My boots shrank??

[soozansings]

Couldn't figure out how to get this in the footwear thread, sorry. Last week I wore my Columbia ankle high hiking shoes with non wool socks and when I got back they smelled horrible. As a rule I don't have stinky feet. Baking soda didn't help so removed the liners that came with them and poured rubbing alcohol into them and put them outside to dry. It apparently killed the smell but 3 days later, they're too small! They are 1.5 larger than my normal shoes. Any clue as to why?

 

[koilife]

I'm sorry to hear that.

Rubbing alcohol is known to cause leather to shrink. It's often used to help form fit leather to an object. I'm not sure that there's any way back from what you've done to your boots, but perhaps you might soak them in water again and try to stretch them back out. It's a long shot, but you have nothing to lose at this point.

 

[soozansings]

I'm sorry to hear that.

Rubbing alcohol is known to cause leather to shrink. It's often used to help form fit leather to an object. I'm not sure that there's any way back from what you've done to your boots, but perhaps you might soak them in water again and try to stretch them back out. It's a long shot, but you have nothing to lose at this point.

Thanks, koi. The alcohol was a long shot because there was no going back from that smell. I will check out a stretcher but i have trail runners and sandals to fall back on. Thank goodness I got these Columbias on sale for $35, and if my kids cant wear them I'll donate them to our local mission.

 

[KinkyOne]

and if my kids cant wear them I'll donate them to our local mission.

Yes, you can do that, now they don't stink anymore

 

[NualaOC]

Perhaps try soaking them in some sort of oil? My mother used to soak leather shoes in olive oil and then stuff them with newspaper to stretch them. Good luck!

 

[jerbear]

OR did your feet SWELL?

 

[soozansings]

OR did your feet SWELL?

Nope. Length. My trail runners and sandals are just fine. I've decided I'll worry about trying stretchers until i get back. Trail runners it is!