Stretching Boot Calf - YouLookFab Forum

I've lost a lot of weight, but I've never had skinny calves and still don't. I ordered a pair of Free People boots that come about halfway up the calf. The color is AMAZING, and I love the style, but while they fit great in the foot and I have no problem in the ankle, I cannot zip them closed. I don't mean it's just tight to zip them; I mean I can NOT zip them all the way up.

They are a soft, beautiful leather. My question is how far can a cobbler reasonably stretch a boot calf? Alternatively, would an elastic gore inserted in back near the zipper help?

Last of all, and perhaps the best option, do you have any recommendations for a boot that is a deep red-brown with a low to mid block heel? My preference would be mid-calf boots with no Western tinge to them at all. I am off to search the same myself, but I was hopeful someone might have advice. It truly is the color of these boots that makes them so incredible; if I could find a similar color elsewhere, I wouldn't try so hard to make these work.

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3 years ago

cat2

Veteran

The color you want to search for is Cordovan. There are tons of options on Zappos, so it seems likely you can find something else in this color.

chewyspaghetti

I wouldn't risk it trying to stretch the calf- look for something else

Sal

I have added a gusset to my knee high boots. It is a dark brown elastic and was very successful. I should say the cobbler did the alteration!!

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by Sal

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Anonymous

Yes to finding out about adding a gusset! Makes boots more comfortable and less likely to sag in my experience.

Janet

(website)

Way back in the early days of YLF, I lemminged Alaskagirl and bought a pair of Ugg Cortona boots — they were Chelsea boots with a removable tall shaft portion, like spats, that converted them to knee-high boots (well, almost knee high). They were a bit tight on my calves, especially since it was my marathon running days, and my cobbler was able to stretch them enough that I could get them all the way on my leg comfortably with jeans underneath. (Side note: I still have those boots but haven’t worn them in a couple of years!) So I recommend asking your cobbler.

Gigi

Another vote to ask a cobbler. I know that mine puts gussets in calves when they are too tight. Some leathers stretch very readily, so he might try that first and not even need.a gusset.

Brooklyn

These are available on YOOX. Additional 30% off the ticket price ATM.

Style Fan

I had a pair of dark brown suede knee-high boots that were a bit tight around the calves. The cobbler put a gusset in them, and that worked perfectly. He wasn't able to stretch them because they were lined.

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