How To Break In Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots have come a long way from being the preserve of horse wranglers and Western movies, and are now a popular footwear choice all across the world.
Once broken in, these are amongst the most comfortable boots you will ever own – but getting to this stage can be a challenge.
To help, we have put together everything you need to know to break in your cowboy boots, and enjoy comfortable, supported feet no matter where you are.
Why Break In Cowboy Boots?
The first thing that should strike you about cowboy boots is their comfort level.
The leather soles provide excellent support for walking on uneven terrain, which means they’re perfect for hiking or even just exploring the local countryside.
They also make them ideal for wearing with jeans, as the smooth leather won’t rub against your skin.
Before you wear your boots out and about, however, it is important to get them broken in properly.
This ensures that they fit comfortably around your foot, providing the best possible support.
It also makes sure that they don’t pinch or chafe when you walk, so you can spend more time enjoying yourself rather than worrying about discomfort.
How Do I Get My Cowboy Boots Broken In?
There are a number of options when it comes to breaking in your cowboy boots, and some of the most popular include:
Practice Walking
This is probably one of the easiest ways to get your boots ready for use – but it is important to start small and build up the distance and terrain.
You could try walking around the block once every day, gradually increasing the length of each trip until your boots feel comfortable.
Find The Right Socks
Another option to help you break in your boots is to double up on your socks and make sure that you are choosing the right type of socks for your cowboy boots.
For example, thick cotton socks might not work well with suede-leather boots, while thin nylon ones may cause problems with rough leather.
You may need to experiment with a range of socks and materials before you find the perfect pair, so be prepared to try a few options to get comfortable!
Use A Boot Stretcher
A boot stretcher is an essential tool for anyone who wants to break in their cowboy boots.
Boot stretchers work by stretching the leather uppers over the top of your boots, allowing you to take advantage of the benefits of having a good-fitting pair of boots without any discomfort.
They are available at most shoe stores and are relatively cheap.
If you do decide to buy one, make sure that you choose a model that fits your size correctly, as there are many different sizes available.
Use Boot Stretching Spray
If you prefer to avoid using a boot stretcher, then you can always opt for a boot stretching spray instead.
These sprays contain chemicals that soften the leather, making it easier to stretch over your boots.
However, they aren’t recommended for those with sensitive skin, and should only be used sparingly.
Use Two Pairs Of Socks To Stretch Your Boots
Another way to break in your boots is by using two pairs of socks.
This will help to stretch your boots as you wear them, making them more comfortable and molded to your feet.
Submerge Your Boots In Water
The final method we recommend is soaking your boots in water.
This helps to loosen the leather, making it much easier to stretch over your shoes.
Simply place your boots in a tub of warm water, and try to reduce the amount of water that enters the inside of the boot, using your hands to hold them in place.
This method will loosen the fibers of the boots, and give extra flexibility to the material.
As an added bonus, this technique will also allow your boots to fit you more exactly, creating a comfortable, custom experience.
Condition And Moisturize Your Boots
After all of these methods have been tried, you will want to condition and moisturize your boots.
Conditioning allows the leather to become supple again, and moisturizing keeps the leather soft and flexible.
To condition your boots, simply rub them down with a brush or towel, and apply a little oil.
Make sure that you don’t put too much oil into the boots, as this will prevent them from drying out properly.
To moisturize your boots, simply rub some lotion onto the surface of the leather, and leave it to dry naturally.
It is best to keep your boots away from direct sunlight, as this will speed up the process.
When you are finished conditioning and moisturizing your boots, you will notice that they look brand new again, and they will also be more supple and comfortable, allowing them to take the shape of your feet more exactly.
Steam The Inside Of Your Boots
Finally, if none of the above techniques have worked for you, then another option is to steam the inside of your boots.
Steaming loosens and softens the fibers of the leather, making it possible to stretch the boots over your foot.
You can use a steamer, or even a hairdryer, to heat up the interior of the boots.
You should never use a blow dryer on leather, as this could damage the material.
Instead, use a steamer or hairdryer to gently heat the inside of the boots.
Once the boots are heated up, you can carefully place your foot inside the boot, and this will encourage it to stretch and mold to the shape of your foot, offering a far more comfortable experience.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many ways to break in cowboy boots and to help you achieve a super comfortable fit.
It is important to remember that no matter what you choose, make sure that you do not overdo it; too much breaking in can cause the leather to crack, which will ruin the appearance of your boots, and undo all of your hard work.
