HOW TO STRETCH AND SOFTEN LEATHER JACKET

HOW TO STRETCH AND SOFTEN LEATHER BOOTS AND SHOES

NEW FOOTWEAR MAY TAKE A LONG TIME TO BE AS COMFORTABLE AS IF IT HAD A LIFETIME IN YOUR CABINET. INSTEAD OF RISKING SUFFERING SCRATCHES OR BLISTERS, TRY THESE SIMPLE TIPS FOR SAFE STRETCHING AND SOFTENING YOUR NEW LEATHER BOOTS AND SHOES.

 A legend among tailors claim that the Queen of England has a person in charge of softening her new shoes if they are squeezed. And why not? Since you're always on your feet on actual visits and activities, you simply can't afford blisters.

The rest of us probably don't have someone in charge of making our nice new boots and shoes as comfortable as our preferred used footwear. However, daily comfort is very important. Follow this basic Timberland guide to quickly and safely stretch and leather jacket soften leather shoes and boots without damaging them.

TAKE THEM A LITTLE TIME AND OFTEN

At first, wear the new footwear sparingly. Surely you are wanting to show off your latest acquisitions at all times. But if you start by wearing them on some short outings, you'll give your feet time to get used to the new shape and feel of the leather.

WALKING AROUND THE HOUSE

It is the easiest trick and usually works wonderfully. Put on the thickest socks you have and go home for a long time. It may seem uncomfortable and a little strange, but think that this temporary nuisance is a long-term investment for the comfort of your feet.

 USE A SPOON

Grab a large spoon, no matter it's wood or metal, and use it to gently lift and loosen any part of your shoes or boots that you feel is squeezing. The heels often cause chafing at first, and a spoon is perfectly shaped to stretch them.

RUN TO THE DRYER

While testing your new leather shoes at home, keep your hairdryer handy. Yes, you read it right. Apply a jet of hot air for 20 seconds on any part of the shoe that squeezes you or feels too tight, to stretch the skin without damaging it. The combination of thick socks and the heat of the dryer provides fast results. Leave your shoes or boots on until the skin cools down, thus ensuring that they stretch and fit perfectly to the contour of your feet.

USE PAPER BALLS

It is the grandmother's favorite trick. Pick up any old newspaper or magazine and dampen it very lightly. Then make balls out of the leaves and place them inside your shoes or boots. Wait until they are completely dry before removing them. It is important that you try not to over-wet the paper, as moisture could damage the inner soles.

USE SHOE STANDARDS

Lasts work very well for leather shoes and boots, although less for sandals. Put them inside and leave them on for as long as possible for a smooth and progressive stretch. Ideally, leave them in place overnight.

APPLY A DILATOR SPRAY

The leather ends up stretching and softening over time, although you can speed up the process with a dilating spray. Most footwear products are alcohol-based, allowing them to dry quickly and preventing marks on the skin as the product dries. Spray your shoes and boots with the spray and then put them on. You can also use shoe lasts if you don't have time to walk around the house with your new shoes.

The rest of us probably don't have someone in charge of making our nice new boots and shoes as comfortable as our preferred used footwear. However, daily comfort is very important. Follow this basic Timberland guide to quickly and safely stretch and burlington coat factory leather jackets soften leather shoes and boots without damaging them.