How to Stretch your Football Boots: 8 Methods

Football boots are the most important piece of equipment for any player. That’s why it’s so important to make sure they fit well and provide the right level of comfort. In this article, we will explain how to stretch your football boots with 8 unique methods to get you the best fit. These techniques are simple and will help players get a better fit from their boots. If you’re looking to pick up a new pair of football boots, head over to World Soccer Shop to get a great deal on a fresh pair.

First, Check Return and Exchange Policies

The most important thing you should do before you try and stretch your boots is to check the return and exchange policy for the store you bought your boots. If your boots are too tight, It’s likely you’ll be able to return your boots for a larger size free of charge. For most players, this may be the best solution. Although the upper of your boots may stretch slightly, the sole plate is fixed and can’t be adjusted. So the easiest way for you to get a roomier fit is to replace your boots with a pair one half or one whole size larger.

The following techniques work best for players who have boots that they are looking to break in faster. Following these tips should help stretch out the upper of your football boots to give you a more comfortable fit.

How to Stretch Leather vs Synthetic Football Boots

It’s important to note that leather boots and synthetic boots may need to be treated differently when following these tips. Leather boots should not be dried with heat or left in the sun, as doing this will cause the leather to shrink. Synthetic boots can be treated with both water and heat. However, make sure you don’t get them too hot, as excessive heating can potentially cause synthetic materials to melt.

1. Hot Water Trick

The hot water trick has been used by many players seeking a quick way to break in their boots. First, fill a sink or bucket with hot water and immerse the boots in the water. Next, put on a pair of thick socks and put on the wet boots. Walk around until the boots cool down and the upper starts to feel softer. Once they’re dry, you should find that your boots have stretched and are now more comfortable to wear. Just be sure not to leave them in the hot water for too long, as this can degrade the glue used to hold the boot together.

2. Shoe Stretcher

A shoe stretcher is a handy tool that can help to stretch out your football boots, giving you a better fit and preventing blisters. To use a shoe stretcher, simply insert it into the boot and turn the knob to begin stretching the upper. Start with a small amount of tension and gradually increase it until you reach the desired level of stretch. Be sure to check the progress of the stretching regularly, and stop if you notice any tearing or damage to the boot. With patience and a bit of elbow grease, you can gradually stretch your football boots using a shoe stretcher.

3. Tennis Ball

If you find that your football boots are a bit too tight, using a tennis ball is another easy way to stretch them out. Simply take a tennis ball and place it inside the boot. Then, press down on the ball and roll it around for a few minutes. The pressure from the ball will help to loosen up the material in the boot, making it more comfortable to wear. You can repeat this process as often as necessary until you achieve the desired fit. With a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to stretch your football boots to get a slightly roomier fit.

4. Use a Blow Dryer and Thick Socks

With just a blow dryer and a pair of thick socks, you can really stretch the upper of your football boots. First, put on a pair of thick socks and slip into the boots. Turn on the blow dryer to high heat and hold it about six inches away from the boots. Slowly move the blow dryer up and down, taking care not to stay in one spot for too long. After a few minutes, remove the boots and socks and let them cool. The boots should now feel looser and more comfortable. Repeat this process as needed to improve the fit of your football boots.

5. Freezer Trick

There is a simple way to stretch out your boots using just a freezer and a few bags of water. First, fill two zip-top bags with water and seal them tightly. Next, insert the bags into your football boots and put them in the freezer overnight. As the water freezes, it will expand, gently stretching out the fabric of your boots. In the morning, simply remove the bags and you should be able to slip your feet into your boots. If necessary, repeat the process until you achieve the desired level of stretch.

6. Newspaper Trick

Another popular method is known as the newspaper trick. To stretch football boots using this technique, start by crumpling up several pieces of old newspaper. Next, place several of the balled-up pieces of newspaper inside the boots and leave them to sit for several hours or over night. The newspaper will gradually expand and help stretch out the boot, making it more comfortable to wear.

7. Wear your Boots in the Evening

This simple method works because your feet are slightly larger in the evening, due to increased blood flow. Simply put on a pair of socks and your football boots and wear them around the house for an hour or two. You can also walk around the block or go for a light jog to loosen up the upper. By the end of the evening, you should notice that your football boots have stretched and are more comfortable to wear. This method is a great way to break in new boots or to simply make an old pair more comfortable.

8. Train in your Boots

It’s important to break in your new football boots in order to get the best fit. The best way to do this is to simply train in them. When you first put on your boots, wear thick socks and loosen the laces. Train for short periods of time at first, gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in them. Remember to take breaks and remove your boots periodically to loosen the laces and let your feet breath. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your football boots will be as comfortable as they can be.