How do you break in boots before wearing them?

How do you break in boots before wearing them? New boots can take around 80 to 100 hours to break in. That being said, don’t subject yourself to wearing your boots for 4 days straight and expect your feet to be happy with you. Instead, space this time out to about 2 to 3 hours a day and keep a second pair of boots to change into.

How long does it take to break in a boot? How long do boots take to break in? Boots can take between one and four weeks to break in. It depends on how often you wear them, though the general rule is 80-100 hours.

Do boots need break in? Unlike our cushy sneakers or slip-on shoes, though, just about all boots require some breaking in. Wear ’em right out of the box to work, a day out on the trail, or even for a long night on the town, and you’ll likely be rewarded with blisters, crushed toes, sore feet, or worse. Don’t blame it on the boots!

Our Top picks
Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Mid Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot, Summer Brown, 10.5
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10
Cat Footwear mens Second Shift Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5 US
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
Title
Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Mid Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot, Summer Brown, 10.5
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10
Cat Footwear mens Second Shift Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5 US
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
Rating
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Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Mid Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot, Summer Brown, 10.5
Title
Wolverine Men's Overpass 6" Mid Composite Toe Waterproof Work Boot, Summer Brown, 10.5
Rating
-
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10
Title
Timberland PRO Men's Boondock 6 Inch Composite Safety Toe Waterproof Industrial Work Boot, Black, 10
Rating
Cat Footwear mens Second Shift Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5 US
Title
Cat Footwear mens Second Shift Work Boot, Dark Brown, 10.5 US
Rating
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
Title
Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
Rating

How do you break in boots without getting blisters? 

  1. Socks will save you. Find a thick pair of socks and wear them inside your boots around the house for a bit.
  2. Try adding heat.
  3. Bring some back-ups.
  4. Try the freezer trick.
  5. Wear blister plasters.
  6. Choose quality over quantity.
  7. Take them to a professional.

How do you stop new boots from hurting?

Here we debunk some internet myths and show you how to get your new kicks as comfortable as possible as quickly as possible.
  1. Putting boots In Water To Break Them In.
  2. Put Water into Your Boots To Stretch Them.
  3. Ease into Your New Shoes.
  4. Wear Thick Socks to Break in Boots.
  5. Use a shoe/boot stretcher.

How do you loosen tight boots?

Why do my boots give me blisters?

Incorrectly Sized Boots: Yep, the most common cause of blisters are boots that are not properly fit onto your foot. This is usually caused by too big of a size boot and is characterized by a nasty heel blister.

How do I stop my calves from rubbing my boots?

Duct tape or Moleskin: Just wrap the edge of the boots so it isn’t so sharp. Tops of socks: Cut the top off of socks. Glue or tape them inside the boots where the chafing is occurring. Long sock turned over boot: Wear long, very stretchy socks.

How do you soften leather shoes to prevent blisters?

According to PopSugar, spraying shoes with an alcohol and water mixture will help soften them by stretching the natural fibers of the shoe. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, spray into each boot, and let soak overnight.

Should boots fit tight or loose?

Your boots should not feel tight. They should feel snug on the forefoot, they should have plenty of room in the toe box, and the heel should not slip more than a quarter of an inch.

Is your boot size the same as your shoe size?

Your boot size will often not be the same as your shoe size, though for some people it will be. There are a few reasons for this. Partially, it has to do with the way that sizes are measured. Partially it has to do with the lasts that shoemakers use to make shoes.

Why are boots so uncomfortable?

So, the reason that many steel toe boots are uncomfortable is usually that the person wearing them has bought a pair of boots made on too narrow or too low a toe box to have both a steel toe insert AND the room for their toes to be comfortable.

Should you buy boots a size bigger?

You should also not try to size up in regular boot sizes, because even if larger boots fit the width of your foot, the boot will be too long and will cause blisters, chafing and heel slippage. Instead, try on boots that naturally come in wide sizes like Chippewa, Rocky and Wolverine.

Should your toes touch the end of your boots?

Check for heel lift and toes touching the end of the boot. You should be able to wiggle your toes inside the toe box (the front of the shoe).

What to do if a boot is a half size too big?

5 Steps to Make Big Boot Fit Better
  1. Step 1: Walk Around and Take Note. Walk around in your boots and take note of any specific pain points.
  2. Step 2: Choose the Right Insole.
  3. Step 3: Insert the Insole and Walk Around.
  4. Step 4: Pound the Pavement.
  5. Step 5: Consider Permanently Securing the Insoles.

Do boots stretch out?

Yes, leather boots, with use, naturally stretch over time. The weight and stress you apply to the boots as you wear them will eventually cause the boots to shape to your feet. But the change will be minimal, and won’t be enough to correct for wrong sizing.

How tight should new boots be?

It should not pinch across the ball of the foot or the toes, but should be comfortably snug in the instep area of your foot. Just like a good handshake. A new boot may slip some when new, but if it is snug in the instep, that slip will come out, after it is flexed from wearing.

How can I stretch my boots at home wider?

How can you tell if leather boots are too small?

Be on the lookout for these indicators when you aren’t certain about the sizing.
  1. You Can See Bumps Outside. Examine the outside edges of the boots.
  2. You Have Loose Heels. Now at first glance, this one may seem counterintuitive.
  3. Your Toes Feel Cramped.

Is it better for hiking boots to be too big or too small?

Many hikers suggest that a pair of right hiking boots should be a half or full size larger than their normal shoe size or even the hiking boots that fit you perfectly.

What size should I get in boots?

If you don’t remember the size, look inside the shaft of the boots or on the inside bottom. If this is your first pair of workboots, normally start with 1/2 a size down from your normal shoe size. If you are between sizes, order 1/2 size up.

How do I know if my boot is too small?

Another way to test it is to put your boots on, stand up straight, and then wiggle your toes. If you can’t wiggle your toes, the boot is too tight. We also recommend walking around in them for a minute or two.