Shoes are a painful topic for most people. Even if we leave aside its unthinkable high cost, another depressing factor remains unchanged : a limited number of patterns on which it is sewn. There are very few people whose legs fully comply with the average standards. And it is especially problematic to buy suitable boots with a high boot. Even if they fit the size of the foot and in the lower third of the top, it is not a fact that they will be fastened to the end. You can measure dozens of pairs - and never find on your foot. It is not surprising that the search for ways to stretch the bootleg at home is so popular: you need to walk in something! A complete caviar like men, but not shoe makers. So the ladies have to look for a way out of the situation in order not to stay barefoot in winter - very few like valenki.
When can I take a chance
When asked if it is possible to stretch the bootleg, we immediately answer: yes! However, you should not rely on the fact that you can make a real bell out of a shaft-pencil. The material used for the manufacture of shoes does not have high elasticity. The desire to stretch more will only lead to a divergence of the seam. Estimating the chances of success, you need to be guided by two considerations.
- If the zipper on the boot fits, albeit with difficulty and on a pulled leg, you can well take the pair you like: it will stretch to the required fullness. A little more doubt if the lightning did not reach the top by a centimeter and a half. But if she is only buttoned up to half - put aside. Your experiments will fail.
- Refuse immediately the thought of leatherette shoes, since it is unrealistic to stretch the bootleg of a boot at home. Rather, the material is cracked or deformed, rather than agreeing to slightly modify.
And get ready for fairly lengthy boot procedures: the process is not fast.
Iron to help
This is the easiest method of how to stretch the bootleg at home. However, it is applicable only to a limited range of shoes. The leather on the boots should not be thin - this is the time. The material should not be varnished - these are two. The method is not suitable for likes - these are three. If all conditions are met, we act according to such an algorithm.
- The boot is unfastened and placed on the ironing board as evenly as possible.
- The flannel is well wetted and squeezed so that the water does not drip, but the rag was just wet, not wet.
- The iron is heated to medium temperature, and the boot is steamed through the fabric.
- When the skin becomes soft and moist, in the right place the leg extends to the sides. Desired sizes are measured in advance. You can even simply make marks on the board that you need to reach for your boot.
No jerks, only uniformity and perseverance! If the bootleg begins to dry out and is tanning ahead of time, steaming is repeated. When the goal is reached, the zipper closes, paper is packed tightly inside (to prevent shrinkage), and the shoes are left away from the batteries until they are completely dry.
Frost shoes
For more delicate materials, another way has been invented for how to stretch winter boots into the boot. For leatherette and rubber, it will not work. The bottom of the boot, which will not be stretched, is stuffed with newspapers so that it does not deform. A bag of dense polyethylene, in which water is poured, is laid at the top. Its volume should correspond to the current thickness of the shaft. Air is discharged from the bag, but it is tied so that there is free space inside. The boot hides in the freezer overnight. The water will expand and stretch the top. If it turns out that the volume is still insufficient, the process is repeated. The technique is especially good if you want to stretch suede boots: no external impact, which usually stains on the material. Just make sure the freezer is clean. And better, for a guarantee, cover it with clean, dry cloth.
Neat heating
The exact opposite is how to stretch the bootleg at home: now we will use the elevated temperature. The method can be called a softened version of the very first. Suitable for any natural materials, but harder for the hostess of boots. Stubborn shoes with difficulty and with a creak stretched to his feet. And under it you need to wear thick socks, which will restrain shrinkage a little later. In places where the shaft does not sit well, it is carefully, not less than half an hour, heated by a hair dryer, turned on to the maximum. After the owner of the shoes should walk in it until the boots have cooled down. It is advisable to actively move at the same time, this will help the boot to take the shape as close to your leg as possible. If your leather or suede boots are not fastened the first time, after cooling, the zipper is brought to the stop, and the manipulations are repeated.
We use primitive chemistry
The following procedure can help in case of stretching shoes made of artificial leather. You will need vodka (pure, without any additives like birch buds or quail eggs) or medical alcohol. The latter will need to be diluted to a 70 percent strength. In a more concentrated form, alcohol can damage natural materials. Some masters use vinegar essence. However, in addition to a pungent and persistent odor, it can discolour the surface. Suede is particularly vulnerable in this regard - even its structure may be disturbed. The necessary zones are generously sprayed or generously smeared with a solution. It is advisable that he does not fall on inextensible areas. Alcohol evaporates very quickly, so it is better to carry out the procedure on already worn boots, with the participation of a sympathetic family member. And, again, thick socks should be worn under them. Walking in shoes to consolidate the effect takes half an hour (better longer, but not necessary, since the alcohol has time to disappear during this time). If necessary, you can repeat the process the next day.
Professional Tools
We left them in the end for several reasons. Firstly, they will draw more funds from the budget. Secondly, their composition should be taken very seriously and carefully read the instructions: they can be of a narrowly targeted action and may not be suitable for your shoe material. Thirdly, most of them are toxic, and you can use them only on the balcony (which is neither useful for you, nor for boots). And finally, they need to be pre-tested in an inconspicuous area, since they can cause discoloration and deformation. If you decide to resort to this method of how to stretch the boot of leather boots, it will be enough to buy a suitable spray and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If all else fails
It's one thing if you only buy boots - you can refuse to purchase even before going to the checkout, if you did not succeed in fastening. However, what if you have recovered calves (for example, due to pregnancy), and the boots are new, expensive and beloved? If none of the suggested recipes on how to stretch the bootleg at home helps, go to the shoemaker. Long shafts can be trimmed, an elastic wedge can be inserted, lapels can be framed. Choose the option that suits your tastes and money best and don’t give up comfortable boots!