Has anyone used a shoe stretcher before. As I'm getting older, I'm developing a bunion on my right foot. Makes buying shoes and boots a little tricky. I thought about getting a stretcher. I'm just wondering if they work.
Has anyone used a shoe stretcher before. As I'm getting older, I'm developing a bunion on my right foot. Makes buying shoes and boots a little tricky. I thought about getting a stretcher. I'm just wondering if they work.
My sympathy for sure.?ÿ I've got one on my left foot that has its own social security number.
You might be able to find a shoe shop that can help.?ÿ There is equipment available to custom shape footware...look in the Yellow Pages (if there is still such a thing).
I never had any luck with stretching.?ÿ It seems like it worked for a while, but the boot leather sewn that close to a sole always shrunk back.?ÿ I believe it has a lot to do with whether the leather is oil tanned or chemical tanned.?ÿ?ÿ I read about, and tried, stretching leather by putting ziplock baggies of water in the toes of the boot and allowing it to freeze.?ÿ This provided better results than the shoe shop, but boots in the freezer will drive your wife crazy; try at your own risk.
For years now I have just purchased boots with uppers that have?ÿtoes sewn similar to?ÿthis photo.?ÿ They seem to "grow" a little more (compared to one piece uppers)?ÿwith use and give my bunion the room it demands.
I've had shoes stretched with good results and so has Mrs. Ralph. I think the trick here is to find a professional shoe person and have them do it for you.?ÿ
In the old days of leather hockey skates, it was common to strap them on and sit with them in a hot water bath for a while and then wear them around the house. They always fit perfectly after that treatment. You might want to clear this procedure with the Misses though.?ÿ
I think it's called a moc toe if there is a sewn seam around the top front of the boot.
My round toe boots will dry and shrink to where there is not enough room for my feet and toes.
A general application of boot oil to the leather will bring it all back in shape and the comfort will return. I use Red Wing all natural boot oil to keep leather pliable.
I remember the adjustable shoe spreaders/stretchers made of wood and/or plastic that people would place in their best shoes they don't wear often to keep them sized for the next Easter event.
Back in the day of all leather boots, the best way to break in a new pair of work boots was to wade into a creek and fill them with water one morning and wear them all day until they are dry and they would have molded to your feet.
I have not seen an all leather shoe in 40yrs. Probably can't afford a pair if I found them today. In the 80s I replaced the leather soles of my 1969 Nocona bullhides with Tiger Paw soles. Gave them to my middle son last year as the uppers are still in great shape. I use Meltonian?ÿ boot and shoe cream to keep them in shape.
I think it's called a moc toe if there is a sewn seam around the top front of the boot.
Moc or Apron
Dagnabit it looks like Redwing discontinued the 899 again.
I need a boot with Vibram sole in my weird size, 14B.
Most of the available brands only come in Medium and Wide widths which is not helpful.
Dagnabit it looks like Redwing discontinued the 899 again.
I need a boot with Vibram sole in my weird size, 14B.
Most of the available brands only come in Medium and Wide widths which is not helpful.
Your foot and mine are about opposite.?ÿ I wear 8-1/2 or 9 (depending on the boot) EEE or EEEE.?ÿ I have never found a pair of steel toed boots that don't hurt my toes by the end of the day.
Andy
Regarding the 14B boots.
I have weird feet as well (size 11 length, size 13 arch, and narrow heels), and here are a few options.
If you don't need steel toes, LaSportiva boots tend to run a bit narrower, and often have lacing that runs closer to the toe.
If those are too expensive/not sold near you, or just not to your liking, use aftermarket insoles to eat up some of the volume of the boot. I am a fan of the Chinook Tarantula (cheap and durable), with Green superfeet footbeds installed. My $60 boots with $30 footbeds are stable enough to hike all day, comfortable enough to stand all day, and last 2-3 years. Not sexy or fashionable, but a cheap solution that works well for me and my messed up feet.?ÿ
?ÿ
