcher's spot plugs to target a single pressure point, such as a bunion or little toe.

4. 4

   Use a leather stretch spray only if the boot maker's guidance allows it on your leather.

5. 5

   For a firm or stubborn spot, take the boots to a cobbler who can stretch them on a machine.

Note:Stretching may affect a warranty and can stress membranes and seams. Check the maker's guidance, and stop if you see creasing at seams or the rand lifting.

Methods to avoid

Some popular tricks do more harm than good on walking boots. Heating boots with a hairdryer or by a fire can weaken glue and dry out leather. Soaking boots and walking them dry can stretch leather unevenly and damage linings. Freezing bags of water inside boots puts unpredictable pressure on membranes and seams. All of these can shorten the life of an expensive pair.

Gentle, gradual stretching and a cobbler's help are the safe options.

Tight boot or wrong boot?

Some tightness can be fixed by lacing. Skip a hook or eyelet over a pressure point, or loosen the forefoot lacing and lock the ankle with a surgeon's knot, as shown in our guide on how to lace walking boots. A thinner sock or a lower-volume insole can also free up space.

If the boot is tight across the whole forefoot, presses on the sides of your toes or your toes hit the front, it is the wrong size or shape. Our guide on how walking boots should fit walks through the checks, and our best walking boots for wide feet lists genuine wide-fit models.

See walking boots for wide feet →

Stretching specific brands

Brand-specific advice varies, so check the maker's care guidance. Scarpa, for example, uses a range of leathers and lasts, and its leather models can be eased by a cobbler in the same way as other leather boots. If a Scarpa feels narrow, it may be better to try a wider model in the range rather than stretch it. Our Scarpa walking boots compared guide and are Scarpa boots true to size article explain the fits.

How long do boots take to give?

Leather boots usually soften noticeably over the first few walks. A boot stretcher works over several nights. If a boot still causes the same pain after a reasonable break-in period, it is unlikely to improve much further. Our guide on how to break in walking boots covers a sensible routine.

Frequently asked questions

Can you stretch walking boots a full size? No. You can ease width and pressure points a little, but not length. A boot that is a size too small needs replacing.

How much do hiking boots stretch? Leather boots soften and mould slightly over the first few walks. Synthetic boots barely change.

Can a cobbler stretch walking boots? Yes, many can stretch leather boots in width or at a pressure point using a stretching machine.

Can you stretch Scarpa boots? Leather Scarpa models can be eased like other leather boots. Check Scarpa's guidance and consider a wider model if the whole boot is tight.