Turning your size nine boots into the size eight you meant to buy is easier than it sounds and doesn’t involve cutting them in half or shrinking them in water.

Like when my rucksack straps fell apart during a three-day hike, and I had to improvise straps using cable ties and a lot of prayers, I’m a fan of finding easy fixes to problems. And when it comes to poorly fitting boots, throwing them away because they’re too big makes me break out in a cold sweat.

If you’re trapped with a pair of boots that are way too loose, I’m here to show you how to make them smaller and tighter so they’ll fit as they should without having to chop them in half. 

#1 Wear Thick Work Socks

If your work boot feels loose, wearing thick work socks is the best way to fill it out. 

Padding out your entire foot by wearing the proper socks will reduce the free space inside your boot and make them feel much tighter.

The toughest, thickest sock I’ve found is the Camel City Mill Heavyweight Work Sock, a premium quality sock that’s ideal for making your boots feel tighter. It’s thermoregulated, so you don’t have to worry about overheating. 

As it’s heavily cushioned at the heel and toe, your feet will feel snug to the front and back of your boots.

#2 Try Insoles

One of the best ways to make your boots tighter also has the added benefit of making them even more comfortable. 

Insoles are primarily for comfort or adding support if you’re a plantar fasciitis sufferer, but they’ll also make your boots smaller by reducing the free space inside them. 

Wear insoles that contour to your feet and add arch support, as that will reduce foot fatigue and hold your foot in place too. 

#3 Toe Fillers for Loose Toes

Not too long ago, people only had one option when trying to reduce the toe area of their footwear—tissue paper. Thankfully, there are many more permanent and effective options available today.

Toe fillers sit at the front of your toe box, reducing the space between your toes and the front of your boot. 

#4 Adding Heel Grips Tightens the Fit

If you’re wearing your work socks, and your boot still feels too loose, especially at the ankle and heel area, your best option is to use heel grips.

Heel grips fix to the back of your work boots, often with self-adhesive tape, and force your foot forwards slightly. This makes your boot feel more secure as there’s less give at the back. 

If you’ve ever suffered heel slippage, you may have used heel grips before. Combined with lacing your boots properly, heel grips make your boots feel a much tighter fit.

#5 Use the Ladder Lacing Technique

Most people never take the laces out of their boots, and even when they do, re-lace them the same way their boots came laced in the first place. 

There’s nothing wrong with the standard lacing technique, especially when your boots fit like a glove, but if they’re too loose, there’s a much better way to lace them. 

The ladder lace system is the most effective way to lace your boots. The military uses it mainly because it's proven to offer incredible stability and support.

If you try this method, which I strongly recommend, you’ll probably need longer laces than usual. 

Fitting It All Together

As with most problems, there’s often more than one solution, and combining two easy fixes at once can work even better. 

I’ve always found that combining my Camel City Mill Heavyweight Work Sock with insoles makes my boots tighter, especially as I’ve got small feet.