any good ways to stretch out a slightly-too-snug boot (width)?

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I have done what I usually never do and bought a pair of boots even though I know they're snug across the width (which is also unusual as I have narrow feet).

They're leather, which is why I've decided to keep them and try to just ease them out where they're snug, if that's A Thing I Can Do. They're not lace-up, so I can't alter the width by easing out the laces. They're just a plain low calf-height biker boot.

My plan is just to wear them around the house with a thick pair of socks until they feel easier.

But are there any other things I can try, if that doesn't work, or if there's just a better/faster/more likely way?

Pleeeease don't tell me I should return them (which is what I normally do!) - I love them... I've returned shoes regularly for being too short as I feel like length is hard to alter, but instinctively I think you can make them a little wider...?

Bumping for the evening crowd… 😬

I am sure you can buy shoe stretchers?

Also heat apparently helps them stretch. I once used a hairdryer on a pair of shoes which were pinching a bit. Can't say it worked especially well though

You can buy stretching spray too

Have you got a friend with similar sized fet who can wear them in for a bit??

If they are just a bit narrow, spray them with stretching spray (I got mine on Amazon) then put them on and keep them on for as long as possible so the leather then dries right through. You can get shoe stretchers quite cheaply, but if you can get your feet in its better to stretch to your foot

Stand in a hot bath wearing them.

Take them to a good cobblers, they should be able to stretch them for you

Fill 2 plastic bags with water. Put them in boots and have boots facing with toes down in freezer, leave overnight and you'll see a good difference next day.

Ok, so put the boots on with very thick socks or at least a couple of pairs use a warm/hottish hair dryer and walk in the boots on the spot pointing the dryer at the area that needs to be stretched this should give you some help...do this a few times and it should get better over time, walk around your home to get better results

Pack them very tightly with newspaper and gradually add more

Yes this too slightly wet and use dryer helps

I have boot stretchers (and shoe stretchers) which work really well. I put thick socks onto the stretchers and then put them into the boots as it gives a more natural shaped stretch.

I bought some biker boots that were stiff and a bit narrow last year - I tried all the 'hacks' - wearing thick socks, using a hairdryer, freezing them, using a spray....

In the end the best thing and what stretched them the most was wooden shoe stretchers. These exact ones in fact. I've also successfully used them on some sandals that were a little tight.

Are they Panama Jacks? Lovely boots but v narrow.
Recently returned a pair as too narrow, cost too much to hope they would stretch.

I saw this on TikTok for breaking in Docs, no idea if it works but can't do any harm.

I'd be wary about the freezer trick - the freezing water would probably stretch them quite effectively but the leather is also going to be cold making it more brittle and less supple so you could damage or weaken them in the process.

Oooh thank you everyone!!

Theyre actually just M&S biker boots! Not expensive, £110, which seems good value compared with all the others I’ve pored over… I was struggling to find anything leather for less than £180, and loads were far more. I really love them (and I am fussy)…

I am going to start with the hairdryer idea as it’s easiest/cheapest and progress from there.

I didn’t know you could buy shoe stretchers!! Or that a cobbler could do it! If other hacks don’t work out I will try these!

huge thanks. I knew MN would know!

I’ve got one of these and it’s fabulous, definitely does the job. There are cheaper ones on Amazon that look the same.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/leather-biker-buckle-flat-round-toe-boots/p/clp60610970?color=BLACK#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-RECENTLY-VIEWED_END_PDP_2_1:496f58b0-5729-443d-975f-758e302cb11c

theyre these… which are now out of stock so clearly lots of other people like them as much as I do!!

Thank you pegsmum, that looks brilliant!