Help - tall boots too tight at the calves

[Nici]

Hello all!
A few years ago I have splashed out and bought a magnificent pair of tall boots at Schnieder Boots which fit me perfectly.
I have since then not worn them because they were so precious I didn't want to ruin them.
This year, I have put them on for the first time again and they were painfully tight at the calves. The rest of the boot fits so well, it's as though it was made to measure. Aside from not understanding whether I have become fat or the boots have simply shrunk at the top, I am gutted because I was really looking forward to riding in them.
I went online to find ways to stretch them and tried the soaking-and-wearing method. In fact, I have even slept in them while they were wet. They no longer look new now... No matter, as long as I can use them eventually.
The soaking method hasn't worked and I'm still struggling to wear them without pain.
I am very eager to hear your tips!

 

[YasandCrystal]

I would try and get hold of some boot stretchers. I am pretty sure they exist like shoe stretchers. Do you wear those special boot socks with a nylon thin top section over the ankle and calves to minimise bulk?

 

[cobgoblin]

If you can get them on they just need wearing...try wearing them with a pair of tights so that they are easy to get on and off and not too bulky....( says the person who had to be extracted from a pair of riding boots in a posh London shop!)

Alternatively, there are such things as boot stretchers..but I haven't seen any for years.

 

[horselady]

I have a pair of boot stretchers. Just google them. Um... I once had to have 5 people extract me from a very very posh and expensive pair of boots at a show! Cobgoblin, you are not alone.

 

[Nici]

I would try and get hold of some boot stretchers. I am pretty sure they exist like shoe stretchers. Do you wear those special boot socks with a nylon thin top section over the ankle and calves to minimise bulk?

I use those thick Burlington-type socks for their softness and warmth, especially in the winter! When it gets warm I switch to (still not thin) cotton socks.

 

[criso]

I use those thick Burlington-type socks for their softness and warmth, especially in the winter! When it gets warm I switch to (still not thin) cotton socks.

I would also suggest trying the special boots socks. The leg bit is not much thicker than opaque tights but harder wearing with a thicker foot. I've got some noble outfitters thermo ones for really cold days in winter and soxtotrot ones the rest of the time which are actually surprisingly warm for something so thin.

 

[Nici]

I would try and get hold of some boot stretchers. I am pretty sure they exist like shoe stretchers. Do you wear those special boot socks with a nylon thin top section over the ankle and calves to minimise bulk?

I would also suggest trying the special boots socks. The leg bit is not much thicker than opaque tights but harder wearing with a thicker foot. I've got some noble outfitters thermo ones for really cold days in winter and soxtotrot ones the rest of the time which are actually surprisingly warm for something so thin.

That sounds good, especially if you say they are thin, but still warm and harder wearing. I hate having my big toes poking out of the sock after a few months.

 

[eventer and proud]

Your local saddler should easily be able to do something, may even give them a nice shine for you!

 

[criso]

These are the Soxtrot ones, I actually bought a pair at Glastonbury last year to wear with my wellies but got talking to the owner and he said they were designed for riding but they also market them as festival socks. http://www.soxtrotuk.com/home/4577906210

 

[cobgoblin]

I have a pair of boot stretchers. Just google them. Um... I once had to have 5 people extract me from a very very posh and expensive pair of boots at a show! Cobgoblin, you are not alone.

It got worse! I was trying so hard to remove the flipping things that I ripped half my thumbnail off and bled all over the place! .....Never went back.

 

[Nici]

Your local saddler should easily be able to do something, may even give them a nice shine for you!

Thank you, I'll ask in the Regional Boards for a saddler they would recommend for the job!

 

[Nici]

It got worse! I was trying so hard to remove the flipping things that I ripped half my thumbnail off and bled all over the place! .....Never went back.

Oh no, poor you! The things we do to ourselves for our riding gear. Sleeping in my wet boots wasn't fun, either.

 

[horselady]

Really? I had some strange guy straddle my leg to pull at the ankle!

 

[joelb]

If it's only marginal try some of the leather stretcher spray sold by most shoe shops, you just apply it to the area that's tight. I used it recently on a pair of rhinegold tall boots and they're perfect now.

 

[Nici]

If it's only marginal try some of the leather stretcher spray sold by most shoe shops, you just apply it to the area that's tight. I used it recently on a pair of rhinegold tall boots and they're perfect now.

That's the one you spray and then wear until it's dry, right?

 

[joelb]

That's the one you spray and then wear until it's dry, right?

Yes that's it, I was gobsmacked when it worked tbf. Just used it once and it made them comfy enough to wear in properly. Worth a try for a couple of quid.

 

[Nici]

Yes that's it, I was gobsmacked when it worked tbf. Just used it once and it made them comfy enough to wear in properly. Worth a try for a couple of quid.

Good to hear it works. I'll get one of them then, thank you.
Do you remember the brand you used?