A great fitting pair of hiking boots is arguably the single most important piece of gear for any hiker, and knowing how to stretch out hiking boots is essential to get the perfect fit.
There are many ways to stretch out hiking boots, and we’ve covered them all in this guide for you today.
Read on for some great ways to stretch your boots and to get started!
How To Stretch Out Hiking Boots
Even if you’ve looked into how hiking boots should fit and chose a good fitting pair, they might still have a few spots where there’s a little friction in them.
This needs to be addressed, as friction points or things like a narrow toe box can cause pain or injury, especially over long hikes.
If you haven’t yet, check out our guide on how to break in hiking boots – there are a few similar methods we cover in this guide, but that’s a general walkthrough on the trusted overall methods to first properly break in your boots.
If your boots have been broken in and have some problem areas, now we need to tackle how to stretch those hiking boots out, which we’ll cover below.
Note that we’ll be tackling these options in order from simplest to more complex, and we recommend you follow them in that order as well.
Method 1: Stretch Out Your Hiking Boots By Wearing Them Around The House
The best way to stretch out your hiking boots is slow and steady use, using them for everyday purposes around the house, while running errands, and more.
This gentle use will start to stretch the materials that are crowding any pressure points and get them more comfortable.
Gradually increase the distance of your walks in your hiking boots over a period of a few weeks, culminating in a simple and lightweight hike
Method 2: Wear Thick Or Extra Pairs Of Socks To Stretch Your Boots
By wearing an extra thick pair of hiking socks (or wearing multiple pairs), you’ll be stretching the boots while also breaking them in, using your foot as the mold.
This is ideal because the ultimate goal is to have the boot conform perfectly to your foot.
Wear thick socks while doing everyday tasks or on short hikes at first to get the boot materials working and pliable.
Method 3: Use A Blow Dryer Or Other Heat Source
Heat can relax the materials of your hiking boots and allows them to stretch, and almost everyone has a hairdryer at home.
Put on some extra thick socks and then slip the hiking boots on your feet, then hit the boots with medium-warm to hot air for 3-5 minutes while wearing the boots.
Be careful not to linger too long on any one specific area, as you don’t want to damage the materials by overheating them.
We typically do not recommend using the hottest setting on your hairdryer when doing this step.
Repeat daily or as necessary until you stretch your hiking boots as desired.
Method 4: Try The Frozen Water Bag Method
Water expands when frozen, and we can use this to our advantage within the small space of a hiking boot in order to stretch it out.
First, grab a plastic zip bag (or several) and fill it up halfway, removing the remaining air from the bag.
Make sure it can securely hold water by turning it upside down to ensure it’s watertight! You don’t want water seeping out of the bags and getting your boots wet for this process.
Next, stuff the bag into the spot where you want to stretch your hiking boot, such as the toe box or heel section, placing other filler such as balled up socks or towels in your boots to keep the bags in place.
Next, place your hiking boots in the freezer for at least 4 to 8 hours, and repeat or modify as necessary until you get the stretch you’re looking for.
Method 5: Mix Rubbing Alcohol With Water And Spray It On
Using a 1:1 mix of rubbing alcohol to water and spraying it on can help stretch out your hiking boots as well.
Mix even parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, make sure it’s well combined, and then saturate the inside of your boots.
Wear them after spraying until they’re completely dry- you can repeat this process as necessary.
Be sure to test an inconspicuous area inside your boot to ensure that the rubbing alcohol doesn’t damage or discolor your hiking boot materials, and understand that you may need to reapply waterproofing spray or treatment depending on your boots.
Method 6: Get Those Boots Wet
If you are comfortable with doing so, soak your hiking boots in warm water (in a tub or bucket) for about 15 minutes, then wear them until they’re dry.
Moisture makes the materials more pliable, and your hiking boots will stretch to your feet as the boots dry.
If your hiking boots are made from leather, you can also massage in a leather conditioning cream as they’re drying to help them retain their new shape.
Method 7: Give Leather Stretching Spray A Shot
If your hiking boots are made from leather, you can also try out some leather-stretching spray.
Spray the inside of the boots rather than the outside so you don’t discolor the leather, then wear the boots until they dry.
Leather stretching spray is inexpensive and this method can be used as needed until you get the perfect fit.
Method 8: Break Out A Boot Stretcher
There are many types of boot and shoe stretchers available with different intended functions.
Some are meant to stretch the boot only in a single direction, while others can stretch in two or multiple dimensions.
Take note of your hiking boot stretching needs before purchasing one to make sure you can accomplish the stretch you’re aiming for.
Method 9: Visit A Cobbler Or Boot Store For Help
If you’ve tried everything else on this list and you still are having pain points, consider visiting a local boot store, boot specialist, or cobbler.
They can often do modifications to hiking boots to help you achieve the perfect fit.
Sometimes things are best left to the professionals!
Method 10: Consider If It’s Time For A New Pair Of Hiking Boots
If you’ve tried every way possible to stretch out your hiking boots and there’s still discomfort or friction, it may be time to look into a new pair of hiking boots.
Take a look at our guide on how hiking boots should fit and our reviews of the best hiking boots under $100 for some great suggestions, or visit your local outdoor sports store and try some pairs on so you can get back on the trail.
Wrapping Up How To Stretch Out Hiking Boots
If you’ve got a few tight spots in your hiking boots, there’s no need to worry- try these proven methods to stretch those hiking boots out and you’ll be back on the trail in no time.