Working boots are an essential part if you work in places like warehouses, kitchens, or building sites. Though they give you safety, they are not always as comfortable as the other shoes, especially when your boot is new, it is painful if you wear it all day long.
So before you start using a new pair of boots, you should break it in at first, doing so will make it comfortable as well as easy to use. Today I will share how to break in work boots by following some easy steps to make your boots comfortable.
How To Soften Leather Work Boots:
It takes a few times to soften and break in your leather boots, so you need to have some patience in this case. Here are some easy steps that will help you effectively—
1.Choose The Right Size:
Boot sizes are not just numbers when it is about comfort. Some boots may run large or some may run small. As you need to wear it all day long, do not compromise the proper size. Take your time while choosing the right size and model.
For example, runners are required to measure the gaits to find out suitable running shoes. If you are seeking out new boots, you need to know your preferable arch support. More arch support is necessary for a flat foot.
2.Moisturize And Condition The Boot:
Moisturisers, oils, leather conditions make your boot relax and soften the upper part. They can stretch the fibers easier, so manufacturers usually recommend some specific products for some specific shoe models.
For example, mink oil darkens the leather, spray conditions containing silicon dries the protein bonds out of the leather, or some oils that are infused in pine sap can act as natural preservatives.
Do not forget to air dry your boots after the conditioning process before walking with it. These products are useful even in the break in phase. You should condition the boots every 3-6 months to keep them workable.
3.Walking Around The House:
Work boots usually take more effort and time to break in as they are made of tough materials than regular boots. If you use it more and more, the flexibility of the leather will be increased and it will adjust with the shape of your feet.
Firstly, start wearing the new boots around your house for about a few hours every day. If you do not have much time, you can give only 15-20 minutes before and also after work. After that, you can wear them and spend all weekend around the house.
Also, you can walk up and down to the stairs wearing the new boots. Put the midsole to the edge of stairs and rock it back and forth. Gradually increase the time wearing the boots.
4.Walking Around The Outside:
If you have any apartment walk-up, front yard, garden, or patio steps, go through different floors of different textures and hardness wearing the boots. The sidewalk that is in front of the house can be used as an exercise step.
One thing to remember, you need to break in your boots first indoors, otherwise, you can’t return the boots if you have worn them outdoors.
5.Wearing Thick Socks With The Boots:
If you wear a thick sock, it will add a layer and stretch the leather from inward to outward. Secondly, it will cushion the feet during the break-in process.
The thick socks are important while breaking in boots of steel toe. Hiking socks are also good for this as they are bulkier and also have an extra heel pad, so you can effectively stretch the inside of your boot at every angle.
Also, thick socks can help you to break the boots in. Wearing the boots with thick socks while you are doing anything in your house can make this process less time-consuming.
6.Bending The Boots And Stepping On The Heel:
Bend back the midsole of your boot with your hands and forth. This is an easy task that you can do while watching TV or sitting on the couch, it will help the process. Also, you can step on the heel to relax the stiff areas of your boot. Have a read if you want to know more about work Boots for Motorcycle Riding review.
The Things You Should Not Do:
It is better to avoid some steps that you may think helpful. But avoiding the steps will make it easier for you—
1.Do Not Overdo:
You should not overdo while breaking in your boots. You can go for 2-3 days, then stop for 1-2 days. If you don’t give a break to the boot, the moisture will build up with no chance to disperse inside. If you continue to use it, too much moisture may cause unbroken-in boots and later it may cause blisters.
2.Avoid Using Hot Water Treatment:
You may see the military using this method to break their boot in. They submerge the boots in a bowl of hot water for about half an hour. But this process is not suitable for all.
This method dries out and destroys the leather of the boot, it can collapse before you notice it. So, if you are not military trained, it is recommended to avoid this method.
3.Avoid Applying Heat Directly To The Boot:
You should always air dry the boot after conditioning. Don’t use hair dryers to dry the boot quickly as it can cause cracks in your boots.
Bottom Line:
I hope you have an overall idea about how to break in work boots easily. All you need to do is follow some simple steps and after a few days, you will be able to use your boots in the workplace, and also it will facilitate your workability.
