Tight-fitting boots often result in foot problems.
Few things are more painful on the feet than leather boots that are too tight or that haven't been broken in. Feet expand when bearing weight. Swelling during the course of the day can enlarge your feet, but leather tends to constrict. When boots are new, this often leads to blisters and pain. Even if the fit is right, new boots are often stiff. Most boots will stretch out slightly with wear over time, and lighter-weight boots typically break in more quickly than heavy boots. The good news is that there are several easy things you can do to speed up the break-in process of new boots. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Confirm that your boots are the correct fit for your feet. No amount of breaking in will transform a poor fit into a good one. New boots may be a little stiff, but pain, rubbing or pinched toes are indications that you need a different style or size.
2. Wear your boots for short periods of time with the kind of socks you would normally pair with them. If the boots lace up, make sure they are tight and the tongue of the boot is aligned correctly. Even brief wear will make creases in the boot that will remain for life. Start out wearing the boots around the house, or for quick errands. Try not to exceed a few hours' worth of wear at a time.
3. Coat the boots with a good boot conditioner, following the manufacturer's package instructions. Put them in a plastic bag and set them in a warm area overnight, allowing the conditioner to absorb into the surface of each boot. Bend the boots at the heel and toe areas to help speed up the break-in process.
4. Wet the boots completely with plain water. Place plastic bags on your feet, then but the boots on and walk around. Allow them to dry on your feet, if possible: this will help them form to the unique contour of your feet.
5. Place a boot stretcher in each boot. This block of wood is designed to stretch and widen a shoe, and approximates your foot's size. Leave the stretcher in place for a minimum of 24 hours.
6. Apply a shoe stretch spray or boot oil, following the manufacturer's package instructions. These products are designed to make the boots more pliable and easier to break in.
7. Wear the boots as often as possible once they start breaking in, to speed up the process.
Tags: your feet, boots often, break-in process, break-in process boots, each boot