When you first put on a pair of composite toe boots, they feel stiff and tight. So do they stretch with time, or do you have to stretch them manually?
Don’t worry, pal! This article has got all your answers.
I get a lot of questions concerning composite toe boots and how they stretch. So I decided why not answer all of your questions in one article?
Let’s get to the point then; can composite toe boots be stretched?
Keep on reading till the end if you want to learn all about composite toe boots and stretching.
Can Composite Toe Boots Be Stretched?
Right about now, you already know the answer. But, in a summary. Allow me to explain everything in greater details. Yes, composite toe boots can be stretched.
Most composite boots are made of leather, and leather stretches with time and use.
Many individuals believe that because the boots have a composite toe, they will not stretch. However, the toe cap has nothing to do with the boot’s stretchability.
The longer and more frequently you walk in the composite boots, the faster they stretch.
However, not all composite toe boots are stretchable.
Composite boots made of leather stretch easily, whilst those made of synthetic materials do not. The architecture of synthetic materials is more porous and elastic; therefore, they do not need to stretch.
Check out our separate post on Composite Toe Vs Steel Toe Boots.
Why Composite Toe Boots Stretch?
The upper of composite toe boots are made of leather that’s why they stretch.
Leather is a flexible and stretchy material by nature. The longer you wear the leather boots, the more they will mold to the contour of your feet.
The situation is different in the case of synthetic composite boots. Their stretchability isn’t comparable to that of leather.
Not to mention the fact that not all varieties of leather are stretchy.
For example, full-grain leather stretches more than top-grain leather. Although top-grain leather stretches, it is not advised for stretching due to its lower durability.
So, before you start stretching your boots, make sure you know what kind of material they’re made of.
You may also like to read: Do Composite Toe Boots Get Cold.
How To Stretch Composite Toe Boots? (5 Easy Ways)
There are times when you get the wrong size composite toe boots that are slightly smaller than your feet. In addition, the new boots appear to be somewhat stiff to wear. Stretching is a simple remedy to all of these issues.
Stretching is an excellent way to reduce the stiffness and tightness of composite toe boots.
The stretching technique may be a lifesaver for ill-fitting boots, but let’s be clear: it’s time-consuming, and you can only stretch your boots up to half an inch.
Work boots can be stretched in a variety of ways. But I’ve narrowed it down to the top five methods that work best on the composite toe.
Follow our guide on How Much Weight Can Composite Toe Take.
Here are the ways of stretching composite toe boots:
1. Wear Socks
Wearing socks is the simplest and most cost-effective way to stretch composite toe boots.
Put on a pair of thick woolen socks before putting on your composite toe boots.
For a long period, take a good stroll in the boots. Wear the boots for at least 7 days to get visible results.
Try wearing 2-3 pairs of socks if you want your boots to stretch more in the breadth or toe box. Your feet will be in excruciating pain due to this, but you will be pleased with the outcome.
However, in the summer, avoid wearing too many socks because this causes your feet to sweat excessively.
Read more on how to Stretch Rubber Boots.
2. Use Hair Dryer
Heating is a great way to soften and expand stiff leather. However, avoid using too much heat since this can cause the leather to crack and burn.
Put on your composite toe boots and thick socks to begin the process.
Use a medium setting on the hairdryer.
Direct the dryer’s heat to the areas where your boots need to stretch. Keep the dryer a few inches away from them to avoid burning your boots.
Hold the dryer for 20-30 seconds while blowing hot air.
While hot air is flowing on the boots, you can move your feet to allow the hot air to work on them. As the leather heats up, it will adjust to the changing shape of your foot.
3. Freeze It
Fill 1/4 of two clean small Ziploc bags with fresh water. Seal the bags after compressing the air out of them.
Don’t fill the bags entirely with water because when water freezes, it expands, and the plastic bags may rupture.
Place the water-filled bags inside each of the boots, making sure the water bag reaches the insole of the boot.
If you wish to stretch any particular places, place the water bags specifically in those locations.
Put the boots in the freezer and leave them there overnight. When water freezes, it expands by roughly 10%. Thus, when the water freezes and expands, the boots stretch.
Take the boots out of the freezer the next day and let the ice stay in the boots for 20 minutes to defrost.
Remove the water bags from the boots with care. Make sure not to break the bags, or you’ll wind up with a sloppy mess.
Try the boots on, and if you need to make any modifications, repeat the process.
Also read, Stretch Suede Shoes.
4. Use Leather or Mink oil
Leather or mink oil works wonders on stiff leather, making it soft and supple.
Choose the best leather conditioner or mink oil for your boots. Apply a dime-sized amount of conditioner or oil to the tight spots on your boot.
If you use too much mink oil, it will darken the color of your boots.
Allow the lubricant to soak into the leather overnight so that it can absorb all of the goodness and become hydrated.
Wipe away the residue the next day, put on the boots, and walk about in them to allow them to conform to your feet.
5. Use Boot Stretcher
Invest in a pair of boot stretchers and be amazed at the end result because the boot stretchers are specifically designed for stretching boots.
Insert the stretcher into the boots and turn the handle clockwise to begin opening it.
When the boot stretcher feels too tight, and the handle gets difficult to turn, give it another 2-3 spins to stretch the leather.
Allow the boot stretcher to sit inside the boots for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Close the boot stretcher by slowly turning the handle anti-clockwise. Remove the stretcher from the boots when you can no longer turn the handle.
Check the fit of the boots by walking around in them. Repeat the method if you wish to stretch a little more.
A Few Parting Words
If you’ve heard that composite boots can’t be stretched because of the toecap, let me dispel that myth once more: composite toe boots stretch just like any other work boot.
You can stretch your composite toe boots using any stretching method to make the slightly tight boots more comfortable.
I hope you found this article useful in locating your answers. Please let us know if you have any questions about this topic in the comments section below.
