NO!!!!! NO WATER!!!!, Polish them before you but them on extra work on the ankle area, but them on wear them all day, polish them before u take them off, repeat.
The best thing is to go to a cobbler if u try everything and nothing works and if its only stretching the calf area that can be easily done, 24 hrs or less. If your a risk taker an like to do things your self u can soak the calf area with medicinal alcohol, really soak it. put the boots on. the alcohol filled leather will stretch to your calf size. going up and down stairs and any other activities that will flex your calf will be good. Once the alcohol evaporates, apply shoe polish nice thick layer ( while still using the boots)and let it seep in for 30 -45 mins and reapply to re hydrate the stretched leather and protect. Polish and buff wear the boots the rest of the day. before u take of your boots at night reapply polish. Ideal one should polish before using and after using the boots. I have done this to many old boots and worked for me fine. but best idea would be to have a pro do it, they insert wooden calf's ( don't know the real name ) and expanded the leather. Also the leather will stretch with use, but u need to keep the leather hydrated with polish.
