Shrink boot shaft: Cobbler, water or...??

[Lusoluv]

I’ve successfully used water/alcohol solution to stretch tight tall boot shafts. Would this work to shrink tall boots that were a little looser than I’d like? Of course not wearing them while they dry.

I got a great deal on someone’s rejected customs last year and think I lost a few pounds. Now the boot shafts are just a bit looser than I like them, about 1 cm in the mid-calf area upward. Calf down they fit fine. I’m thinking they’re really not loose enough for a shoemaker to take them in? Plus they are dark brown with light stitching, so anything less than a PERFECT job would be very noticeable. If I’m just being too picky - responders can be honest and say so Just wanted to hear if anyone has tried the spray method. I’m afraid if I spray them and they stretch, I’ll have a bigger problem!

[pluvinel]

I like loose in the shaft for ease of putting on a boot and would wear thicker socks or cut off the foot from tube socks. I don’t think you can “shrink” boots.

[Lusoluv]

Perhaps I should have mentioned these are Petries with zips up the back, so they are already easy to put on. But I hear you about shrinking the calves…Rats!

[Willesdon]

Ignore the very slight gap and concentrate hard on the excellent price? Who knows what the future may bring in leg sizes…

[Lusoluv]

^^^^ You’re right - will do Guess I’ve gotten used to boots that fit like a second skin, especially as most of them have front or back zips. I’m sure my boot tops are similar in fit (and maybe snugger) than the older boots you had to wriggle on with handled pulls!

[jonem004]

I’d throw on a thicker sock before I messed with the leather. I have an older pair of tall boots that have gotten too big around the calf but still fit well in the ankle and foot. I honestly don’t notice any issue when I ride in them. That part of my leg should be quiet anyway and it stops me trying to grip my way into a nice sitting trot. I feel like tall boots are mostly just to protect your calf from the stirrup leathers anyway. We should probably all be riding in jods and paddock boots occasionally just to keep us honest about our position, but I don’t think I’ll lead that charge just yet.

[Moogles]

I’ve wrapped my leg in a short polo wrap before to add bulk without adding more socks. Worked great because the foot fit was perfect with one pair of socks and I only wanted bulk around the calf.

[Lusoluv]

Yes, this ^^^would be my scenario, too. Footbed, ankle and lower calf fit perfectly - it’s just the upper calf that is a little loose. A thick sock wouldn’t work.

[pluvinel]

@Lusoluv

Yes, this ^^^would be my scenario, too. Footbed, ankle and lower calf fit perfectly - it’s just the upper calf that is a little loose. A thick sock wouldn’t work.

Cut off the foot from tube socks and wear them like leg warmers under your britches and that will take care of the excess space in the shaft of the boot without taking up space in the foot or ankle

[Moogles]

@Lusoluv

Yes, this ^^^would be my scenario, too. Footbed, ankle and lower calf fit perfectly - it’s just the upper calf that is a little loose. A thick sock wouldn’t work.

Honestly I really liked wrapping my legs. Also the benefit of compression, which I like. I think you have some options to try before cutting the boots or doing other mods.

Final option could be getting a gusset added to remove some material at the top of the boot shaft since you say it’s the upper calf that is too big. Good luck!