Boot Stretching Experience
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I have used a 4-way stretcher to build out length and width in my Red Wings and PF Flyers. Stretching didn't fundamentally reshape the toe box, but added 1/2 size to the overall length and width.
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@northsouthdenimguy thanks very much for your response. I think you are right given how structured the combat boot is in the toe box.
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Red indicates where I’m feeling the pinch.
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Do you know your Brannock? heel to ball, heel to toe and width? Typically John Lofgren is half down from Brannock but if you have a higher volume, wider foot, more squared off toes than tapered you might need to go true to size.
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I agree, but in my opinion figure out your Brannock first. Then if a maker has sizing guidance, compare it to that or crowd source it a bit.
Because let’s be real, sometimes these Stockists say go a full size down and for most people that’s just flat out wrong.
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@northsouthdenimguy I totally agree. Some say go a full size down for Wesco boots but a half size down was perfect for me.
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It works for some. I just can’t do it with my feet.
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@oltom they won't stretch on the red areas on the toecap, they will on the red midfoot areas, which will ease the big toe area.
@northsouthdenimguy may well be right, JL Combat boots are already an E width, you may just need to try a size size up. I wear a half size down from Brannock in those and find them one of my most comfortable pairs in the width - my JL engineers for comparison I had to stretch in the areas you're experiencing tightness, albeit only on the left foot.
