I don't see a "want to rent" section

[Phil Yearout]

so didn't know where else to post this. Wondering if anyone has a good-quality boot vamp/instep stretcher similar to this:

https://i.imgur.com/3HprPTom.jpg

I have a pair of tall boots that I love but they are just too tight in the instep. These things go for around $200 and up and I hate to pay that for something that I'll only use once, and which may not even work. There are wood/plastic ones out there but I don't think they'd be strong enough for what I need. I'd be happy to pay for the use, shipping both ways, etc.

Or if anyone has a used one to sell I'd be interested.

[Rick Losey]

no good shoe repair shops left in your area?

[William Davis]

The best boot stretcher is from Houndsbay in Texas. They’re on line with many options size and shape. High heel pointed toe boots need a different shape that flat heel square or round toe. They have 3 sizes each style in women’s 3 sizes per style in men’s. My stretcher is several years old and has worked very well. Recently looked them up for one to fit my wife’s boots. All sizes and styles same price 80 dollars plus shipping.

Well worth it considering cost of boots that you can’t wear due to fit.

William

[Chris Pope]

This is my boot stretcher that has worked successfully on a couple pairs I own. Not exactly sure what you're looking for but, if this is it, I'm happy to lend it to you. There are a number of plastic inserts that fit into the holes to help stretch the exact part of the boot that needs stretching. Also, they can be purchased at:
https://footfitter.com/

Borrowing definately cheaper.

[David Noble]

Phil, I'm not sure this will do what you need but it looks promising and is cheap.
You might have to jury rig it a bit though.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/317480242561

It says in the description will fit Men's Size 7-13''/Women's Size 8-14''

[Phil Yearout]

Thanks for the suggestions and offers. My problem is that most of these will stretch the boot width as well which I don't need to do; already have plenty of room there. The one I pictured is designed to stretch the vamp or instep only which is what I need. Most of the good shoe shops in town are gone; there may be a couple left I can check with.

[Chris Pope]

I had to look at a youtube video to see exactly what you were trying to stretch. And the stretcher I have will not accomplish what you need. Good luck in your search. Sorry I can't help.

[allen newell]

at my age i could use one to stretch my longevity

[Stan Hillis]

Phil, I'm not sure this will do what you need but it looks promising and is cheap.
You might have to jury rig it a bit though.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/317480242561

It says in the description will fit Men's Size 7-13''/Women's Size 8-14''

Thanks, David. I just ordered a pair. I bought a very nice pair of pull on western style boots in Nashville, TN about three years ago and they are a pain to get on and off. This should fix 'em up. Hot diggity dawg!

[Phil Yearout]

At that price I might try a pair and see if I can find out a way to disable the width expansion.

[Destry L. Hoffard]

You really need to own them, it usually takes multiple stretches before they'll stay.

[Kevin McCormack]

And don't forget to thoroughly soak the boots in water before using the stretchers YES I SAID TO THOROUGHLY SOAK THE BOOTS IN WATER BEFORE USING THE STRETCHERS!! Then leave stretchers in overnite or longer, then stuff the boots with newspaper and let then dry at room temperature for 2-3 days. No heat guns, hair dryers, or fireplace racks! Yes it is a time consuming PITA but when you're done you will have as permanent a fit alteration as possible and virtually no "creep" backwards to the formerly tight, unwanted size.

I heard of the process about 30 years ago from a 68-year old man who ordered a pair of Donner heavy duty hiking/light climbing boots for a Dall sheep hunt in British Columbia. His itinerary was compressed due to guide availability and he called Donner to get their best accelerated breaking in process for new boots. They stressed soaking, wearing up and down stairs, and and keeping laces normally tight per usual.

He was one of my all-time heroes; booked a 9 day trip on the upper Priest River in BC, pack trip in and out with rubber rafts used in a couple of river crossings. With a day or two left on the trip he took a trophy Dall ram with an original pre-64 M70 .300 Winchester Magnum.

Can't remember his name but he looked exactly like the guy Charles Daly used in their ads in the late 1960s-early 1970s" rugged jawline, grey hair in a Michael Douglas type crew cut, nice tan, well dressed. Jack O'Connor had nothing on this guy!