I've had mine for two seasons and I have not experienced any stretching. If they are too loose either use extra socks inside your waders or neoprene "booties" over your wader feet. Either way, if they are still too loose after trying one pair of extra socks or the booties then by all means, take them back. Believe me, L.L. Bean wants you to be completely satisfied. Good luck, I like my aqua-stealth wading shoes a lot better than any of the felt soled shoes I've used.