I received an email last night that reminded me of information I have blogged about before, but it may have been so long ago that it doesn’t come up in a search.
The question is, “if I use a liquid product to stretch boots, what should I use?”
My response…
… If you look at a label of a product marked “shoe stretching liquid,” you would see that the liquid in the bottle is primarily rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol).
Alcohol relaxes the bonds in the collagen fibers that compose leather. Some of the bonds break, which allows leather to be stretched.
Alcohol (or even water) does not remoisturize the fibers. Remember, they are from an animal that is dead. Only internal moisturization (skin growing on an animal) allows fibers to grow and remain elastic (or stretchable).
Once the skin is harvested and tanned, the fibers of collagen are compacted (rolled during the tanning process). Alcohol loosens the very compact nature of the collagen fibers. It does not actually make those fibers more elastic so they stretch like rubber, but it breaks the bonds that make the leather hold together. This is particularly true with old leather, such as on a pair of vintage boots.
You treat leather by soaking it with rubbing alcohol and pull it to stretch it, but the more you stretch it, the more collagen fibers are broken. The more broken fibers = potential damage (rip or tear.) That is why it is not recommended to try to stretch boots more than about 1/2 inch (or 1.2cm).
If you are looking at stretching boots, don’t go to the expense of buying “shoe stretching liquid” at a higher price for a product that will do the same thing. Just get a bottle of rubbing alcohol at the drug store and it will work just as well.
Life is short: frugality pays.
Dear BHD,
I have a chippewa harness, with leather lining. If I want to stretch the shaft a little bit (using a shaft stretcher), should I soaked the alcohol just from inside or also from outside part?
Best regards,
Edward.
Edward, it is possible to stretch the shafts of those boots a LITTLE bit, perhaps 1/4 inch. Leather-lined boots have two layers of leather. Yes, applying alcohol to both surfaces (interior lining and exterior) is required. Don’t “soak” but ensure the leather is damp with alcohol, then use a shoe stretcher for best results. If you don’t have one, then you should consider using the services of a cobbler with the right equipment.
Thx for your information. After that, do I need to put leather conditioner or beeswax oil?
After the leather has completely dried, then yes, you should treat it. Chippewa harness boots take a good shine with the usual light wax and buffing. You can also choose to use leather conditioner. Those boots are tough; they do not need much attention. Most bikers wear them scuffed and dirty because bikers don’t really care about dirt on boots. That’s what they’re made for.
Thx BHD. You’re very helpful. May you always be happy!