Unpunching boots

[Sparwood Dave]

Searched without luck. Several years ago I had my boots major punched for bunions and 6th toe. After wearing Rx orthotics full time my bunions are now almost gone but it would be nice it the boots were narrower again. Can I unpunch my boots? If I heat them carefully with my heat gun what are the odds they will return to original on their own? If not would there be any risk if I push the punches back?

[ace..]

heat them, then stick em in the snow.

[Westslope]

If the shells won't go back you can always get a bootfitter to shape some foam shims to go on the side of your liner.

[DRZ1050i]

JB Weld




876098789

[mntlion]

try heating them in boiling water for 10 minutes, then hit with rubber mallet, or press in bench mount vice.
the water gives very even heat, and you can't overheat.

if that doesn't work foam in the punches might help.

[Snowy Spartan]

try heating them in boiling water for 10 minutes, then hit with rubber mallet, or press in bench mount vice.
the water gives very even heat, and you can't overheat.

if that doesn't work foam in the punches might help.

If you don't want to do that because you have other boot work that might be impacted - i.e. Toe box length

You can always spot heat, just make sure you heat slowly and from a decent distance away from the boot.