Most good cowboy boots are made from 100% leather, so the characteristics of cowboy boots are associated with that of leather.
One of the basic characteristics of leather is that it can shrink or stretch depending on environmental conditions and frequency of use.
When you buy a pair of oversized boots, you will wonder if cowboy boots can tighten over time.
This post will talk about this problem, but I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed with the answer.
Let’s check it out.
Key takeaways
- Cowboy boots will sometimes shrink a bit in a cold environment, but not for long. In fact, they tend to expand over time.
- Cowboy boots are often made from leather. After a period of exposure to the environmental humidity and the moisture of the feet, the leather will soften. Your boots also stretch due to bearing your weight.
- Using tips to make cowboy boots shrink will not work and may cause them to lose their original state. The best thing you can do is find some stuff to fill up the loose gap.
Cowboy Boots Get Tight Over Time: Is it possbile?
Sometimes, you will feel that cowboy boots are a little tight after a long time wearing them again. That’s because, after a period of exposure to cold weather, cowboy boots might shrink a bit.
However, this shrinkage doesn’t last long. Instead, the leather still stretches over time.
When used for a long time, cowboy boots will be exposed to the rainy environment and your sweat, which makes them moist and softer. Your weight also puts stress on the leather, which will make the boots stretch more.
So, the bad news is that cowboy boots don’t tighten but stretch over time.
If your new cowboy boots happen to be loose, don’t try any tips such as using high heat or dipping them in water to tighten them. These tips are just a bit effective or won’t work at all. In the worst-case scenario, you just make your boots stretch even faster.
The best thing you can do is to return your new cowboy boots. Or you can make your boots fit tighter by stuffing something into the cowboy boot like insoles, heel inserts, etc. Or you can wear thick socks or double socks.
Tecovas Boot Socks | Image copyright Tecovas Boot Company | #CommissionEarned | Click image for more info
The most important thing to keep in mind is to try to make the top of the foot fit snugly, as this is the essential part to ensure the cowboy boots fit your feet well.
I usually insert an insole to do that, or I go out to the cobbler and ask him to make me a leather pad that fits the insole of the boot, and then I’ll stuff it inside the boot to fill up the gap.
Image copyright FORM Company | #CommissionEarned | Click image for more info
Before you leave
There is almost no real way to make cowboy boots shrink over time, as the nature of leather will stretch for some reasons mentioned above.
You may feel your cowboy boots shrink a little at some point, like in cold winter. But that usually won’t be for long, as cowboy boots will expand, not tighten over time.
It’s important to remember that when boots are loose, don’t try to use tricks to shrink them, instead look for heel inserts, thick socks, or insoles to fill up the gap.
For new boots, using tips can change their look and make it difficult for you to return them to the bootmakers. No one wants to get back a pair of boots that are so different from the original.
Good luck!
Howdy y’all! I’m Grace, a Western style enthusiast with over 5 years of experience. From cowboy boots to western gear, I’m passionate about all things Western and dedicated to helping you find the perfect style to suit your taste. Join me and my fiancé Jay Gatz as we explore the rich history and timeless appeal of Western fashion together!