How to Stretch Tight Ski Boots

When you're buying ski boots, take your time to find a pair that fits well. Get advice from a salesperson, who will measure you and help you pick the best boots for your foot size and shape. Try on several pairs, and walk around in each. These steps can help you find a nearly perfect fit, but after you've tried them on the slopes, you may find your boots need some stretching in a spot or two. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Bring your boots to the shop where you bought them; usually, the shop will stretch them without charge. If you bought your boots somewhere that can't stretch them, ask other skiers for the name of a shop that can help you. You'll probably pay a charge for the service.

    • 2

      Describe the area of the boot that's bothering you. Shop techs can do all kinds of things, such as adding to the length and width, or making room for a bothersome bunion.

    • 3

      Remove the liner from the boot. Ask the tech how the boot will be heated. Many shops use a machine that looks like a rice cooker--some put the boot into a real rice cooker. If that amount of heat doesn't work, the shop may use a heat gun.

    • 4

      Watch as the tech puts the hot boot on a hand or hydraulic press to stretch the part that needs it. You probably won't invest in a press and do this yourself, but it's an interesting process.

    • 5

      Take your ski boots on the slopes to see whether the problem has been fixed. If it hasn't, go through the process again.