
ErikaMitchell/iStock/Getty Images
Leather boots that extend to the calf and beyond come in a variety of shapes and styles for both men and women. But if you're having trouble pulling up your brand new riding boots or it's painful zipping your stiletto knee-high stunners, explore some clever calf-stretching techniques.
Wear a pair of thick socks to stretch out the leather. Put on a pair of cushioned socks while wearing your boots at home. Leather is pliable and forms to shape. although some types of leather are stiffer than others. Assess the pliability of your leather and the amount of stretch you need, then adjust the thickness of your socks accordingly. If you have very stiff boots that need a lot of stretch, double up your hosiery.
Do what the professionals do. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, place the mixture in a spray bottle, then lightly spray the insides of the boots. Shoemakers use this same mixture to stretch leather goods. Slip them on immediately to loosen them up and fit to your form. Repeat this process until you get the results you desire.
Buy a leather shoe-stretching spray from a shoe store, shoe repair shop or other retailer. These products are specially designed to permanently stretch leather shoes, boots and gloves. Just spray the insides of the boots and wear them right away. Be careful with lighter shades of leather, however, because they may discolor.
Visit a shoe repair shop if you've tried various methods and are still not getting optimal results. A shoe repair professional has special mechanical stretching devices and will be knowledgeable about different types of leather. If your boot needs considerable stretching, head to the shoe repair shop first and pay a nominal fee.
Store your boots properly. Stuff the shafts with newspaper or a rolled up towel. This may work if your boots only need a tiny bit of stretch or you are storing boots after breaking them in.
Related Articles

How to Clean the Insides of Rubber Boots

Stretching the Toe Area of a Leather ...

What Is a Good Way to Break In Danner ...

How to Clean Diesel Shoes

How to Restore Discolored Boots

How to Stretch out the Tops of Western ...

How to Wax Your Boots

How to Harden Leather Boots

How to Dye Cowboy Boots

How to Break In New Danner Leather Work ...

How to Quickly Break-in New Sneakers

How to Fix a Crack in My Hunter Wellies

Fixing a Boot's Heel

The Best Way to Stretch Patent Leather ...

How to Clean Scuff Marks Off of Tan ...

How to Shrink Leather Boots

How to Store Ski Boots
About Leather Shoe Stretching Spray

How to Make Homemade Waterproofing for ...

How to Repair Neoprene Boots
References
Writer Bio
Hilary White is a professional writer and editor based in San Diego. White has been writing articles on fashion, style, fitness, nutrition, movies and entertainment since 1994. Her articles have been published in "Westways" magazine, "Pages" magazine, "Book Street USA," "Magill's Cinema Annual," and numerous titles from Visible Ink Press. White holds a bachelor's degree in English from Michigan State University.
Photo Credits
ErikaMitchell/iStock/Getty Images