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• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Using a boot stretcher
• Method 2 of 2: Finding other ways to stretch your boots

A nice pair of boots can make a nice addition to almost any outfit, but if you have round calves it can be difficult to find boots that fit exactly. Luckily, you can stretch boots with a zipper that fit well on your feet, but are a little tight around the calves, often!

To step

Method 1 of 2: Using a boot stretcher

1. Examine the zipper to see if it is strong enough to stretch. If the zipper is not properly constructed, or if it is not sewn properly, you can damage it by applying too much pressure with the boot stretcher.
2. Insert a stretcher into the boot. Make sure to use one designed for the shaft of a boot and not the toes or instep. Such a device for the shaft will look long and thin.
3. Spray the shoe with stretch spray if you want to stretch the leather extra. You don't need to use a stretch spray, but it will help make the fabric smoother and you will achieve better results.
4. Turn the handle or wheel to widen the stretcher. Depending on the version, there may be a lever or a small wheel in the middle. Use these to adjust the device until it fits snugly around the shaft of the boot.
5. Let the stretcher sit for at least two hours or overnight. For the best result, let the stretcher sit as long as possible. If you sprayed your boots with stretch spray, it is better to leave the device on until the spray dries.

Method 2 of 2: Finding other ways to stretch your boots

1. Zip the boots as far as possible and wear them when they almost fit. By zipping the boots as close as possible, you will slowly stretch the fabric around the zipper and the boot itself. After about 15 minutes, see if you can pull the zipper a little higher.
   • This is perfect if you just need a little extra space.
2. Buy a zipper spacer to widen your zipper. There are products on the market that are specifically designed to attach to your existing zipper, creating a V-shape that gives your calf more room.
3. Spray the boot with stretch spray to relax the fabric. Stretch spray helps loosen the material from the boot. Spray the boot thoroughly, then put on a pair of thick socks and put on the boots. Zip them up as far as possible and leave them on for about five minutes. Repeat the process if necessary.
4. Immerse the leather boots in water and then wear them for a custom fit. Leather reshapes when it gets wet, so wearing your leather boots while wet is an easy way to adapt them to your calves. Make sure to completely submerge the boots in the water so that they don't get obvious water streaks.
5. Heat the shoes with a hair dryer to stretch them using heat. Put on a pair of thick socks to protect your feet, then put on your boots and zip them up as far as possible. Blow them with your hairdryer for about 30 seconds, keeping the mouthpiece moving so you don't damage the shoes. The heat should help relax the fabric, allowing the boots to stretch around your calf.
   • Leave the shoes on until they cool so they don't shrink to their original size.
   • If your boots are made of leather, spray leather afterwards.
   • Do not use this method on delicate materials such as patent leather.
6. Place a bag of water in your boots and put them in the freezer. Since water expands when it freezes, you may be able to stretch your boots by filling a plastic bag halfway with water and placing it in the shaft of your boot and freezing it.
   • Thaw the ice for at least 20 minutes before removing the bag.
7. Go to a shoemaker to have a panel installed in your boots. You can have a special panel placed in the boot to widen the shaft. You may need to visit the shoemaker more than once for a measurement and fitting.
   • A less expensive option might be to have the cobbler remove the zipper and then reinstall it, along with extra fabric or elastic.