BOOT TOE BOX REPAIR QUESTION

[Drummist]

Hi everyone. I'm trying to repair dented toe boxes in typical western style pull on boots. When new, the toe box is molded and stiffer than the rest of the upper. They have both been slightly crushed by outdoor work (tree work) and I'm looking for tools and tips for getting them back in shape. In my mind, I see a curved tool that I can get down in the toe and manipulate the toe back up in place while heating the leather. My hand doesn't fit. Does that make any sense? Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you,

D

[Northmount]

1 hour ago, Drummist said:

Hi everyone. I'm trying to repair dented toe boxes in typical western style pull on boots. When new, the toe box is molded and stiffer than the rest of the upper. They have both been slightly crushed by outdoor work (tree work) and I'm looking for tools and tips for getting them back in shape. In my mind, I see a curved tool that I can get down in the toe and manipulate the toe back up in place while heating the leather. My hand doesn't fit. Does that make any sense? Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you,

D

Moved your post to Shoes, Boots, Sandals and Moccassins

[tozafoot]

I have used a small marble pestle to push out slightly dented toe boxes: can hold the pestle in place with one hand and hit the outside of the toe shape lightly with a small hammer (peen) to smooth out creases in the leather. Not sure about using heat to restore shape: I guess it depends what was used to make the rigid toe shape in the first place. When I make footwear with toe boxes, I soak veg-tan cowhide (~5oz) for several hours before pulling it into place on the last and nailing it on. No heat involved at all, only water,

Edited yesterday at 08:14 PM by tozafoot
Typos

[Drummist]

Tozafoot - Thanks for that reply. I'll give it a try. I never thought to try hammering it flat so that just might work! I have this idea that some sort of product like Celastic or a glue of some sort, would help to "stiffen" the inside of the toe box to help it retain the shape after getting it smoothed out. Is this a bad idea? I also thought of using "Tuff-toe" on the exterior, but I'd hate the look of it.

D