Widening boot legs.

[islasmum]

Does anyone know how much it would cost to have elastic inserts put into a pair of pull on boots? and where I might get it done? I have googled it, and come across one company that will do it for £30 a boot, which is more than I can afford. They are very nice boots, but I have put on weight since I last wore them, and have tried stretching them, but they are still that bit too small. Thanks for any suggestions (and yes, I know, lose weight!)

[dotty.]

you shouldn't really need to put inserts in, you can but a spray product from a good cobblers that will help the leather to soften and stretch,
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Collonil-Stretch-Leather-stretcher-100ml/dp/B001KEQRF2

[boxtops]

If not, go to your nearest cobblers and seek their advice - the chap in our local Timpsons is very qualified and gives excellent guidance about things like this.

[islasmum]

Thanks for that Dotty - I thought about leather spray,and went into Clarks, but the woman told me that the spray was made to go inside the boot or shoe, but these boots are sheepskin inside, so I didn't think that would work.

[islasmum]

I'll try that boxtops, there's a new Timpsons just opened in our Tesco, so I will try that tomorrow.. Thanks Dotty and Boxtops.

[joko]

are they leather? have you tried leather stretch spray?

you spray it on them liberally and then wear them until dry - they stretch and then mould to your shape - you can also buy shoe stretchers for the shin part.

regarding the elastic - do you mean replacing the zip with an elasticated panel? or just a strip of elastic across the top?

i would think a seamstres or cobbler may be able to do it cheaper than that price

though would you consider doing it yourself? -
google it and you may find step by step instructions of how to do it ... if you are not good with a sewing machine, hot glue may work? -

or perhaps you could even attach the elastic panel with an eyelet machine - glue it in place then put a line of eyelets down the edges to hold it firm - you would then have lace holes of course but you could thread a thong through them and make it a feature - if it wouldnt ruin the design of them.

you can buy an eyelet machine with eyelets for just a few quid.

you could also try the local art college or fashion college - a student there may be happy to do this for a fraction of that price.

[dotty.]

I sold leather boots for many years and always recommended the exterior leather spray. if that link I put up was for the interior spray i mustn't have read it right, but you need the exterior spray.

[boxtops]

It would be difficult doing in on a sewing machine, even with a swing needle you wouldn't be able to run the foot down the whole length of a long boot leg.

[joko]

true boxtops = perhaps leave half the zip...? just replace the top half with the panel?

[joko]

you could hand sew the lowest bit i suppose

[islasmum]

Thanks all
I do not possess a sewing machine.
The boots have no zip, they are pull-on
I mean putting a wedge-shaped piece of elastic running down the back seam to widen the top 3-4 inches of the leg. I know this can be done, my mother had a pair of her boots widened, but I don't know where, and she is no longer around to ask.
Eyelets are a good idea.
I have just re-visited that link, and think that I might get that spray, as having read it, I think I might be able to use it on the outside of the boot - it must be different from the one in Clarks.

Thank you all again - very helpful suggestions.

[Kathyan]

Where are you islasmum? My daughter is a cobbler and she works in a shop in Ashby Nr Scunthorpe.

[islasmum]

I'm near Portsmouth, Kathyan - I had a word with the man at Timpsons in Tesco and he's going to have a look at the boots if I take them in tomorrow, and will phone up the people they use for alterations whilst I am there - he was very nice and very helpful. Thank you all for your help.

[AlwaysConfused]

when I need to stretch shoes or boots, I stuff them with newspaper and place them in the airing cupboard for a few days. It seems to work for me, and it's free

[tamborine]

these might work

http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/boot-stretcher.html