My boots shrank??

soozansings

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

June 2nd (2016)

• May 9, 2016

• #1

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

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF '13; CF/Salvador/Ingles '16; Portugues '22

• May 9, 2016

• #2

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

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

June 2nd (2016)

• May 9, 2016

• #3

koilife said:

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.

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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

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

I'am not perfect, but I'm always myself!!!

• May 9, 2016

• #4

soozansings said:

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

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

 

NualaOC

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

A few and hopefully lots more.

• May 9, 2016

• #5

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

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino de madrid, camino francis, camino inverino (2012, 2013,2014)
CdM, Francis, San salvador, primativo june 2015 CDM , francis, inverino 2016
Camino madrid, via de Plata. Santiago.
Coast of the dead malpica to muxia

• May 9, 2016

• #6

OR did your feet SWELL?

 

soozansings

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

June 2nd (2016)

• May 9, 2016

• #7

jerbear said:

OR did your feet SWELL?

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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!