How to Stretch New Leather Boots

So you got the latest pair of Tony Lamas or Ariats- the style is unbeatable, the quality unparalleled, I mean these should last for at least a year- but there is only one problem: they pinch your feet!

Don't panic, you don't have to take them back, instead watch the video below and learn the ins and outs of stretching your new leather boots and getting that "built for me" feel.

Four Common Ways To Stretch Your Leather Boots

Not all feet are created equal, and humans, like horses, will very often have two different shaped feet.

This is just a gift of nature, so unless you're one of the lucky few born with the factory shaped shoe-foot, you are going to need a little help to get your boots broken in and fitting perfectly. And that's where we come in.

#1: Wear your boots Until They Fit

(This is not recommended, and could stretch your boots in the wrong places. However, we've heard it enough, and come across it enough in our research, that we want to list it more as a "What not to do" option) : Wear your boots till they fit. If you are the stubborn kind, put two pairs of socks on, brave a couple bloody blisters, and you'll have the perfect fitting boots in about- at least that's what they say. OR you could opt for one of the following as suggested in our video.

Looking for a great pair of boots with a perfect fit? Shop Men's Boots and Women's Boots here.

#2: Use Products Designed to Help Relax Leather

You can use "Boot Stretch," a product that helps relax the leather of your new boots and will greatly increase the speed with which your boots are "broken in." This product will also reduce the amount of blisters you suffer as a result of the break in we highly recommend it, but there is also another option:

#3: Use Steam To Shape Your Boots

This option is one we perform for you in the store, but also one you can do at home with boiling water and a simple funnel.

When steaming your boots, you can manipulate instep, shaft and width. Use your hands as seen in the video above. Steaming a boot is much like steaming a hat, you can reshape those really problem areas.

NOTE: Steam is hot. If you steam your boots to reshape them, remember to let them cool before you put them on otherwise you'll STILL get blisters.

Need a hat to go with the boots? Learn how to choose a staw cowboy hat.

#4: Ranch Option for Stretching leather Boots

If you are like a lot of people in the Northwest, you will know there are the reasonable options (those listed above) and then there is the Ranch Option. The Ranch Option for stretching your boots has to be done in the summer. Much like a hat that's too tight, you take your brand new Tony Lamas and soak them in the stock tank for a few hours. Once the leather is "Ranch Relaxed," you put them on and wear them dry.

What's the difference between square and round toe cowboy boots? Read this.

I have personally used the Ranch Option, and can tell you it works- but if you don't oil your boots afterwards, you'll take off a good couple months of wear doing it the Ranch Way.

So dunk, wear and oil- and, ah yes, "delivered to your door"- another Ranch Option.