Breaking in cowboy boots can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort. A good pair of boots can last for years, and become a staple of your wardrobe. However, the process of breaking in cowboy boots has been known to be occasionally uncomfortable, but with some patience and persistence, you can get your boots to fit like a glove.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that not all cowboy boots are created equal. Some boots are made with a softer leather, while others are made with a stiffer leather that will require more time to break in. Additionally, the fit of the boot will also impact how long the break-in process takes.
There are three things to remember with how cowboy boots should fit
- Make sure the boots are snug at the widest part of your foot, from the ball of the foot to just below the pinkie toe.
- Make sure they are snug at the instep. This is where you would tie laces on lace up shoes
- Make sure you have one to two fingers width of heel slip. Heel slip is very important with cowboy boots and it can be an awkward feeling at first but if you don’t have heel slip, breaking in boots will be much more painful.
Now that you have the right fit, break in those boots!
To start breaking in your cowboy boots, the first thing you’ll want to do is wear them around the house for short periods of time. This will help your feet get accustomed to the fit and will start to loosen up the leather. You don’t want to wear them for too long at first just in case something is off with your fit, as this can lead to blisters and sore feet.
Once you’ve worn your boots around the house or doing small chores out and about for a few days, you can start to wear them much more frequently. The more you wear them, the better they will feel over the weeks and months you continue to wear them.
The absolute best way to break in cowboy boots is to just wear them everyday, everywhere.
Speeding Up Break In
A trick to help break in cowboy boots is to use leather conditioner. This will help soften the leather and make it more pliable. Be sure to choose a conditioner that is specifically designed for leather boots, as some products may damage the leather.
If you have a particularly tight area on your cowboy boots you wish would break in faster, you can take them to a cobbler and ask to have them stretched. You may see varying results depending on where you need the boots stretched. For example, usually the tops (or shafts) of the boot don’t stretch very much.
Another thing you can do at home if a little area on the boot is bothersome is to take a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. The alcohol will help leather stretch more easily which can break in some boots faster. Be careful with this method as it can leave stains on the boot depending on the leather and how much you use.
Remember that getting the right fit first is the most important thing
It’s important to note that breaking in cowboy boots can take time, and there may be some discomfort along the way. However, with patience and persistence, you can get your boots to fit like a glove. Once your boots are broken in, you’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.
When it comes to caring for your cowboy boots, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to clean them regularly. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris, and be sure to condition the leather every four to six months to keep it soft and supple.
You may also want to invest in some boot trees to help maintain the shape of your boots. Boot trees are designed to fit inside the boot and help prevent creases and wrinkles from forming. I don’t mind the look of a boot that’s well broken in though. That’s how boots get soul!