New Boots

[minitnkr]

Running over them with the car used to work great for breaking in new leather baseball mitts.:smiling2:PaulE

[Jack L]

After many years of long distance hiking I've found the best way is just to wear them and power through.

Wearing them wet for a while can help soften them up, but watch out for trench foot :smiling5:

And 2 thinner pairs of socks is vastly superior to one thick pair, as a lot of the friction is taken up between them .

I have found this one worked when I had to wear heavy duty boots for work, although went with one thick pair (I bought the boots with thick socks in mind), and the thinest pair I could find over the top.

[spanner570]

I know from almost all my working life wearing a pair of boots that two thin layers of socks is spot on.

Simon, if the uppers are indeed 'Proper leather' and not synthetic, then get some Dubbin. This works wonders for softening leather.

[Ian M]

Best trick I know is two pair of socks. Thin cotton under thick wool. The friction is then between the socks and not your foot.
Also helps if the boot fits well and is tied correctly.

[Tim Marlow]

“Proper leather” also responds well to soaking in Neatsfoot oil. Another old trick is to rub the pressure spots with a bar of soap. I assume this lubricates the leather so reducing the friction generated.

[langy71]

the best trick i've ever come across ..(issued army boots), was to wear two pairs of thin socks and get them wet then walk in them until they dry..

[Guest]

Think Tim is correct, the leather needs to be made supple, wearing double socks is ok. I ' ve spent over 40 years wearing steel toe capped heavy boots and each new pair has had to be broken in.
Good socks , and supple leather.

[stillp]

I had a pair of hiking boots a few years ago (actually ex-Czech Army) that needed softening. Dubbin as Ron suggested was pretty good, but then I found some lanolin cream that SWMBO had bought for her heels, and that worked even better.
The bruises took a while to heal after she found out though.
Pete

[rtfoe]

Doesn't your boots come with inner soft lining? The latest designs are made for comfort even if it looks rugged on the outside for rough wear....oh I forget we Asians are used to walking with bare feet. :smiling6:

Cheers,
Richard

[Ian M]

Saddel soap works well for softening boots. Cheap to buy if you have a horse riding supplies shop in the area. I have a pair of Daisy Root walking boots and have had them the better part of 40 years! Still as comfy as the day I bought them. though the soles are getting a bit smooth.... Fine for my use these days...