The Armour Archive

I had to resew the right turnshoe of the pair I made, and I did it in sinew instead of upholstry thread like last time. It fit perfectly before I did it, but now it's much to tight. I've tried soaking it and wearing it, soaking it and stuffing it, but so far I just can't seem to strecth out the toe. How can I do that so I can comfortable wear it again? (I really don't want to make another one!)

Did you resew it exactly as it was before you took it apart? Did you use a last to make this? I can give a better answer if I understand how it was put together the first time and then for the reconstruction.

Jon

Jon wrote:Did you resew it exactly as it was before you took it apart? Did you use a last to make this? I can give a better answer if I understand how it was put together the first time and then for the reconstruction.

Jon

I did it exactly as the first time except for the different sewing material. I didn't use a last either time.

Without seeing it, it would seem that when you put it back together, you used a stronger thread and now there is liitle or no give at the seam and it doesn't give way like it did before.

You mentioned you soaked it. I would think that wearing it wet would form it to your foot. Depends on the type of leather used. Hard to give advice from a distance but that's my first thought.

Jon

Not that i can cite it but if memory serves you can strech the leather with alcohol and shrink with water. Thes are not huge degrees of movement but this is from an old GQ artical on getting dress shoes to fit. Saturate and wear dry. Hope it helps.

I'm currently trying a shoe stretcher... I'll let you know how it works, but if you want to try yourself, they are like 7 bux at target.

-+G

Rev. George wrote:I'm currently trying a shoe stretcher... I'll let you know how it works, but if you want to try yourself, they are like 7 bux at target.

-+G

This is how its done in the shoe industry, both in retail and repair.

Saturate the inside of the shoe (only where it is tight) with stretching fluid. Small bottles are inexpensive where you buy the stretcher. You can make it yourself, too. Half isopropyl alcohol, half water, a drop of dishsoap.

When the area is saturated, apply pressure from the inside. A bent "s" stick is traditional but proper stretching lasts are quite inexpensive too. Or you could just wear it for a few hours. It will stretch to fit.

The problem with just using water is the next time the shoe gets wet, it will shrink as it dries. Back to square one! Straight alcohol doesn't actually stretch the fibre structure, it just softens it. Rubbing alcohol is about 30% water, so you get some effect. More water and a touch of detergent to increase permeability gets the job done more effectively. When it dries the leather fibres will be realigned and will tend to stay stretched. A good waterproofing will reduce access to moisture from the outside so the shape will remain.

Yes, I sell this stuff to the shoe trade. Why else would I know such things?

Had a old German Army guy tell me once they would pour a whole bottle of alcohol down each jackboot, and wear it until it dried.
Similar story from a WW2 US Paratrooper was to spray Barbasol shaving creme in the boots, and wear them until they dried.

Did you use real or artificial sinew?

Thomas

Right. Is there a possibility you might stretch the sinew as well?