How do you break in boots?

[USDS]

I have some new Caterpillar boots that felt great yesterday but today are rubbing my heels pretty badly. I've completely soaked them in water and am wearing them to break them in faster. Is this a good method? What do you guys do with a new pair of boots to break them in?

 

[JokerGirl]

Dr. Scholl's Moleskin can be bought at most drug stores. It'll relieve the rubbing until your boots break in.

 

[PeaShooter]

you could use moleskin on your heels until the boots break in? Also, maybe mink oil to soften the leather.

 

[MikeDVB]

I've always just manned-up and wore them until they were comfortable...

Maybe my heels are less sensitive?

 

[RobbyMaQ]

^^ This. But I am not the brightest match in the box.

 

[Suprtek]

The most effective method I've ever found to break in boots is simple use. If they are rubbing now but weren't before it may be because you bought them a little too large. When they are new, too tight is better than too loose because they usually stretch a bit.

 

[melensdad]

Never heard of soaking them in WATER to break them in.

 

[rockhopper46038]

Just have to wear them...

 

[hornadylnl]

Never heard of soaking them in WATER to break them in.

Did a 12 mile road march in a new pair of lots I got the day before. It w our quartermaster refit and I had the option of turning in 1 or 2 pairs of boots for new ones. Being a cheapskate, I wasn't going to pass up on that free pair of boots. I soaked them in the shower and wore them all night before the march. Wore a pair of knee highs under my socks and didn't get a single blister in 12 miles.

 

[Harleyrider_50]

Get a better quality boot........won't have 'at problem.....

 

[Hookeye]

Kick hippies.

 

[GLOCKMAN23C]

I would find random people, throw them to the ground, and place said boot on their neck.

Seriously, mink oil and wear them.

 

[w_ADAM_d88]

Wear em. Wear em. Wear em. Wear em. Did I mention wear em? All day, put em on when you wake up, take em off right before bed.

 

[remauto1187]

Put band aids on the wear spots on your feet to keep blisters from happening or continuing until boots wear in...AND

Wear them in the SHOWER 2 or 3 times if they are leather.

Thats what we did in the Navy. Let them hang dry overnight.

 

[xcalibur]

As others have suggested, Moleskin on the hot spots covered with duct tape.
Really, don't use mink oil on your leather boots especially if they are used for hiking. It will soften the leather alright, but you will lose the support you need which could lead to further problems. Just wear the boots often. Hopefully they are not oversize.
I have a pair of boots that are oversize for cooler weather, to be worn with 2 pair of socks. They feel sloppy and cause too much heat on the heel with one pair of socks.
When it comes to boots, size matters.

I have purchased quite a few boots in my day and am always happier with a snug fit out of the gate.

Sole integrity is the big issue these days.

 

[AJBB87]

Reading this thread makes me happy about the new boots I bought...

5.11 Haste boots 13EE - awsome pair of shoes!

OP: Good luck!

 

[silverspoon]

Get a better quality boot........won't have 'at problem.....

^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^

If you have to do all that to wear your new boots then the boots you bought was the wrong size to begin with. Just sayin'

 

[nm0369]

Proper sizing is critical...boots shouldn't slip/rub enough to cause blisters. I got a new pair of Thorogood's two weeks ago, no break-in needed. I wore them around the house for an afternoon as a trial run, but they've been gtg at work all day. I highly recommend the brand...one of the few still made in US

 

[Tactical Dave]

I give them to an Impd buddy who breaks them in for me... Just have to rinse the blood off..... Just kidding. I wear them a few times on days off then just man up, have heard soaking them in water and all helps.

 

[churchmouse]

Get a better quality boot........won't have 'at problem.....

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^