Rubber boots are used to keep your feet warm and dry. The one challenge, however, is that rubber can’t stretch as much as leather can. This makes it difficult to get a snug fit the first time you try on a pair of rubber boots. They may even feel too tight at first because there’s room for them to stretch to accommodate your foot shape.
The earliest rubber boots found were made in 1839 by Charles Goodyear and Dr. Daniel Frazier, Jr., and were called “Goodyear’s Patent Rubber-heeled Clogs,” or “Elastic Heels.” They had a metal attachment with two prongs, connected to the bottom of the shoe, which would puncture through the thickest part of the sole. The rubber was stretched on these metal prongs until it became thin enough to stop water from wetting it (i.e., good elasticity).
“Goodyear’s Patent Rubber-heeled Clogs” became known as “Rubber Boots,” and they quickly replaced wooden clogs in many places where rain was either common or unpredictable: London dock
7 Ways to Stretch Rubber Boots
If you don’t stretch the rubber boots when you fit them, your foot will grow in size. This makes it difficult to wear the boots when they are wet because your toes will push up against the front of the shoe, causing discomfort and possible pain. It also makes it difficult to find room for insoles (if needed) in your boots if they’re too tight. If you keep them loose fitting all year long, though, they may be too loose when you need them most; during cold weather or heavy rain.
Traditional Method
The process of stretching rubber boots is not difficult. Rubber boots are supposed to last for years to come. When you buy them, they are usually stiff and inflexible, so if you want them to fit your feet comfortably, you’ll need to take some time carefully warming them up and then stretching the material out with your hands. The following tip will show you how easy it can be:
- Put on two pairs of socks. They should be clean and dry. Put warm water in a large bucket in order to soak one or both boots in it for a while. The temperature of the water should be comfortable for a bath, not too hot nor cold. It can also help soften up any oils in the leather material. If the boot has been worn multiple times over a long period of time, then it is likely that some oils from your skin will have been absorbed into the leather. These oils can cause the boot to harden and become stiff and inflexible. Change the water in the bucket if it becomes dirty or cold. The boots should only soak for a few minutes; usually, 30 – 45 seconds is sufficient.
- Fill a bowl with hot water and place your boots into it. It may help to fill the bowl with hot tap water, but if possible, use water that has been boiled on the stove until it is quite hot, but not too hot to be uncomfortable to touch with your hands. A good test is if you can comfortably put your fingers in this water for about 10 – 20 seconds before they begin to feel too uncomfortable and need to be pulled out again. Do not immerse your boots in hot water for over five minutes. This may cause the boot to soften, but it will also start to smell strong and become uncomfortable to wear after prolonged exposure.
- Once your boots are immersed in hot water, remove them from them and squeeze out excess water with a towel or cloth. Allow the boots to air-dry completely before wearing them again. The initial soaking in hot water can be done up to two times during each boot stretching session if necessary. For most footwear, the best place to stretch them is outside on a flat level surface or on a carpeted floor that allows you steady footing while pulling on the boot, as described below.
- Place a boot on a flat surface and grasp the boot from the heel to the toe with your left hand, then grasp it with your right hand halfway up from the heel. While exhaling, pull the boot gently in opposite directions until you feel a slight stretch in the back of it. When you feel a slight stretch, stop pulling and hold this position for 15 – 20 seconds.
- Bend over and place your hands inside of each boot, one on top of the other on top of them in their stretched position. Inhale deeply through your nose while exhaling slowly through pursed lips while focusing your eyes at a point just in front of you on the floor or ground between your legs. Do this for several seconds, inhaling all the while deeply. This action will help relax your mind and create a clear mind that is focused on stretching the boots.
- Repeat the cycle of Step 4 and Step 5 until you reach the maximum stretch in the boot. The goal is to fully stretch it to its maximum potential. Do not over-stretch the boot too quickly or too much at one time, or damage may occur to them.
- After you have successfully stretched out your boots, let them air-dry completely and put on your new pair of shoes.
Freezing Your Boots
When your rubber boots shrink in the cold winter, there is a way you can stretch them back into shape. If you believe that “you get what you pay for,” then do not expect high-quality boots to come cheap. High-quality rubber boots are made to endure harsh climates, so they can last for years if they are properly handled. For those of you who have a small budget, these tips should be seen as a starting point.
- To stretch a rubber boot or shoe, first freeze it. You can freeze the boot in a ziplock bag, by itself, or inside a plastic container with other items. It is important that you use freezer bags and containers to protect against frostbite and frost damage to the boot. When freezing for stretching purposes, be sure you do not leave the boots or shoes in the freezer for more than four days at a time. Be sure to take them out of their container and allow them to thaw before returning them to the freezer because prolonged time in cold storage may cause cracking of the rubber hardening. When you are preparing your boot for the freezer, make sure the boot is clean and dry.
- When it is time to take out your boot for stretching, do not take it directly from the freezer to the sink or water. Instead, grab a towel and grab under the towel to support your hand; then remove the booted foot from the bag {or shoe box} and place your hand in warm water. Because you want to make sure that no cold comes into contact with the opening of your boot as you stretch them, place your fingers over this area as you pour warm water. If it is too hot, let cooler water run over them until they feel comfortable again. Again, you want to make sure that no cold comes into contact with the opening of your boot as you stretch them. Pre-warm the rubber by stretching it on a flat surface on the table. I use a dish towel to support mine on an open dish towel. Lean your boot down toward you and pull it up until it comes out of the table, then lean the boot back down.
- After stretching, put them back in their container and place them back in the freezer until you are ready for another stretch {usually 10 to 12 hours}. Repeat this process as many times as necessary before deciding whether or not they are long enough. If you keep stretching, they will come out of the freezer sooner with every stretch. However, if you simply decide they are long enough and do not stretch them more, your boots or shoes might not stretch any more than they already have. Once you’ve chosen the length of your boots or shoes, you may take them out of their container and put them back in the freezer to thaw out.
Heat Gun, Blow Dryer, or Heat Lamp.
Before you start, make sure your rubber boots are clean.
- Warm-up your boot by running them under hot water. Soak for a minute or two, then dry with a towel before proceeding to the next step.
- Put on some socks and slip your foot into the boot. Stand on the boot in the water with your knee bent. This ensures that your leg is in contact with all parts of the boot for even warming.
- Use a heat gun, blow dryer, or a heat lamp to warm up the boots. Aim for medium heat around 600 degrees Fahrenheit (F). You want it hot enough to stretch but not so hot you feel like you will burn yourself on it. The objective is to get it warm enough so that when your foot is inside it, there is no uncomfortably stiff spot.
- Warm the areas of the boot that need stretching. The toe area tends to be more narrow and needs a little extra help getting stretched. Be sure to warm the rubber evenly, and for a while – 20 minutes is usually enough time. Do not be in a hurry, or you can damage your boots by overheating them.
Using a Boot Stretcher
A boot stretcher is the main item that you will need for this process. It has a solid metal frame and is constructed of sturdy materials to prevent weak or broken frames. You also need the rubber boot stretcher, which is made from tough, high-quality materials such as heavy-duty steel and aluminum alloy. A Rubber Boot Stretcher usually has a grooved insert that holds the shape of the boots, so they do not lose their form when they are in use. It is important to choose a boot stretcher that is large enough in size to accommodate your size boots so they can be stretched in one continuous motion without stopping in mid-stretch.
- Place one foot into a boot and leave about an inch or so of the room near the ankle.
- Fold the boot over the ankle and place a mild edge of pressure on the boot. The pressure of this should not be enough for you to feel any pain. If it is, you have gone too far.
- While holding your foot in place with one hand, place the stretcher over your foot and on top of the boot. Make sure to hold onto the stretcher with both hands. Slowly pull on your foot while still keeping a small amount of pressure on it from your ankle.
- Keep pulling until you feel a stretch. Once you feel a small amount of pain from pulling, stop immediately and continue stretching again at a more comfortable level of pressure.
- Continue pulling and stretching until you get to the point of no pain. Do this for each boot. If your foot still starts to feel pain, go back and start over at a comfortable pressure level again.
- Repeat stretching one boot at a time. You can also use two people to stretch two boots at the same time for faster results.
If you have rubber boots that are too tight, try using a shoe stretcher made specifically for boots. Push the stretcher in and adjust it to the desired width, then leave it in overnight. This will gradually stretch the boot without causing any damage, allowing you to comfortably wear your boots for longer periods.
Use Stretching Liquids
Stretching Liquids can be a very important tool for people who use rubber boots. It helps the material of the rubber boot stretch and reaches its full potential. There are many chemicals you can use, but some may have harmful side effects. A good option is to use Aloe Vera as your stretching liquid, as it is good for many different things that you may need on a regular basis. You can also make your own with Aloe vera gel from the store-bought product and some glycerin from your kitchen.
- Get your elastic bands out and wrap them around your boots to keep the laces together.
- Mix about one tablespoon of aloe vera with one tablespoon of glycerin into a plastic mixing bowl.
- Add warm water to the bowl, enough to cover half of your shoe.
- Place rubber boot in solution for 10-15 minutes (sparingly so you do not spend too much money on it.)
- After 10-15 minutes, place boots in a plastic bag to dry for 6 hours (do this step one at a time) (putting your frozen food container in front of the window works well if you like drying them outside.)
- After 6 hours of drying, take them out and put them in the sun for 6-8 more hours
- Then wear your boots again! (make sure to do number one before you do number 2)
- You can repeat the process if necessary, but only once more, so it is not too expensive on your wallet. (if you want to wash your boots while they are all stretched out, then that is fine also.)
Take The Shoes To A Professional Cobbler
One of the best ways to stretch rubber boots is to take them to a professional cobbler. A professional cobbler will know how to stretch the boots because they are familiar with this type of material. To make it easier for you, try taking your shoes for a professional boot maker rather than an individual cobbling their own boots. They should be able to find just what you need without too much trouble, and they should be willing to do it promptly if you tell them that time is something that is in very limited supply these days.
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods and still need further assistance, it’s best to take your rubber boots to a professional cobbler. They will have access to specialized tools and materials to stretch the boots to the perfect size for you. For more information about finding the right cobbler for the job, check out this article on how much it costs to resole boots.
Wear Them Away
The best way to stretch rubber boots so they’ll last a long time is to wear them away. In this article, we’ll show you how to stretch your rubber boots by wearing them out.
Get up close and personal
You can easily stretch rubber boots by wearing them out over time. There are a few things to be done first before you can make your footwear even more budget-friendly. One of the best ways to stretch rubber boots is to remove all laces and replace them with zip ties or another form of lace replacement, like Velcro strips. This reduces the time and effort (and money) required to restore your footwear.
Next, you’ll have to remove all problem areas in the boots by removing the rubber parts and using a toothbrush and a little rubber cement to retouch any holes you might have. This will be one of the more time-consuming steps in this process, but it’s a great way to fix up your favorite pair of rubber boots so they can be worn down with ease.
Get Comfortable
First, grab an old pair of blue jeans or something that allows you to rest your feet on top of one another without them sliding around too much. If you don’t have a pair of jeans to spare, you can find a pair of cheap slippers or a piece of rubber matting to use as a base. You may want to purchase rubber matting from a home improvement center so you can have an exact fit for your feet.
Once you have your base in place, put on your favorite pair of boots and sit there for about an hour or two with the boots on. The best time to do this is when you’re watching TV or doing something that involves merely sitting there for hours on end. Your boots will eventually begin to stretch out, but if they don’t loosen up within that period of time, then it might be best to move forward without them. Depending on how active you are, you can stretch rubber boots by wearing them out in about six months.
How Many Times Can I Stretch My Rubber Boots?
Stretch rubber boots are the first line of defense against the inevitable wet days that you encounter from time to time. They assist in keeping your feet dry whether you’re mowing or landscaping under an intermittent sprinkler system. It’s important to know how many times you can stretch these boots before they tear, though, as too many of those dry stretches can cause them to lose their elasticity. For general use, it is safe to stretch a pair of rubber boots 4-5 times before they break down and become unusable.
FAQs
How do you stretch rubber hunting boots?
You can stretch rubber boots by boiling them in water. Place the boot in a pot of boiling water and watch as the material expands to cover more surface area. This is because heat causes rubber molecules to expand; this will allow for an easier slip-on experience once the boot has cooled down.
How can I make my boots looser?
The most obvious is to simply get bigger feet! Men, you have been told this since the beginning of time. If you have been blessed with a larger foot from birth, then there is no need to alter your footwear in order to make your boots fit better. Simply get bigger boots and enjoy them!
Do you have to break in rubber boots?
Breaking in a pair of rubber boots is not needed. They do stretch out a bit after a while, but they should still last for years if properly cared for.
How can I stretch my boots fast?
There are a few ways to stretch your rubber boots fast. The easiest way is to wear them and walk the 8-minute mile in them, or strap them on and go for a jog.
For a quick and easy way to stretch your synthetic shoes, use a blow dryer or ice and a plastic bag. Insert the plastic bag filled with water into the shoe and freeze it overnight. The water will expand as it freezes and stretch the shoe. Alternatively, take a blow dryer and heat up the tight area for a few minutes, then wear thick socks and walk around in the shoes to help stretch them out. (source)
How can I permanently stretch rubber?
If you want to stretch your boots long-term, you can either use a masking tape technique, spray hot water from the shower onto the leather/rubber, etc., or use an object like heavyweights, which can be placed against it overnight. Remember not to rub against the shoe while doing this because you will damage it.