Has anyone ever succeeded in stretching leather boots?

[MyGazeboisLeaking]

I've ordered the most beautiful pair of long leather boots. They're absolutely perfect - the best I've ever bought - except for a 2 inch gap at the top where there is rather too much calf to fit in.

Has anyone ever succeeded in stretching leather boots significantly?

My options are:

1. Stretch boots
2. Have calf-reduction surgery

3, send them back

Anyone got any inspirational stories for me, or is option 3 the most sensible?

Are they from Fairfax and Favor?

No, they're from Jones the BootMaker.

I’ve sort have managed it and but then found although I got the boots done up they cut off all circulation in my legs and made my legs throb. I’d say send them back.
I have wide calves and have this problem a lot.

Two inches is quite a bit. I've used stretching spray with success before, but inside shoes /boots across the top (I have wide feet). I don't think it'd work for a 2 inch gap.

I'm confused. If there is a 2 inch gap at the top aren't they too big?

Thanks all.

I do think I'm being too hopeful.

They are just perfect in every other way!!

Gah. Damn calves.

A cobbler would be able to add some elastic to the inside or the back.

Nope you’ll wreck them sorry, send them back and keep hunting for the perfect pair

@Ginfordinner

I'm confused. If there is a 2 inch gap at the top aren't they too big?

Ah. Sorry Gin. It never occurred to me that calves could be TOO SKINNY so I didn't clarify.

The boots are knee high zip boots. There is a two inch gap where the zip does do up, about a third from the top.

@justanotherneighinparadise

A cobbler would be able to add some elastic to the inside or the back.

Ooh.. this is music to my ears!

Ah, I see what you mean. The zip stops 2 inches short of the top. I would return the boots, and look for something else.

TBH I think I have awkward feet so I never buy footwear online. I bought some wellies last week, and had to try on several pairs before I could find anything suitable, so I feel your pain.

Go to DuoBoots.com. They do boots with different calf sizes.

@Charlotte2020

Go to DuoBoots.com. They do boots with different calf sizes.

Just googled them - YES!!!!

Thank you so much, I didn't know such a place even existed 🙏

@Ginfordinner

Ah, I see what you mean. The zip stops 2 inches short of the top. I would return the boots, and look for something else.

TBH I think I have awkward feet so I never buy footwear online. I bought some wellies last week, and had to try on several pairs before I could find anything suitable, so I feel your pain.

Thanks, @Ginfordinner - ah yes - wellies are hard too. I went for Hunters with a buckled vent type thing.

it's not easy - somehow i have narrow feet and wide calves - not the easiest combo!

Op…. Did you go for duo boots?!

About to splurge

Recommend?

Ah sorry

I’m after them for ridiculously skinny calves so stretching not needed!