How to Stretch Rubber Boots? | Easy and Simple Ways Explained)

Hello Friends. Welcome to MenShoeFactory. Do you love wearing your rubber boots? And have you had a recent purchase of rubber boots which do not fit you properly and make your feet tight?

Do not worry.

We have got you covered. Boot stretching is now possible and will share some easy and simple ways to stretch rubber boots.

Let’s know how to stretch rubber boots in easy ways.

What are Rubber Boots?

For those who do not know Rubber Boots are kind of knee-length boots made up of rubber materials. Rubber Boots are one of the most comfortable footwear to wear in the rainy season.

They keep you safe from mud as well as they will keep your feet dry. There are different types of rubber boots. For example, Hunter rain boots, Sorel rubber boots, Dunlop rubber boots climbing and riding rubber boots.

A lot of times Rubber boots fit tight and most of the time people throw them away or buy a new one. But there is another option available, that is, you can stretch your rubber boots so that they fit you well and gain some elasticity.

Wearing boots regularly may stretch up your boots and make them larger and softer. But, this is not an effective technique as it may take time and it depends on different materials. Instead, you can use the below methods to increase the size of the boots a bit and give them a longer life.

How to Stretch Rubber Boots?- [Methods to Stretch Rubber Boots]

Stretching rubber boots is not an easy task but at the same time, it is not impossible. We have shared some of the best methods to stretch rubber boots at home.

1:  Stretch Rubber Boots by Freezing

boots stretch

The first method is one of the most effective, easiest, and cheapest ones. The science behind this method is that water expands when it is frozen, so when the water becomes ice, it expands and stretches the boots.

For this method, you will need some water, plastic zip lock bags, and a freezer. This method will work only if you need small or medium changes.

You need to take the plastic zip lock bags and fill them with water until they are half full. Leave out a small gap in the seal and press out any remaining air and lock the bags. Then place both the bags in the boots and keep them in such a way that the whole boot is covered.

Related: India to US Shoe Size Conversion Chart

Next, put the rubber boots in the freezer for approximately eight to ten hours. Then remove the plastic bags from the boots and leave the shoes outside for half an hour.

Try the boot on and repeat the process if you still need to stretch the boots more.

2:  Stretch Boots by Heating

Heating rubber will result in the expansion of the material. Another effective manner to make your shoes wider is by using a hairdryer.

One important thing to keep in mind is to not use the hairdryer at higher temperatures as it may melt your boots. For this method, you will need a hairdryer and some thick socks.

You need to wear socks and then put on your boots. Turn the hairdryer on medium heat and keep it at a distance of about 5 cm from the boots.

Use the hairdryer for two to three minutes. Then walk till the boots become cool. Keep moving your feet until the boots become cool for better stretching. If necessary then repeat the process a few times. This method may not be a permanent one but a quick one.

3:  Stretch by Stretching Liquids

Another method to stretch your rubber boots is to use a stretching liquid that is safe for rubber.

Some liquids are specifically for leather material so please do not use those here. For this method you will need some newspapers, stretching liquid, alcohol, water, and, thick pair of boots. 

Lay down newspapers on the floor. Then mix the stretching liquid with a mixture of fifty percent alcohol and fifty percent water. Then apply the liquid to the places that you want to stretch.

Now wear thick socks and put on the rubber boots and wear them for about half an hour to an hour.

4:  Stretch Rubber Boots by Boot Stretcher

boot stretcher

There is a lot of boot stretchers available in the market which allow you to target a specific region of your boots. The process is simple.

You have to insert the device inside the boot and place it in the required area. Then you have to activate it and lock it. Then put on the boots and walk around for a while. This will stretch your boots and give you enough comfort.

5:  Stretch Boots by Professional Cobbler

how to stretch rubber boots

If you are scared to try the above methods or are not a big fan of Do It Yourself (DIY) then you should go and visit a professional cobbler. Or if you tried the above methods and they didn’t work for you, then you can choose this option.

Cobblers have experience and they know how to stretch the boots. They have specific tools with them which can help in getting the ideal fit.


Tips to handle your boot while stretching

  • Keep in mind to not let get wet as there are chances that the booths may shrink back when they will dry up. If they become wet they may get damaged as well. So please avoid getting your boots wet while you are stretching.
  • Do not let your boots be exposed to extremely high degrees of temperatures for too long as they may damage, weaken or melt the boots.
  • Please do not put on extremely tight boots. I repeat DO NOT put on extremely tight boots. Coercing your foot into tight boots can hurt your feet badly. Instead, use the above-mentioned methods.
  • Sometimes one method may not work, so please be patient and try another method. Another thing that you can do is to try and combine a few methods so that you can get your desired result and your rubber boots are well stretched so that they can be comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I Stretch My Rubber Boots Too Much?

Yes, It totally depends on you. If it feels your boots need more stretching then stretch them everything will be fine. And let me tell you one thing if you don’t want to fail in this then stretch only 1/2 to 3/4 inches and still if you need more then buy bigger shoes so that they can be fitted.

Q2. Can You Stretch Boots Made From Material Other Than Rubber?

Yes, of course, You can stretch boots made from other materials. Even you can stretch your sneakers. You just need to opt for the right methods and techniques.

Q3. Can I Stretch New Rubber Boots?

Not recommended! Guys rubber boots take time to get used to your feet so it takes some time. Once you wear them for a couple of days they would become comfortable on your feet and feel better. So guys if you buy new shoes then give them proper time to become comfortable and ready for your feet.

Q4. Can You Stretch Rubber Rain Boots?

Yes guys you can. The methods which are mentioned above would help you to stretch rubber rain boots too. It might look difficult to stretch but it’s not. It will be easier for you if you try any of the methods which are explained in the article.


Final Verdict: How to Stretch Rubber Boots

With this, we come to the end of the article How to Stretch Rubber Boots. We gave a detailed guide on different methods that are effective, easy to follow, and inexpensive through which you can stretch your rubber boots. Following this method will not only stretch your boots but also increase the life of the boots. 

We hope that you found this article useful and enjoyed reading it. Hope this helps you in stretching your boots If they are tight. If you have knee-high boots you can also stretch them by following the above techniques.

Please share this article with your friends, family, relatives, and any shoe lover that you know. Also, let us know in the comments section which trick you think is the easiest one and which surprised you the most. If you have any queries then type them in the comment box and we will get back to you.

Team – Menshoefactory

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I am the founder and chief editor of Men Shoe Factory, a passionate shoe lover from India. Studying and researching on shoes led me to build this blog site where I share shoe care tips, detailed reviews and different types of shoe size charts. Feel free to contact me on my social accounts or through the contact form here.

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