Rubber boots or wellies are essential footwear for many people, particularly those regularly out in the rain and mud. However, what makes them so reliable is also what often makes them difficult to take off!
This is because they’re designed with a very snug fit around the feet and calf, ensuring that no water or dirt can get through into the shoe. While this is ideal protection against wetness and mess, it’s not always convenient when needing to quickly take off your shoes.
To remedy this issue, manufacturers have created adjustable options with special buckles that allow you to loosen your grip as much as you need before slipping away from your feet. However, most rubber boots lack these straps or buckles.
That’s why today we will look at some simple yet effective tips, tricks, and techniques to help make taking off those sturdy rain boots a more manageable and far less time-consuming task. Read on to learn more!
5 Ways To Take Off Rubber Boots or Willies Effortlessly
Taking off your rubber boots or willies after wearing them for long can be a difficult and daunting task. However, there’s no need to struggle – with a few simple guidelines, you can make your life easier the next time you need to remove them!
In this section, we will explore five simple but effective techniques you can use to remove your favorite pair of rubber boots or willies effortlessly. Read on to learn more!
1. Using a Boot Stretcher
A boot stretcher is designed to stretch rubber boots by applying gradual pressure and expanding the material. The stretcher is adjusted to match the desired foot shape when inserted into the boot.
Expanding the stretcher using an adjustment mechanism exerts gentle force on the rubber material, gradually stretching it over time. Leaving the stretcher inside the boot for a period allows the material to adjust and conform to the expanded shape.
This process helps to increase the size and alleviate tightness, making it easier to wear and remove the boots. Care should be taken to avoid overstretching, as it may lead to damage. We highly recommend the HOUNDSBAY Professional Boot Stretcher because of its quality and effectiveness.
Steps to Follow:-
- Insert the stretcher into the boot, adjusting it to match the shape of your foot and gradually expanding it using the adjustment mechanism.
- Leave the stretcher in place for several hours or overnight, and then carefully remove it, reducing the tension gradually.
- Try on the boots to test the fit, repeating the process if needed.
- Finally, remember to care for your boots properly to maintain their durability. Exercise caution to avoid overstretching and damaging the boots.
2. Heating the Boots
This can be achieved by either using a Blow Dryer, a Heat Lamp, or a Heat Gun. It’s important to ensure that your boots are clean before using this method.
Steps to Follow:-
- Warm up the boots using a blow dryer or heat gun, set at medium heat. Hold it about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) away from the surface of the boots at all times.
- Too much heat can make you feel like you are burning in it or ruin the rubber material. Target the areas of the wellies that need stretching. This can be the toe area or the calf area.
- Warm the rubber evenly and be patient enough to avoid overheating. After about 20 minutes, the rubber should be soft enough to allow you to slip off the boots with ease.
We highly recommend the Plusivo 2000W Fast Heat Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun because of the following features.
- Adjustable Temperature Control 122~1112℉ (50-600℃)
- Easy to use and well-labeled operation instruction booklet.
- Ergonomic and heat-resistant handle for easy handling.
- High power with strong airflow (Upto 500 Liters per minute)
- Bundled with four nozzles (2 concentrator or reducing nozzles to concentrate the hot air in a small area, and 2 reflector nozzle that disperses heat flow evenly around the whole work surface)
3. Boot Jack
To use a Boot Jack, You just need to use one leg to hold the boot jack, stick the heel of the boot in the boot jack, and it will slide right off with an effortless motion.
It is especially perfect for muddy weather as it will not only ease your boot removal process but also leave your hands mud-free. See the video below.
We highly recommend the Ariat Unisex Boot Jack as it is made from stained hardwood and easily removes any type of boot with ease. This means that it can fit any heel. The Ariat boot jack is made with a wooden base but is very durable. You don’t have to bend over to remove your boots anymore!
4. Shoe Horn
All shoe horns have a basic shape but have varying lengths. You can purchase long-handled shoe horns for longer wellies. Shoehorns with sturdy handles are the best for putting on and taking off boots.
They help in reducing too much bending and straining when putting on and taking off boots. The thick rigid metal ensures that it will not break in the middle of taking off your boots. It does not require any special technique and creates the perfect angle and alignment to put the shoe on and take off.
To remove rubber shoes or wellies using a shoe horn, choose a suitable and sturdy shoe horn. We highly recommend the ZOMAKE Shoe Horn Long Handle as its 16.5-inch long handle makes putting or removing boots a breeze for you, whether standing or sitting, without bending over.
Steps to Follow:-
- Position the curved end of the shoe horn inside the heel of the shoe or welly and apply gentle pressure to push the shoe forward.
- Slide your foot out of the shoe while using the shoe horn for assistance.
- Repeat the process if needed.
Using a shoe horn makes removing rubber footwear easier, maintains its shape, and reduces friction. Handle the shoe horn with care to avoid any injuries.
5. Boots Stretching Spray
Stretching spray helps the rubber material to stretch to its full potential. Read instructions and ingredients carefully before use, as some chemicals can have harmful side effects.
The Footmatters Boot & Shoe Stretch Spray is a highly recommended boot stretching spray. Moreover, the product is bundled with a free Shoe expander for effective boot stretching and expansion.
The product also works on a wide variety of materials, including leather, suede, canvas, synthetics, linens, nubuck, and patent leather.
No products found.
Steps to Follow:-
- To use this product, it is important first to shake the bottle before use.
- Spray generously on the area you want to expand (inside and outside) of the boot or willies, focusing on the stiff part of the boot.
- Insert the foot extender inside the boot and twist and lock the handle to the desired length. The extender has three different lengths to fit your desired comfort level.
- You can leave the boot extender inside the shoes overnight for better and permanent results.
What Makes Rubber Boots So Hard to Take Off
It’s the end of a long, wet day; you are tired and want to get out of your rubber boots or wellies as quickly as possible. But removing your trusty rain gear can be complicated; there is often a battle with excess water that creates suction and makes wearing practically airtight!
Below are the main causes that make it challenging to remove rubber boots easily.
1. The Material
Wellies are made from rubber. Rubber material tends to suction your skin, especially when you wear wellies without socks. Unlike leather, rubber does not stretch as much, and this will cause difficulty when putting the boots on and taking them off.
2. Their Tight Fit
Although wellies are now used as a fashion item, they are designed as work boots. They are purposely made to be difficult to take off so that you can trudge muddy, wet, and uneven fields and terrains without slipping off.
If they had a loose fitting and were easy to slip off, the mud would suck them off your feet, and no one would appreciate that.
3. They are New
New rubber boots are inflexible and stiff. It takes rubber a while to conform to your feet, and this will cause discomfort when putting on and taking off your boots.
Your boots will need a little breaking in, or you can persevere through the slow process of stretching after a few wears.
4. Their Design
Wellies are weighty and are made from nonporous rubber and nylon materials. Although these features offer waterproof reliability, durability, and versatility, they are difficult to flex at the ankles and, as a result, can be a bit too tight to take off loosely.
Final Words
In conclusion, No one likes struggling to take off their rubber boots, but with a few simple tips, you can make it easier on yourself. Remember to use these helpful tips and tricks next time you’re ready to take your rubber boots off.
Soon enough, you’ll be able to take them off easily – no matter how muddy or wet they may be! Don’t hesitate to contact our team via the Feedback Form if you have any further inquiries.
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
