HOUNDSBAYBoxer Professional Boot Stretcher for Men and Women; Boot Expander Boot Shoe Stretchers For Wide Feet or Bunions

In reading reviews for other wooden shoe stretchers with lower pricing, I recalled several noting they would have paid more for a better wood or sturdier product. This stretcher is the real deal. Solid hardwood body. Metal crank and expanders, as well as metal "plugs" for targeted stretching. While cheaper units will strip and crack, I've used this stretcher to really apply some stretch without failure. Also, it comes packaged in a storage box with a velvet lining, and a small satchel for storing the targeted stretch plugs. You will not be disappointed in the build quality, nor the packaging.

This boot stretcher is of high quality. The wooden stretcher bit is solid. The metal mechanical part is well made. I did not se the problem some reported as it needing oiling. The turning was smooth and precise.If don't know if it was mentioned in the description, but this model is only for low heeled boots. I needed to stretch a 3.5 inch heel. I worked slowly and it took 3 12 hour applications (I did not want to rip the mterial) along with boot stretcher spray. The end result is a pair of boots that are very comfortable to wear.

The good:This boot/shoe width stretcher is a decent quality consumer grade tool and in less than 24 hours allowed me to adjust the fit of a pair of shoes that were probably two width steps too narrow for me to wear comfortably. These shoes have thick dense leather and comparatively thick lining leather, the adjustment required a significant amount of force against the inside of the toe-box and instep areas. I never felt that the tool was in danger of breaking or failing to apply enough leverage.Materials are quite decent, with actual beech wood forms and all-steel mechanical parts.The less good:This is certainly NOT "professional" grade, if you interpret that as meaning it would last for years of every-day use at a shoemaker or cobbler's shop.Also, as delivered the acme thread screw mechanism (!! acme thread is good !!) is literally DRY... not even a hint of lubrication is present. This leads to binding and requires application of much higher force to the screw handle than is actually required if the mechanism was correctly lubricated.I bet that 95% of the broken universal joint complaints are caused by this.The good news is that a few drops of light machine oil on the screw and at the forcing cam completely fixes this issue, making for smooth and low-effort actuation.Now for the washer... I just can't fathom why they chose to use a washer that's too thin and incorrectly sized for the actuator shaft to retain the spring that's between the forcing cam and the screw shaft.If it was an easy fix, then I'd gladly replace it with the correct washer, but it isn't (need to drill out a pin that's in a blind hole in the shaft to disassemble, then make a new pin out of precisely sized mild steel, or find a roll pin that fits).I'm going to see if I can find a "c" clip that will snap onto the shaft and prevent my washer from getting lodged on the threads, like others have experienced.One more minus column item, but this one's a bit nit-pickey: I'd also be happier if they included some spot adjustment plugs that have lower or less abrupt profiles, so that you could make more subtle adjustments for toe shaping in narrow footbeds. That said, the ones that are included give a nice range of adjustments and with careful use can be used to adjust fit in small increments.

This product really does a great job Stretching cowboy boots both for both men and women’s boots.. I am so glad I bought this one!!

I used this to stretch the toe box on a new pair of boots. Quality construction especially when compared to the plastic rivals. The screw mechanism was a little hard to turn, but this was easily fixed with WD-40.

Item I received was used, not new, as evidenced by smudges on spreader from previous use, condition of box (ripped in several places inside the box) and non-functioning screw handle. This was the only brand I found that had the size I needed in stock, so I decided to keep it and try to fix it.Right out of the box, the screw handle did not rotate in either direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise). So I dis-assembled the spreader by removing the four screws and plate that hold the two halves together. On the threaded rod inside, there is a spring located between the rod-end and the transverse rod that holds the mechanism inside the spreader halves. One end of that spring rests against a washer that serves to prevent the end of the spring from becoming jammed inside the hole of the transverse rod. However, the washer itself is so small in its width of contact face that it becomes jammed in the threads of the rod and that hole. This is what had prevented rotation of the screw handle. I was able to coax the washer far enough up-thread to prevent it from jamming any further, and I have been able to make the boot spreader function.This brand was actually $20 more that the 'Amazon's Choice' brand, but they did not have the size I needed. At first I figured maybe this would be of better quality given the price difference... WRONG!Cheaply made, and seller sent a used item to boot (no pun intended).

Excellent, excellent product!! I have issues with both of my feet. They each have problems that need surgery, and can cause pain and problems in some shoes if there isn't enough give or space. Bought one of these boot stretchers to use on my new leather boots. It's awesome, and works great! Ended up purchasing a second one so I could be stretching both at the same time. Kind of pricey, but you want something that's going to work, not break!!

This stretcher had the potential for being very good, it is sturdy and made well. However the one I received did not have holes for the plugs on the top as pictured which is really where I needed them. If that is not the item being sent then the photo should really be changed so customers can know what they are actually going to get.

Well put together beautiful packaging..the metal pegs are a great idea best purchase ever.!!

Muy buen producto, bien elaborado, de materiales resistentes y con muy buena estética. Llevo usando éste producto por dos meses y hasta el momento, todo ha funcionado de maravilla. Uso zapatos de 27 cm, compré talla mediana y funcionó muy bien para mis botas, pero si tu bota es estrecha, te recomendaría ordenar la talla pequeña

As promised. Good quality

I bought this stretcher to help break in a new pair of hiking boots and I must say that I am amazed at the difference it has made. I usually rely on hundreds of miles to break in a new pair of boots but this stretcher has streamlined the process and achieved great results in a short period of time - cant recommend this product highly enough - I'm a 4E and life has been painful till now!

The screw mechanism just broke down on first day. Had to return