How do you avoid boots from splitting??

[jwiz154]

Does anyone have any hints to keep boots from splitting when you try to put them back on? I'm trying to put the boots back on a 12inch Superman. I've already destroyed 2 boots, they split right down the front seam. I've heard that baby powder might help. Thanks for any suggestions!!!

[spotter]

Not a whole lot you can do with old (brittle) plastic. one option is to place boots into lukewarm/ hot water ( not boiling ) this will soften the plastic and may allow you to slip the boot on. make sure to shake it out thouroughly since megos uniforms would absorb the water in the boot.

I prefer this method to the hair dryer since it doesn't usually cause any plastic shrinkage. Of course buying repro boots from DOC and keeping the originals aside may make more sense in the long run

[Mikey]

I never tried this, but I heard to wrap the boots top up in masking tape ... Then when the boot is on, unwrap the tape and take it off.

[zorro]

Hey Buddy,

I often twist the boot as I slip it on the figure. By twisting it, it helps to move the foot slightly. I just tried this with a recently acquired soldier ape T-1. I had very good luck, as the soldier apes are one of the hardest rubber animals to get boots on:ape:

Another thing that I do is pinch the heel slightly so the foot does not go in that area and get stuck. Supes is a bit tough as it is a larger boot.

Hope this helps.

[toys2cool]

I never tried this, but I heard to wrap the boots top up in masking tape ... Then when the boot is on, unwrap the tape and take it off.

i do that to my vintage Joes boots and it works