Narrow Boots - Can you stretch? Alpinestars SMX-5

[markz2004]

Few months ago I bought a pair of boot that seemed to fit, felt a little tight, but didn't cause any issues during normal usage.  Normal usage to me is a daily commute of about 20 minutes in each direction.  Generally I attributed the tight fit to it being a boot with better protection, etc.

I finally got to wear the boot for a 10 hour ride and now it is clearly apparent the boots are simply too narrow.

Has anyone tried to stretch a motorcycle boot?  I know you can do similar for walking shoes as well as ski boots, but was wondering if someone has stretched a motorcycle boot without compromising the it's integrity.  There are several shoe stretchers on the internet for relatively cheep - but these are clearly focused on a walking shoe application.

Looking to the forum for wisdom.

Thanks,
Mark

[markz2004]

Took the boots to a cobler.  He's going to stretch over the next week with the goal of 1/2 size wider.

We'll see if I just spent $10 to destroy $200 boots.

[cyberswine]

I could do with a little more width on mine....... let us know how it pans out!  Somebody got to go first 

[Howie]

If they are leather they can stretch some.  If they are Lorica I think not.

[ducpainter]

If they are leather they can stretch some.  If they are Lorica I think not.

I'm with howie...

I don't think 'high tech microfiber' stretches.

[stopintime]

I'm with howie...

I don't think 'high tech microfiber' stretches.

Add heat 

[jrswanson1]

I wear a 10 EEE.  Apparently, no one makes fancy boots like that for ducks like me.  I ended up getting a pair of Joe Rocket Big Bangs, which are more like 10 EE.5, but they fit, don't scrunch my feet up, and don't kill my toes when I up-shift.  If someone made a better boot in a wider width, I'd love to get a pair.

[thought]

I wear a 10 EEE.  Apparently, no one makes fancy boots like that for ducks like me.  I ended up getting a pair of Joe Rocket Big Bangs, which are more like 10 EE.5, but they fit, don't scrunch my feet up, and don't kill my toes when I up-shift.  If someone made a better boot in a wider width, I'd love to get a pair.

Check out the sidi megas, they're the only sidi's in the states that come in EE.

I have a issue with my sidi st's too, same as yours about markz.  The length and width are fine until the toebox which is just a bit too narrow. I tried using a booth stretcher but the issue is that the toebox itself is too stiff to stretch, if it was just lorica I think it would have enough for me to be comfortable.

I'll be interested to know if a professional would be able to fix it.

[markz2004]

Got the boots back.

The good news is that I only spent $6.

So after a week of stretching, I'd say there was a minor improvement, but clearly not something I would call a solution.  The cobler said he stretched them for a few days, and then tried to turn up the pressure, but the boot would 'pop' his stretching tool from the selected higher level of pressure.  So this leads me to believe this guy really didn't use a professional grade tool like I was hoping.  It's hard to tell if the boot won't stretch because of his approach or the fact that the boot is a "leather like" material.

I'm with howie...

I don't think 'high tech microfiber' stretches.

These guys are most likely right.

Thanks,

[OT]

My experience is that Sidis are cut narrower than A-stars....

I wear a 10 EEE.  Apparently, no one makes fancy boots like that for ducks like me.  I ended up getting a pair of Joe Rocket Big Bangs, which are more like 10 EE.5, but they fit, don't scrunch my feet up, and don't kill my toes when I up-shift.  If someone made a better boot in a wider width, I'd love to get a pair.

How about a good pair of leather work boots?  Probably similar (maybe even better) protection than some street boots - not so good for track days, I would imagine...

[El-Twin]

I just had this exact same experience with some new Sidi Fusions.

While doing a fit check at the dealer, I judged the fit on how they felt walking around the showroom. There was too much heel slippage in the sizes 45 and 44, so I went with the 43. The toes were cramped, but I figured they would stretch with use, or could be stretched in a shoe shop.

Wrong!

When the boots arrived, I realized when I put the first one on that no amount of stretching would fix them. So I went right to a size 45 floor sample, and the toes were liberated. Of course the heels were too loose but then I thought, "who cares if the heels slip?"

For a dedicated riding boot that won't walk any further than into a restaurant or a gas station, the toe box is critical but there is little required of the heel section, other than protection. I mean, when you are riding, who cares if your heel slips? At least that is my theory.

So I ordered a pair of size 45's and, worse case, I will add a heel cup or some other appliance. I will know if this approach works when the boots arrive in a few days. 

[sgollapalle]

I have Puma 1000v3 and they have laces on the back to prevent heel slippage. They can be adjusted to the right level to still let the foot in and keep it in there..