stretching calf on riding boots

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littlefluffball

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HELP! Tried on my long boots I reserve only for comps and the like - not worn in over a year (and before that only worn like twice or something) The leather is very stiff and I CAN'T ZIP THEM UP!!!!! I need them for Sunday eek (I mean I do have an alternative if it comes to it but I really want to wear these)

How can I stretch them? I went into Timpsons but they don't stretch boots. So I am currently walking about at work wearing half zipped up riding botts trying to soften them enough to get the zip right up!

I have read about wearing htem in a warm bath and then keeping them on until dry. Does that work or does it damage them? I am going out for tea with the OH and am mentally planning an outfit around these bloody boots so I can soak them before we go (with plastic bags round my feet so they don't get wet) and actually wear them out to the restaurant! Or is bags of water in them in the freezer better??? HELP
 
AFB said:
I'm prepared to be shot down but I don't think you can stretch them easily if they have zips - you've got a weaker point than the leather that will give beforehand...
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That does make sense...... I have managed to get the zip over 3/4 of the way up as the monring has gone on...I am hopeful (delusional?) for them being all the way up by home time....
 
You have nothing to lose by trying your cobbler. I bought a pair of boot that were very tight on one leg but OK on the other (muscle loss due to injury on thin leg) I could just get them done up but they were killing, I wore them in the house for as long as I could bare and eventually they were fine for riding in. the baler twine idea is a great idea by the way.
 
Another recommendation for twine/using a coat hanger hook to pull the zip up! Also try running your finger up the inside of the zip as you do it up - sounds like it would just add bulk but actually really helpful! Was out of breath the first few times I used my current long boots but they’re like slippers now :D

ETA: Poor explanation! Use your index finger on the other hand, back of your hand/finger to your leg and the soft part of your finger behind the zip, so you’re ‘zipping’ on your finger not your calf!
 
Ok I have spoken to the cobbler who CAN stretch them (even with zips) but he needs 48 hours so thats that out! I will work on all the above tips to get me through Sunday and then send them to the professional and be better prepared next time :)
 
littlefluffball said:
Ok I have spoken to the cobbler who CAN stretch them (even with zips) but he needs 48 hours so thats that out! I will work on all the above tips to get me through Sunday and then send them to the professional and be better prepared next time :)
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and take the back up boots etc with you to the comp, just in case..... good luck! :)
 
Put your calves in the fridge overnight to make them shrink a little bit...

OK; maybe not...

Don't put anything lubricating on the zip. I let some dubbin get on zips of boots that were too tight, and when zipping them up the zips would split open because the teeth wouldn't grip against each other.

Here's an idea that I haven't yet tried: bind up your calves with satin ribbon to reduce them, but only one thickness of stain, starting at the middle of your calf, where you can already get the zip to, and bind upwards until a couple of inches past where the top of the boot would come. Put on the boots, and now unwind the satin binding.
 
I had a pair that were really tight, couldn't get them on with nothing underneath at first but could with a pair of tights and having my legs elevated for a couple of mins. A zipper pull and someone helping can make all the difference, definitely avoid flexing your leg. Once on it was fairly easy to stretch them so I could then wear very thin tight style socks and breeches just by wearing them for hours.
 
I bought some boots from an ex cavalry officer, they were his brown boots for polo. They fitted fine but no way could i get into his black boots. I asked him how he himself had managed............. "silk stockings and ballroom chalk" was his answer. I can still hear him saying this now! So, tights and talc??????
 
Get someone (with strong fingers) to help. You need to stand straight while they zip you in - no twisting to see what they’re doing. Ideally they need to place a finger behind the zip to lead it up. Once they’re 3/4 of the way up, if you bend your knee slightly, it will make the last bit easier. I work in a tack shop, so spend a lot of time zipping people into boots!

Otherwise, where are you OP? I can usually get people into their boots*


*I make no promises re:getting them back out or the blood continuing to flow to your feet.
 
J&S said:
I bought some boots from an ex cavalry officer, they were his brown boots for polo. They fitted fine but no way could i get into his black boots. I asked him how he himself had managed............. "silk stockings and ballroom chalk" was his answer. I can still hear him saying this now! So, tights and talc??????
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I love this, really made me smile!
 
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