It’s true what they say: It’s hard to be a cowboy. Not just because of the work but also because of the boots. If you’re new to cowboys boots or have just been struggling to break them in, don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Check out our tips below on making those stiff leather boots more comfortable. You’ll be wearing them like a pro in no time! Keep reading to learn more about how to break in cowboy boots?
Summary: Breaking in a pair of cowboy boots can be a daunting task, but with the right method, it can be done quickly and easily. The key is to find a softer material that will allow the leather to conform to your foot while providing enough structure to support your feet. Consider using a foam insert, heating the leather with a hair dryer, or rubbing oil into the leather. This will help soften the surface and make them more comfortable.
Why Is It Important to Break Cowboy Boots In?
Breaking in a new pair of cowboy boots is essential to achieving ultimate comfort. Although the process can be painful and take some time, it is worth it. The following are three reasons why breaking in cowboy boots is important:
First, when you break in cowboy boots, you stretch the leather so that it conforms to the shape of your foot. This not only makes the boot more comfortable but also helps to prevent blisters and other problems.
Second, breaking in cowboy boots helps to create a water-resistant seal. It becomes denser and less likely to absorb moisture when the leather is stretched. This means that your feet will stay dryer, even when walking through puddles or working in wet conditions.
Finally, breaking in cowboy boots helps to create a better fit. When you first try on a new pair of cowboy boots, they may feel too tight or loose. However, they will conform to your foot after you have broken them in and provide a comfortable, custom fit.
How to Break in Cowboy Boots – Different Ways
1. Wear Them
One of the best ways to break in cowboy boots is simply wearing them. It might sound too easy, but it’s true. Like with any new shoes, the more you wear them, the more comfortable they will become.
So, if you want your cowboy boots to feel like they’re made just for you, start by wearing them around the house for short periods. Then, gradually increase the amount of time you spend on them until you’re comfortable wearing them all day long.
2. Wear Socks
The most popular method to break in cowboy boots is also the most effective. You have to put on a thick pair of socks and wear your boots around the house for an hour or two.
This will help stretch out the leather and make them more comfortable to wear. If you don’t have time to walk around the house, you can also try this method while watching TV or working at your desk.
3. Use Boot Trees
If you want to speed up the breaking-in process, you can invest in a pair of boot trees. These are wooden or metal inserts that help hold the boot’s shape and prevent them from creasing. You can find boot trees at most shoe stores or online.
4. Use Leather Conditioners & Leather Stretcher Spray
If your cowboy boots feel tight, you can try using a leather conditioner or stretcher spray. These products help soften and stretch the leather, making them more comfortable to wear.
Apply the conditioner or spray to the inside of your boots, and then wear them around the house for a few hours. You can also use a boot jack or shoehorn to help get your feet into the boots more easily.
5. Use Cowboy Boot Stretchers and Boot Shapers
If you want to make sure your cowboy boots keep their shape and don’t start to look saggy, you can use boot shapers and stretchers. These devices help hold the boot in its original shape while breaking it in. You can find them at most shoe stores or online.
Boot shapers are especially helpful if you have pointy cowboy boots. They help keep the toes from getting scrunched up and losing their shape. To use a boot shaper, insert it into the boot after taking it off. The shaper will help to hold the boot in its proper shape overnight.
6. Break-In Leather Sole of Cowboy Boots
If your cowboy boots have a leather sole, you’ll need to avoid damaging them while breaking in the boot. The best way to do this is to use a piece of sandpaper to roughen up the bottom of the boot slowly. This will help the boot to grip the ground better and prevent slipping.
Start with medium-grade sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit if necessary. Once you’ve roughed up the sole, you can begin breaking in the boot by walking around your house or yard.
7. Use a Hairdryer
If you don’t have a boot stretcher, you can use a hairdryer to break in your cowboy boots. First, put on a pair of thick socks. Next, heat your hairdryer and hold it about six inches from the toe of your boot. Move the hairdryer back and forth across the toe area for a few minutes. Then, put on another pair of socks and walk around in your boots. Repeat this process until your boots are broken in.
8. Lace Your Boots, Lose, & Skip an Eyelet
If you’re still having trouble breaking in your cowboy boots, try lacing them loosely and skipping an eyelet. This will help loosen up the leather around your ankle and make it easier to walk in your boots.
9. Spray Alcohol and Water Mixer
You can also use a water and alcohol mixture to help break in your cowboy boots. Combine equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spritz the inside of your boots. Put on your socks and boots and walk around to help the leather mold to your feet. You can also use this method to stretch out the width of your boots if they’re too tight.
10. The Steam Inside Your Cowboy Boots
You can also use steam to help break in your cowboy boots. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and hold your cowboy boots over the steam for a few minutes. The heat and moisture will help to soften the leather and make them more pliable. You can then put them on and walk around in them until they cool off.
11. Use Ice
If your boots are giving you a hard time, you can try using ice to break them in. Fill a plastic bag with water and seal it tightly. Then, put the bag inside your boot and the boot in the freezer overnight.
The water will expand as it freezes and help to stretch out the leather. In the morning, take the boot out of the freezer and allow it to thaw, and return it to room temperature. The leather should be more pliable and easier to work with.
12. Apply Oil
If your cowboy boots are made of leather, you can try applying some oil or conditioner to help soften them up. Apply a small amount of oil to a clean cloth and rub it into the leather in a circular motion.
Be sure to apply the oil evenly, paying special attention to any particularly stiff or resistant areas. You can also try using a commercial leather conditioner or even baby lotion if you don’t have any oil on hand.
13. Try Heel Inserts
If your boots are still giving you a hard time, you can try using heel inserts to help make them more comfortable. Heel inserts will help fill in any gaps between your foot and the boot, making them fit more snugly and reducing the slipping and sliding that can occur. You can purchase heel inserts at most shoe stores or online.
14. Give Your Cowboy Boots a Break
Even after taking all of these steps, your cowboy boots may still need some time to adjust to your feet. So, don’t be discouraged if they do not fit perfectly right away. Just give them some time and patience, and soon enough, you’ll be breaking in those cowboy boots like a pro!
Now that you know how to break in cowboy boots, it’s time to put those skills to the test! First, head over to your local Western wear store and pick up a pair of boots that fit you well. Then, follow the steps above to help soften them up and make them more comfortable. Before you know it, you’ll be strutting your stuff in those cowboy boots like a true cowgirl!
You Can Check It Out to Stop Boots Rubbing Shins
How to Break in Cowboy Boots Overnight (Fastest Method)
For anyone who has ever put on a brand-new pair of cowboy boots, the experience is bittersweet. The boots look great, but they’re so stiff and uncomfortable that it’s hard to enjoy wearing them.
Fortunately, there is a way to break in cowboy boots overnight to enjoy the style and comfort of your new boots the very next day. The key is to start with a soft, pliable boot and then use a combination of heat and pressure to mold the boot to your foot.
The best way to do this is to fill a large Ziploc bag with water and microwave it for about 30 seconds. Then, place the bag inside the boot and put on a thick sock. Finally, walk around for about an hour or until the water has cooled.
The heat and moisture from the bag will help break down the boot fibers, making them more pliable. The pressure from walking will also help to mold the boot to your foot, giving you a custom fit.
If you don’t have time to wait for the water to cool, you can also place the boot in a freezer for about an hour. This will help shrink the boot to fit snugly around your foot.
Breaking in cowboy boots doesn’t have to be a painful process. With a little bit of effort, you can have your new boots feeling comfortable and looking great in no time.
Things Should Be Avoided
1. Don’t Use Water to Break in Cowboy Boots
This is a myth that has been passed down for generations. It is believed that if you get your cowboy boots wet, they will stretch and mold to your feet. However, this is not true! Water can damage the leather and ruin your boots.
2. Don’t Use a Boot Stretcher
A boot stretcher is a tool that you insert into the toe of your cowboy boots to stretch them out. While this may seem like a quick and easy way to break in your boots, it can damage the leather and ruin the shape of your boots.
3. Don’t Wear Them Every Day
If you want your cowboy boots to last, you mustn’t wear them every day. This will allow the leather to rest and recover between wears, which will help extend your boots’ life.
4. Don’t Wear Them in the Rain
Rain can damage the leather on your cowboy boots and make them difficult to break in. If you must wear them in the rain, make sure to waterproof them first.
5. Don’t Wear Them With the Wrong Socks
Wearing the wrong socks is one of the people’s most common mistakes when breaking into their cowboy boots. It’s important to avoid cotton socks, as they will absorb moisture and cause your feet to slip. Instead, opt for a pair of wool or synthetic socks that will help keep your feet dry.
6. Don’t Wear Them for Too Long
Another common mistake is wearing your cowboy boots for too long. While you may be tempted to keep them on all day, it’s important to give your feet a break. Wear them for a few hours at a time and then switch to another pair of shoes.
7. Don’t Use Heat to Stretch Your Cowboy Boots
One of the most common mistakes people make is using heat to break in their cowboy boots. While this might seem effective to break in your boots, it can do more harm than good.
The heat can cause the leather to dry out and become brittle, which will make it more likely to crack and tear. Keep reading for more information about how to break in cowboy boots.
You Can Check It Out to Waterproof Cowboy Boots
Why Should You Break in Cowboy Boots?
Cowboy boots are not only stylish; they’re also comfortable and durable. But unlike other types of shoes, cowboy boots need to be broken in before you can enjoy their full potential. Here’s why: the leather used to make cowboy boots are stiff when new, and it needs to be softened up so it can mold to the shape of your foot.
Otherwise, you’ll end up with a pair of boots that are uncomfortable and difficult to walk in. Breaking in your cowboy boots is a simple process; wear them around the house for a few hours each day until the leather softens. Once your cowboy boots are broken in, you can enjoy all the benefits they offer.
What Are the Benefits of Breaking in Cowboy Boots?
Cowboy boots are more than just a fashion statement. While they may look good with a pair of jeans, they also offer several practical benefits.
For one, they provide support and stability for your feet, which is essential when you’re riding a horse or working on a ranch. They also protect your feet from the elements, keeping them dry and comfortable in all weather.
In addition, cowboy boots are often made with durable materials that can withstand years of wear and tear. A good pair of cowboy boots will last you a lifetime with proper care.
So next time you’re considering a new pair of shoes, don’t overlook the benefits of cowboy boots.
You Can Check It Out to Tell if a Shoe Is Non Slip
How Should a Cowboy Boot Fit on The Calf?
A cowboy boot should fit snugly around the calf, with no gap between the boot and the leg. The boot should also be comfortable to walk in without rubbing or chafing.
A good way to check the fit of a cowboy boot is to put it on and then walk around in it for a few minutes. If the boot feels comfortable and secure, it is likely a good fit. If the boot is too loose or too tight, then it will need to be adjusted before it can be worn comfortably.
Once you have found a cowboy boot that fits well, you can enjoy the stylish look and practical benefits of this iconic piece of Western wear.
Frequently Asked Question
Should cowboy boots be tight at first?
Yes, cowboy boots should be tight at first. This will help them mold to the shape of your feet and become more comfortable to wear. Then, just wear them around the house for a few hours each day until the leather softens.
How to Tell the Correct Size of Your Cowboy Boot?
It is important to find the correct size when trying on cowboy boots. Many people mistake buying boots that are too tight or too loose. Follow these steps to ensure that you get the perfect fit:
- Measure the length of your foot from the heel to the longest toe.
- Measure the width of your foot at the widest point.
- Compare your measurements with a size chart to find the perfect size cowboy boots for you.
Should I Wear a Thick Sock when Wearing My New Pair of Cowboys?
When breaking in a new pair of cowboy boots, it is best to wear thick socks. This will help the boots mold to your feet and prevent them from rubbing against your skin.
Conclusion
Cowboy boots can be a great addition to any wardrobe, but they can also be tricky to break in. Follow our tips, and you’ll be able to wear your new boots with confidence! Have you tried any of these methods for breaking in cowboy boots? Let us know how they worked for you in the comments below. Thanks for reading our post about how to break in cowboy boots.
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