How do you stretch leather boots?

[Tigerstripes]

I have just bought some ankle length Chelsea boots and they are the right size in length but too tight across the foot (on one foot only - I have mutant feet). I really like them but they are currently very uncomfortable. How can I stretch them? Or do I have to accept defeat and send them back?

My late granny had an odd tip, which actually works...

roll up balls of newspaper, soak them in water, ring out the excess water then stuff them into the tight areas of the boots/shoes, leave overnight.

Don't let the newspaper touch the outside of the boots/shoes in case the dye runs.

It works!

Agree. And/or wear it with thick wet socks for a while (stop if your toes are shrivelling). Honestly!

Some cobblers will do it for you, and you can also buy a spray that you use, then stuff boot with newspaper/tea towels/something.

Thick wet socks! Brr! Will leave that as a last resort I think. But have tried the wet newspaper and will investigate the results tomorrow. Thanks for the ideas. :)

I have had shoes stretched in Timpsons cobblers, and you can buy proper shoe stretchers there as well.

Cobblers.will do it :)