LOL_ I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS ! But I have heard about it before. Found this again on a site called throughouthistory ,"......WWI Soldiers used urine for almost anything! They pi**ed on their boots to soften the leather. They pi**ed on their handkerchieves to make gas-masks. They even pi**ed on their machine-guns to stop them warping from overheating! ...." 😃
@@ThePaPappy That's what I do all day at work! When a colleague annoys me with uncomfortable questions I pee on him! If my boss annoys me I pee on him, even if I go to the toilet I pee! Hell yeeeah, I pee on everything that moves!
My method is built in too. Sweaty feet :) In colder months I swap out the wool socks for thick cotton/blends when I know I wont be in the elements so I can sweat through to the leather and soften it over the course of a few hours. I also sometimes put the boots right on after wiping away any excess of a fresh application of conditioner.
I’m a woman who doesn’t wear men’s boots. My husband doesn’t wear boots. I have no sons, and neither my grandson nor my nephews wear boots. So why am I hooked on watching this guy’s videos???? 😂😂😂 I enjoy learning about a variety of things (this week it’s trends in men’s fashion 😉), and you’re a very enjoyable, knowledgeable presenter; thanks for such consistently high quality content!💐
I wear my new red wings when weight training, nothing breaks them in faster than a few sets of lunges, squats deadlifts and box jumps. Plus you look awesome in the gym ( very short shorts a plus)
Great video. One thing I believe Nick's recommends and I have always done.....Lace them snug when breaking them in. It might make them even more uncomfortable, but it really helps the thick leather warm up and form to your feet. Don't snug them too tight, but just tight enough to make you aware that they are more snug than what you'd typically do.
I did 20 years in the military. We used to put em on, lace em up tight and the soak em down with water while wearing em. Then go cut the grass and let em dry. Afterwards if you knew a guy who worked with turbine engines you’d wipe em down with turbine oil and dry em quickly with the turbine engine exhaust. So soft! Did the same with our gloves.
I haven't had any problems with work boots for many, many years. The way they're made now basically eliminates that problem. I didn't think that I'd benefit from this video, but hey, it's Carl Murawski. Right? I'm pleased to say that I learned several things. So once again, Carl, well done Sir!
Excellent video, Carl. Here are two additional points. 1) In new western boots, there will always be a small amount of heel slippage and that is considered acceptable since there are no laces to tie them up. 2) Personally, I will not buy a pair of shoes/boots that feel tight or have hot spots. While you may be able to stretch the leather via wearing them, it is often a painful process. Having stated these points, though, I do not wear work boots, only dress boots and Cabela hunting boots. You are the expert on work boots and I believe your advice is sound. I'm sure this video will help a lot of people who do wear them.
To each their own of course, and I agree that pain points should be minimal unless you’re a masochist. The heel slip issue is one that we’re trying to figure out with the Nicks boot project, we want it to be a slip-on with the ability to really cinch it down. So we’ve tossed around the idea of a buckle, zipper, even the BOA system. It’s difficult to overcome an inherent shortcomings of a style like that.
My top tip - 2 layers of socks. Both layers need to be fairly thin, so don't try this with heavy walking socks. The idea is that the inner layer sticks to your feet, leaving the outer layer able to move over the inner. The result is that blistering is massively reduced, as instead of the point of friction being the surface of your skin, any friction is between the layers of socks. There are companies who sell "Blister ease" socks based on this idea, where the 2 layers are sewn together, but I'd suggest just buying a couple of pairs of regular socks - it's cheaper & just as effective.
The first thing I do with new boots is recondition the leather. They've been sitting in storage for who knows how long before being sold and are going to be stiff, dry and not want to budge. Once thoroughly conditioned the break-in process is quicker and less painful. o/
boots/shoes and trainers have the manufacture date on them so you know how old....it's on the label usually near the bottom and printed in month/year ie 02/22
Good tips. The alcohol and water is basically what boot stretch is. There are heel pads you can put in as well if a lot of slippage. I like the lace tips too.
- Conditioning (mink oil inside) - Boot Stretching for a few days - Wear for a month or so at home with not very thick socks (this is the painful part for the foot bed to form) - Get some good heavy hiking wool socks and wear them often for a whole day for several months. - Ready for anything that comes. Tip: Break in your boots in summer time
Great advice! I have high arches too and I removed the stock insole and replaced it with a thicker one for a few weeks to apply upward pressure. Not super comfortable but when I swapped back to the standard insole the boots fit great and survived a year of working at Walt Disney world.
You can use a heat gun, and gently heat the leather of the boots up and apply bees wax to the leather. The wax is absorbed and they become almost instantly soft, and they are completely water proof and the best performing boots in the snow you will ever wear. I have tried it myself in the past, and it works like a charm. Only problem was the wax tends to grab lighter particles like saw dust, concrete dust, etc. Using saddle soap on a fairly regular basis will keep them looking new, and the bees wax can be reapplied yearly or bi yearly to maintain water proofing.
@Carl Murawski, good information. To your point about getting the right fit to begin with. As someone who has spent decades in the work force on his feet, I'd add this. Buy your shoes or boots at the end of a normal work day. This way your feet with have swollen to capacity and you will get a much better fit. We're inclined to get shoes on a day off when we have plenty of time and aren't pressured. Generally, that's going to be a morning visit to the mall. Suck it up, go after work and you won't regret your purchase.
Thanks ! With my Corcoran jump boots ( 1510 , 1500 ) ... 3 pairs i can switch everytime i want . 2 days / boots . Usualy using tender cream or Mink oil , wearing them by walking stretching .... By 1week can feel comfortable , by a mounth i can wear them and just "forget" them . It's a long process but at the end i feel them quite like slipers ! You're good . Thanks again .
My Favorite technique is to wear them around the house on a couple of Sundays when I am watching the race. Then I wear them when I am walking on the treadmill or walking the dog around the neighborhood for a week. Then I wear them to work. Recently I bought a pair of Nick's Builder Pros and for a week I skipped the laces around my ankles for a week. Never had Nick's before I thought people where exaggerating how stiff a new pair are. The weren’t. Steel bands around my ankles couldn't hurt worse.
I did a similar thing with my new Nicks boots this week: wore them around the house for a few days, then mowed the front lawn. Finished just as my feet began to groan!
Your advice on high arches is something I practiced heavily in the Army. Initially, command freaked out about it. As an outspoken NCO, I was heard on WHY it was being done. It is extremely helpful
Good for you, Soldier! I joined the US Army at the time that we were issued 2 pairs of black stiff combat boots. We used a cigarette filter per our Drill Sergeant's instruction to paint a white circle on the top of the backstay so that the DS would know we were not wearing the same pair every day. Standing, marching, and running for miles in those unforgiving boots over the years have caused a plethora of issues. Hopefully, following these break-in tips will help me to enjoy wearing boots for the fun of it!
I start with thinner socks, wear about 6-8 hours for 2 or 3 days, usually I can wear them for 12-16 hours in less than a week. Then as the leather startes to stretch I'll use thicker socks. Also, if you live up north like I do, break-in is much easier in summer months. But yes, plan on changing socks and shoes at least once a day for a week. I also make it a point to use stairs over escalators or elevators, not sure if it actually helps but it seems to quicken the process.
I noticed the sizes change over the years especially around 1990. About that time it seemed that every time I bought a new pair of shoes I needed a half size larger and I knew my feet were not growing. I was over 30 years old at the time. Many years later I bought a new pair of Red Wing Iron Ranger boots and I read that they were made by the same molds from nearly a hundred years ago. So instead of an 11 1/2 size, I was back to 9 1/2 or 10. My new boots had the cork soles which take time to break in. The uppers broke in quickly because I used plenty of either Snow Seal or Mink Oil. Except for the soles they were comfortable nearly right away because of the oil I put on.
Good video, i have a pair of Red Wing Beckmans coming my way, ordered a pair since they've been discontinued. I know the leather is thick and stiff. I will just man up and wear them in the house for a while and slowly break them in.I will refrain from oils and creams so as not to discolor the Cigar Featherstone leather. All the discomfort will be worth it in the end.
@@lanpartylandlord6123 There's a few things I've done that've helped, the first is getting those little heel cushion things and putting them into the heel of the boot to add a bit more thickness, although admittedly that's not a great solution. Insoles have also helped me in the past, as has the tried and true "just wear thicker socks" method. I've never had a pair of Thorogoods, but I'd try any of those or you can double-lace the boots for extra tightness when you put em on to hold them to your heel a bit better. Sadly in some cases there is no fix, I owned a pair of Dunlop ADF combat boots (my first ever pair of combats in fact) which just would not stop heel slipping no matter what I did. I tried pretty much everything to fix it but ultimately nothing worked and I ended up replacing them with some Corcorans. Hope at least one of these solutions helps you, though! Another good suggestion is to get some bamboo fiber socks - they tend to be pretty thick and are very gentle on the feet so they can somewhat mitigate the blisters from heel slip.
So from a military perspective. We get issued boots all the time. You always have a camp set for wearing, well, on camp, and a set for the field. I find the difference to be night and day. The soles on the camp set wear out before anything else. The field set, which inevitably receives regular soaking, get to feel like slippers, but the uppers crack if not properly looked after. Your field set, which gets soaked, will always be your favourite boots.
I use a really thin pair of dress socks, preferably nylon, underneath my normal socks. This allows your foot to slip a little and avoid blisters. That's been my only issue breaking in any boot. After that was resolved no issue even while in the Corps. I have done the water soak and it works well and takes about two full days but the boots fit like a glove when you're done. They do need a lot of dressing and moisturizers when done though.
For work boots that you don't mind darkening up a bit, Obenauf's LP is great conditioner but also softens the leather fairly significantly and has helped me break in a few pairs. Instead of wearing them to work, some real brutal break-in boots are nice worn casually for a bit instead of trying to work in them. Put 'em on after work and go to the store, wear them to the mall on weekends, etc. You said you don't have to break in the laces, but those thick rawhide laces that come with White's, Nick's, etc. do take some breaking in. Obenauf's softens those up significantly, but also darkens them and makes them less attractive if you ask me. Use the Obenauf's if you don't care what the leather laces look like, or if you do, break in the boots with nylon or cotton laces with Carl's alternate lacing methods, then once the boots are more comfortable swap the laces to the rawhide ones.
Thats a good call, and a good point on the laces. I've noticed that the Whites laces are thicker than most other brands and need a little more time to break in.
Big thanks to you Carl! I can't believe this solved all my problems breaking in my Iron Ranger. I thought I was an E width at first then I tried skipping laces and the surgeons knot it made all the difference.
@@CarlMurawski like I've said I have only had Whites, Wescos, Chippewas and Carolina's. All of which have been great out the gate. My Carolina's were even a metatarsal guard. And I put them on and didn't take them off for 10-12hrs a day standing welding. I guess I have been lucky not having much issue with breaking in boots.
I stumbled upon this video, because I was doing my usual research on boots. I love all the advice and am taking mental notes. I'm thinking of getting a pair of western boots soon, so I'll be using the techniques you suggested. Also, Smartwool socks are my favorite socks.
I just wear them around the house till they're not comfortable, take them off and repeat till they are comfortable for all day wear. My last pair of chippewas were good for all day wear from the get go. My wife did make me take them off to go to bed though.
As you suggested, I think trying them on for sizing is the most important for comfort. I always tend to buy my boots generally a half a size bigger + wider. If your size 10.5 in Nike's dont assume that same size in work boots.
@Matt It might depend but half a size smaller then sneakers is correct generally. But again everyones feets are diffrent. And if buying half a size wider/bigger works for you than that's good.
great video!! one method I use which is probably unconventional is, I put them on and I do pushups throughout the day while wearing them. this really makes them start to flex a lot and break in a lot quicker in my experience!!
I have two pairs of whites and understand the white bite, when i have to get a new pair ill condition the shit out of them and heat some water dump it in the boot and dump it in an let it rest till its cool then dump it pad it dry and put on dry wool socks and give it a go. The best thing id 100% recommend for any break in is some leukotape to save your skin on hot spots so you can wear them as long as possible till broken in. Moleskin doesnt last long so if you need a set it and forget it the leukotape is best but know that it wont just come off easy which is why more people choose it. Best pair of socks is hands down DARN TOUGH. The only other thing is to take care of them, clean and oil them so they last!!!! Two areas never to go cheap on your shoes and your toilet paper. Another note is if your out in the field and your lace brakes having the longer 108" ones come in handy as you can just shorten it and still have a function-able boot till you can get new ones and still finish your day out.
When breaking in my RedWing boots I had duct tape no my heel for a week or so to stop heel slip being too bad, that way it slips but there is alot less friction on the heel itself. The first day I wore them I ruined the skin on me heel and it took weeks to fix. After 3 weeks I could walk comfortably and it was wort it.
I am having the same issue with heal slipping and blisters on my heal from my redwings. Were you able to eventually able to stop using the duct tape? I am only having slippage on one foot, the other foot is fine
When buying new boots, especially work boots, I do my best to go try them on after a long day of work. That way I know if they'll be comfortable when my feet are tired and sore because something that feels a bit funny when you have fresh feet might turn into something painful after 8+ hours wearing them.
levelheadsteve Wear them but dont walk on em or youll get blisters use em around the house and once their molded after a few days or a weekend then wear the to walk
Use mink oil daily and wear them all day everywhere. Wear moister wicking socks, socks that don't absorb sweat. You want that sweat in the boot to help soften them and shrink the leather to mold them to your feet.
Perfect timing on this video. I bought my first pair of Red Wings last night (Heritage Moc Toe), and I'm wearing them at work right now. I've got my old comfortable Ariats in the car. It's good to know I've got the right idea.
Zach S. That was my first pair of red wings, and the worst for me to break in. It was that collar around the top digging into my upper ankle. Spend a little time scrunching that collar with your hands and it’ll help a lot. About two weeks of wear and they’ll feel like Cadillacs.
I doubt anybody cares, but this came to mind as I watched this. 56 years ago I was a boy scout, one of the things we had to do was a 20-mile hike. The first step to get ready, buy a pair of Red Wing Boots. The next step put on a pair of socks put on your boots stand in a bathtub of warm water that goes over the top of the boots until they are completely soaked. Now wear your boots all day until they dry. Wear them the next day. After this process recondition your boots. I have to say I wore those boots on that hike and after and never had a problem. Knowing what I know now about leather and boot construction that [roably was not good advice. :-)
Heat can also do the opposite if they are wet. A wet boot with heat can make the leather shrink somewhat or tighten the fibers making it feel tighter on you foot. But you did give some great tips the best is taking your time and slowly breaking them in. “Patients is a virtue”
I love my custom Nicks Hot Shots, although, they were absolutely murder to break in! A suggestion that come from Nicks was spraying the boots down with a 50/50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol when they became too much to bear. It made the leather much more supple and easier to break in. Hope this helps someone.
How tight were they in the beginning? I have a pair I got and they are hard to get on. They seem to pinch the pinky toe and almost feels like they are hitting the front of thr toes. I even went to remeasure my feet and sent in a new fit sheet to double check, but Nick's tells me it matches the first fit sheet and should be the correct size.
Waiting for my first pair of custom boots to arrive from Whites this Friday. Hopefully they fit good, I went into the store and had them measure me for them, which I'm glad I did because I found out I've been wearing the wrong size boots for the last 15 years!
I always wore them to work, after two weeks even the toughest pair get broke in. It's not very complicated your feet might hurt a little bit, so what big deal . If your an office worker don't buy quality work boots like Redwings, or Whites because it will take forever to break them in . I would buy Allen Edmonds, or Alden's if I was a office worker .
good advice, i bought a pair of cheaper boots that are a bit too big so no break in needed, i never walk around on the shop floor for more rhan 15-20 minutes, then i just plop my ass into my chair at my desk and throw my dress shoes on 👍
Most boots destroy my heels more so on the right foot as it goes but I didn't know about the surgeon's knot so will try that and thank you for sharing.
Soak in warm water(Not hot) for an hour, lace em up snug and go about normal activity for a few hours, take em off and air dry for a couple days. Apply massive amounts of leather conditioner. Enjoy. Warm water allows the leather to form to your foot's shape almost immediately. That shape will be retained as they dry. To dry boots efficiently, lay them on their side. This allows natural convection to get all the way to the toe. Even soaking wet boots will dry in 24 hrs at room temp if you point a small fan on low at them. 21 years in the US Army. Used the water method many times. It flat out works. And you're feet don't have to endure the pain of normal break-in.
I had a pair of RW steel toes that I swore would never break in. Ended up having to power wash for a few hours. Boots got soaked. Let them dry and wore my old boots to work the next day. The following day I wore my RWs and they were near perfect. Now they’re my favorite boots and almost need a resole.
I wear 1500 10" Corcoran boots (black). First day I had them, I was hating it. It was pinching my foot, they looked so slim. However, since I bought them as my daily everywhere boots, I just kept wearing them. I did change the laces because the pair that was on them was cheap and stiff and it wouldn't let me move my foot in there. After five days everything settled, and now a year later I can't stop looking at them and how they have aged. They are the only boots I wear.
I carefully use a humidifier (warm moist air) one boot at a time so soften them, aiming at the high friction areas, wear them immediately after and then I apply conditioner to them
I have a pair of British army assault boots that have smooth leather on the outside and smooth on the inside and I find the inside leather makes them really comfortable. They were 2nd hand boots so the leather was quite soft when I bought them. The only problem with the boots is that the rubber used in the sole disintergrates after a few years and the tread wears down quite quickly. There are companies who make reproductions of them with a different sole material that doesn't disintegrate.
*Taking out the soles really helped* My boots fit comfortablely now and they are new thorogood work boots. My last pair were 9EE which I had for 4 year. Decided to get 9.5 reg but when I put them on they were really tight on the sides. I was thinking I should have went with EE. But after watching this video I removed the sole and they fit perfect. Thanks for the tip!
Never tried Tenderly, but there is a leather paste oil called Garrison Gold by Garrison Leather Care that is designed to soften leather. I know it's also used to break-in baseball gloves and that leather is STIFF! Bought some on Amazon and used it on some Luchesse Cowboy boots and Red Wing Iron Rangers and the difference was amazing. Also, I like the thick sock idea. I'll have to try that next time. Thanks.
Hello, hope all is well with you and your family. I know this is a long shot, on this video I think you were a green pair of boots. They look great. I was wondering if you could tell me the brand and or style of boot. They look so cool. I also have high arches and some shoes do bother me a lot. Thank you for the great video.
Those boots are kind of a unicorn. I was working on a pair of collaboration boots when I made this video, and the green boots in this video were the first version. They weren’t quite up to snuff just yet but the factory shut down before we could go any further sadly. So these are most likely the first and last of their kind.
Good job explaining, but here's the problem that most people don't follow, if u buy high-ended boots u must wear a thicker sock, maybe even 2 socks, use a wooden stretcher, the best time to do these methods is when just got home from wearing them over 6 hours, that's when what we call highest heated leather time, so while it's warm you put the cedar wood life, by morning that boot will fill broken in, now wear the boot on water or wet snow so let the leather get wet, and repeat the same process I explained. 30 years experience in selling high-end boots and shoes. That's how you break them.
I chuckled when you mentioned wetting the leather. That's how we broke in leather skates back in the day. Soak the boot of the skate and then wear them.
hey carl, interesting video as usual! so today is my 5th day with my iron ranger, i can feel the leather is a bit stretched already and are forming to the shape of my foot, the toe box is already creasing, the heel area too, so i can change the clutch on my bike easier now. i don't have any of the problems that you mention, just some of my feet movements are limited to the new leather boots. there's even time when its drizzling in my area and i just let the water to dry itself on my boots because it stretches the boots a bit. and i put my shoe trees to dry the inside of the boots. anyway, if i really need to quicken the process, i'll definitely use you method.
My Frye's Prison Boots "break in" took about a week.. max. Now they fit like a glove and the soles are nice and flexible. Awesome boots! They run 1/2 size larger than cross trainers. But the same size as dress shoes.
I just got brand new iron rangers and I soaked them and golden mink oil a couple of times already and yes they got much darker but I like it. The leather seemed to stretch quite easily and conform to my foot much easier and I don’t know if my foot is perfect for a number eight last or watt but I have had no problems at all breaking these boots in. I was ready for a really tough time from everything that I’ve read and heard but honestly they were a piece of cake for me and I’m convinced it was the mink oil that really softened the leather. Inherently they are very waterproof now!
I just got my builder pro I ordered a stock size 10 and I wore then about an hour inside my house then quickly realized these boots were gonna be very comfortable after breaking in because they were better feeling then my chippewa boots when I first got those and after break in those were the most comfortable work boots I ever had so now I'm about 20 hours into breaking in these nicks they just keep getting better everytime I put them on although not fully broke in yet they are really comfortable for where I'm at in the break in period
The technique i use to break in my boots is to condition the inside of the boots and wear them around the house with no laces. That reduces friction on the foot, softens the leather and your socks will naturaly absorb any excess conditioner. Plus, having no laces allows your foot to wiggle a little more which helps to expand the boot a bit.
the inside part i think is highly overlooked in many of the videos i just watched on break in. when applying proofhide to brooks bike saddles its always a bit on top and a lot on the bottom. the inside is like the part of the baseball glove where you throw the baseball.
When I had an issue with the heel cap on my Justin conductors I just stuck a piece of $1 foam insole there until I no longer needed it. It relieved the issue but made the boot harder to get on when having to hold it in place while slipping my foot in. I've not had the issue with the Thorogood's I just got last week, these boots just felt like the right fit the second I put them on. The Justin's were the first good boots I bought and truthfully the first properly sized boots I bought, so I'm most used to crappy sand a half too big Walmart boots ( when your parents raise you on shoes you'll " grow into " wearing the right size takes some getting used to ) but while the Thorogood's definitely need a bit more break in they instantly felt right in overall fit. They've not been uncomfortable to walk in at all really They are breaking in much faster than the Justin's I wear for work, but still need a little bit of break in as I've not done a lot of major toe bending in them yet.
I have high arches and I replace all my boot laces with paracord. I put metal aglets on them too myself. They are amazing. Strong enough that they won’t snap but softer than most laces. Either that or I go with flat ribbon laces. Works great for that pressure point.
When breaking in stiff boots, I will sometimes apply a circle of duct tape/Moleskin to my heal or other potential hotspots. Thin liner socks inside wool socks help as well.
I have really odd feet, size 6, triple E, with narrow heels and a fairly flat arch, and I am waiting on my Red Wing Rangers still, since they have to be custom made/ordered. I wear Docs regularly in my commercial kitchen, so I am on my feet constantly. My Docs are a tad narrow and can pinch. I honestly can't wait for them to arrive at the Red Wing store and break them in. I figure 16 hour days will do it quick.
One thing I have learned about breaking in a new pair of boots is this: put the boots on with thicker socks; lace them up; now, and very important, DON'T start just walking around in them; while sitting in a chair or on a stool take your fingers of one hand while flat and put them on top of where the toes are going to bend; slowly with the boot flat on the floor start bending the boot like you are taking a step while tracing with your fingers where your toes are bending and where you want the crease to be; now overbend them. This will put the crease right where you want/need it to be. This will ease breaking in without pinch spots where your toes are. Repeat process with the other boot. You may want to get a pair of already-broken-in boots on and practice a couple of times to get the feel of it. I was a drill sergeant for several years and you don't have the luxury of time always. If you just start walking around in them the leather will take the path of least resistance and crease willy-nilly. Not good. This is why I always check new boots that I buy to make sure there are no stray creases. Try it.
Hey Carl. Good informative vid. The part that touches on hi arch/tongue causing pain at the top side of the ankle is not a subject easy or plentiful to find a solution to . Also May I ask what the make or brand name of the black boots shown at the beginning of this video ( before pleasing play ) ? They are black , shown in a wet environment. I can also make out that the top side of the toe box is flat , and that’s what I’m looking for. If the warfare boot for $400.00 you reviewed came in a cap toe version, that would be as close of an example to use to describe what I’m looking for. Thanks from Sean “blue collar proud” .
A boot drier to warm up the boot which will make it more pliable but, from the inside not outside because you might compromise the welt. You definitely want that
I like the eyelet skipping trick to keep things comfortably loose in the ball and instep areas. But I only have the laces going in through the first and out through the fourth eyelets, where I tie my boots after wrapping the excess lacing around. I never tie above the instep. I'm in the camp that believes that you're wearing the wrong size or fit of boot if you have to break them in. They should fit right when you put them on and not cause any discomfort. Whatever size you have to wear to get that fit is your size. For some it's a half size up, others a full size. I wear wides a half size up if they're soft toes, a size up or more if steel toes. I don't know what it is with steel toes but they're always tighter across the toe box than the same size soft toes.
I bought a pair of nicks and was NOT prepared for the break in so I asked my dad if he had any suggestions and he told me to soak them in water and wear them until they're dry with some really thick socks and then let them dry out over a couple days and clean, condition and waterproof them and I tell you what I have never had a nicer fitting pair of boots in my life
I wear bandaids where my boots rub me raw when I’m breaking them in. In my case, it’s in the heel area where the foxing meets the back stay. Bandaids are less expensive then mole skin, but mole skin is good too. I also will use a shoe stretcher with a leather stretcher solution to help me break them in, if needed. The stretch solution is sold at shoe repair shops.
I've just bought a great pair of Western styled cowboy boots, and referenced some of the tips in the video and on the comments section. Thank y'all. 😊🖐️
I have around 60 hours in my 55 last custom builder pros, completely underestimated it. IT killed my left heel for a week even when I paid extra to have the heels even more custom. My heel is suuuuper skinny and boney, it's about an inch and a half wide. thanks for the surgeon's knot tip
@@CarlMurawski they didn't thicken the heel or add additional material, as far as what I can tell is that they built the upper at more inward angle to have the upper collapse in on my heel more when it breaks in. (just a theory). At the moment my heel slips unless the boots are laced tight
I have walked through plenty of boots... sadly have also had diesel ruin many pairs of nice boots, but my prefered method is walking 1 or 2 miles in them at the start, maybe on an off day where I have time. Usually when I get a new pair it is because flooding finds/creates a massive leak. In any case a second pair of socks make the day better too!
Some interesting advice but I believe you are using "high arch" incorrectly. If the top of your feet is scrunching up against the top of the boot, you have high instep.
With all leather boots. Leather inside and out rub lots of boot oil on the inside of boot where you have discomfort. Then conditions the outside put extra oil on outside hot spot. I did that to my Redwing 2218's and they are perfect now. Also do a military lace . Start by going over under then the next eyelid go under over the next over under keep alternating all the way up. It creates less friction. I was going to get rid of my Redwing loggers until I did the inside oil treatment. The boot is perfect
Create your own "last" or have one made for you to stretch everything forward of your arch (basically the weaker part of your foot. Make sure it matches your foot at its widest (walking around all day in slides or barefoot) and also has extra material where your feet tend to be uncomfortable or get pressed (small toe, big toe joint, big toe). Pro-tip - ensure the last allows your big toe to straighten out more than it does naturally. Big toes pointing in can be a sign of bad things to come. Finally, the last should be scooped so it doesn't press the insole except at the absolute outer edges (that can't be avoided). You don't want your insole to be conformed to the last. It needs to conform to your foot The other parts of your boot are controlled by lace tension, so that'll get broken in like in this video.
my shoes and boots , getting the correct size is a good idea. Totally coat them in wax polish , wear them indoors x4 nights watching TV.. Works a treat.been doing this for 30 years.
When I buy a new pair of leather boots or shoes, I apply a generous amount of mink oil or sno seal to the leather. I use a hair dryer to heat it in until it’s completely absorbed. I keep reapplying until the leather is completely saturated. Then i let them cool down completely and wipe off any excess. This process makes the leather soft and not so stiff.
Im having a hell of a time breaking in my Limmer boots.. ive got almost 50 hours in them and they have barely even started creasing at the toe box.. dont know if my feet are up to the task.
I wear as heavy of a sock (go up in thickness as I break in the boot) as I can stand and wear my new boots on my treadmill- 30 minutes at a time, fast walking speed and no more than every other day is the best method I have found.
Let me know your favorite techniques for breaking-in your boots in the comments!
Going for a 5 mile run on a Friday so you don't have blisters on Monday when work starts
LOL_ I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS ! But I have heard about it before. Found this again on a site called throughouthistory ,"......WWI Soldiers used urine for almost anything! They pi**ed on their boots to soften the leather. They pi**ed on their handkerchieves to make gas-masks. They even pi**ed on their machine-guns to stop them warping from overheating! ...." 😃
@@ThePaPappy That's what I do all day at work! When a colleague annoys me with uncomfortable questions I pee on him! If my boss annoys me I pee on him, even if I go to the toilet I pee! Hell yeeeah, I pee on everything that moves!
My method is built in too. Sweaty feet :) In colder months I swap out the wool socks for thick cotton/blends when I know I wont be in the elements so I can sweat through to the leather and soften it over the course of a few hours. I also sometimes put the boots right on after wiping away any excess of a fresh application of conditioner.
I dance in my new boots. It gets my foot moving in different ways, and warms up the leather to help it once I start walking around.
I’m a woman who doesn’t wear men’s boots. My husband doesn’t wear boots. I have no sons, and neither my grandson nor my nephews wear boots. So why am I hooked on watching this guy’s videos???? 😂😂😂 I enjoy learning about a variety of things (this week it’s trends in men’s fashion 😉), and you’re a very enjoyable, knowledgeable presenter; thanks for such consistently high quality content!💐
Awww thank you so much!!!
I wear my new red wings when weight training, nothing breaks them in faster than a few sets of lunges, squats deadlifts and box jumps. Plus you look awesome in the gym ( very short shorts a plus)
Thats one way to break them in I never considered!
New boot goofin’
OK guys ...get a room....!
I squat more in work boots than I do in tennishoes
Hey😉. lol
Great video. One thing I believe Nick's recommends and I have always done.....Lace them snug when breaking them in. It might make them even more uncomfortable, but it really helps the thick leather warm up and form to your feet. Don't snug them too tight, but just tight enough to make you aware that they are more snug than what you'd typically do.
I did 20 years in the military. We used to put em on, lace em up tight and the soak em down with water while wearing em. Then go cut the grass and let em dry. Afterwards if you knew a guy who worked with turbine engines you’d wipe em down with turbine oil and dry em quickly with the turbine engine exhaust. So soft! Did the same with our gloves.
This has the makings of a nice little nostalgic short story! :)
previouslyachimp why thank ya
@@bon2198 - You're welcome :)
Any tips for breaking in boots at basic training
Ruben Rojas-Resendiz Ruck up and march that’s the only way to break them in ...
I haven't had any problems with work boots for many, many years. The way they're made now basically eliminates that problem. I didn't think that I'd benefit from this video, but hey, it's Carl Murawski. Right? I'm pleased to say that I learned several things. So once again, Carl, well done Sir!
Excellent video, Carl. Here are two additional points. 1) In new western boots, there will always be a small amount of heel slippage and that is considered acceptable since there are no laces to tie them up. 2) Personally, I will not buy a pair of shoes/boots that feel tight or have hot spots. While you may be able to stretch the leather via wearing them, it is often a painful process. Having stated these points, though, I do not wear work boots, only dress boots and Cabela hunting boots. You are the expert on work boots and I believe your advice is sound. I'm sure this video will help a lot of people who do wear them.
To each their own of course, and I agree that pain points should be minimal unless you’re a masochist. The heel slip issue is one that we’re trying to figure out with the Nicks boot project, we want it to be a slip-on with the ability to really cinch it down. So we’ve tossed around the idea of a buckle, zipper, even the BOA system. It’s difficult to overcome an inherent shortcomings of a style like that.
My top tip - 2 layers of socks. Both layers need to be fairly thin, so don't try this with heavy walking socks. The idea is that the inner layer sticks to your feet, leaving the outer layer able to move over the inner. The result is that blistering is massively reduced, as instead of the point of friction being the surface of your skin, any friction is between the layers of socks. There are companies who sell "Blister ease" socks based on this idea, where the 2 layers are sewn together, but I'd suggest just buying a couple of pairs of regular socks - it's cheaper & just as effective.
I've been doing this for a while, it's good to know it's a known method
The first thing I do with new boots is recondition the leather. They've been sitting in storage for who knows how long before being sold and are going to be stiff, dry and not want to budge. Once thoroughly conditioned the break-in process is quicker and less painful. o/
boots/shoes and trainers have the manufacture date on them so you know how old....it's on the label usually near the bottom and printed in month/year ie 02/22
Enjoy the new boot look before conditioning- conditioning makes them look old
Good tips. The alcohol and water is basically what boot stretch is. There are heel pads you can put in as well if a lot of slippage. I like the lace tips too.
Thanks. I was having a hard time breaking in my leather skate boots. I was switch in and out with an old pair. Sounds like the best way.
Steve Cooper do you ice skate or skateboard? i hope you don’t mean skateboarding because that’s...yeah...
Congrats on being the first UA-camr I have seen who has created a real t-shirt to sell.
- Conditioning (mink oil inside)
- Boot Stretching for a few days
- Wear for a month or so at home with not very thick socks (this is the painful part for the foot bed to form)
- Get some good heavy hiking wool socks and wear them often for a whole day for several months.
- Ready for anything that comes.
Tip: Break in your boots in summer time
Great advice! I have high arches too and I removed the stock insole and replaced it with a thicker one for a few weeks to apply upward pressure. Not super comfortable but when I swapped back to the standard insole the boots fit great and survived a year of working at Walt Disney world.
You can use a heat gun, and gently heat the leather of the boots up and apply bees wax to the leather. The wax is absorbed and they become almost instantly soft, and they are completely water proof and the best performing boots in the snow you will ever wear. I have tried it myself in the past, and it works like a charm. Only problem was the wax tends to grab lighter particles like saw dust, concrete dust, etc. Using saddle soap on a fairly regular basis will keep them looking new, and the bees wax can be reapplied yearly or bi yearly to maintain water proofing.
@Carl Murawski, good information. To your point about getting the right fit to begin with. As someone who has spent decades in the work force on his feet, I'd add this. Buy your shoes or boots at the end of a normal work day. This way your feet with have swollen to capacity and you will get a much better fit. We're inclined to get shoes on a day off when we have plenty of time and aren't pressured. Generally, that's going to be a morning visit to the mall. Suck it up, go after work and you won't regret your purchase.
Thanks ! With my Corcoran jump boots ( 1510 , 1500 ) ... 3 pairs i can switch everytime i want . 2 days / boots . Usualy using tender cream or Mink oil , wearing them by walking stretching .... By 1week can feel comfortable , by a mounth i can wear them and just "forget" them . It's a long process but at the end i feel them quite like slipers ! You're good . Thanks again .
My Favorite technique is to wear them around the house on a couple of Sundays when I am watching the race. Then I wear them when I am walking on the treadmill or walking the dog around the neighborhood for a week. Then I wear them to work. Recently I bought a pair of Nick's Builder Pros and for a week I skipped the laces around my ankles for a week. Never had Nick's before I thought people where exaggerating how stiff a new pair are. The weren’t. Steel bands around my ankles couldn't hurt worse.
I did a similar thing with my new Nicks boots this week: wore them around the house for a few days, then mowed the front lawn. Finished just as my feet began to groan!
Your advice on high arches is something I practiced heavily in the Army. Initially, command freaked out about it. As an outspoken NCO, I was heard on WHY it was being done. It is extremely helpful
Good for you, Soldier! I joined the US Army at the time that we were issued 2 pairs of black stiff combat boots. We used a cigarette filter per our Drill Sergeant's instruction to paint a white circle on the top of the backstay so that the DS would know we were not wearing the same pair every day. Standing, marching, and running for miles in those unforgiving boots over the years have caused a plethora of issues. Hopefully, following these break-in tips will help me to enjoy wearing boots for the fun of it!
I start with thinner socks, wear about 6-8 hours for 2 or 3 days, usually I can wear them for 12-16 hours in less than a week. Then as the leather startes to stretch I'll use thicker socks. Also, if you live up north like I do, break-in is much easier in summer months. But yes, plan on changing socks and shoes at least once a day for a week. I also make it a point to use stairs over escalators or elevators, not sure if it actually helps but it seems to quicken the process.
I noticed the sizes change over the years especially around 1990. About that time it seemed that every time I bought a new pair of shoes I needed a half size larger and I knew my feet were not growing. I was over 30 years old at the time.
Many years later I bought a new pair of Red Wing Iron Ranger boots and I read that they were made by the same molds from nearly a hundred years ago. So instead of an 11 1/2 size, I was back to 9 1/2 or 10.
My new boots had the cork soles which take time to break in. The uppers broke in quickly because I used plenty of either Snow Seal or Mink Oil. Except for the soles they were comfortable nearly right away because of the oil I put on.
Good video, i have a pair of Red Wing Beckmans coming my way, ordered a pair since they've been discontinued. I know the leather is thick and stiff. I will just man up and wear them in the house for a while and slowly break them in.I will refrain from oils and creams so as not to discolor the Cigar Featherstone leather. All the discomfort will be worth it in the end.
I tend to get heel slip with pretty much every single pair of boots I wear so this video has been super helpful! Thank you for making this!
You're so welcome!
i also get heel slip. what do you do to prevent it? i got thorogoods and im worried about it
@@lanpartylandlord6123 There's a few things I've done that've helped, the first is getting those little heel cushion things and putting them into the heel of the boot to add a bit more thickness, although admittedly that's not a great solution. Insoles have also helped me in the past, as has the tried and true "just wear thicker socks" method.
I've never had a pair of Thorogoods, but I'd try any of those or you can double-lace the boots for extra tightness when you put em on to hold them to your heel a bit better. Sadly in some cases there is no fix, I owned a pair of Dunlop ADF combat boots (my first ever pair of combats in fact) which just would not stop heel slipping no matter what I did. I tried pretty much everything to fix it but ultimately nothing worked and I ended up replacing them with some Corcorans.
Hope at least one of these solutions helps you, though! Another good suggestion is to get some bamboo fiber socks - they tend to be pretty thick and are very gentle on the feet so they can somewhat mitigate the blisters from heel slip.
So from a military perspective. We get issued boots all the time. You always have a camp set for wearing, well, on camp, and a set for the field.
I find the difference to be night and day. The soles on the camp set wear out before anything else. The field set, which inevitably receives regular soaking, get to feel like slippers, but the uppers crack if not properly looked after.
Your field set, which gets soaked, will always be your favourite boots.
No, I didn't buy a new boot. I just love your content! Keep up the great work
Well I’m grateful for that man, thank you!
I use a really thin pair of dress socks, preferably nylon, underneath my normal socks. This allows your foot to slip a little and avoid blisters. That's been my only issue breaking in any boot. After that was resolved no issue even while in the Corps. I have done the water soak and it works well and takes about two full days but the boots fit like a glove when you're done. They do need a lot of dressing and moisturizers when done though.
For work boots that you don't mind darkening up a bit, Obenauf's LP is great conditioner but also softens the leather fairly significantly and has helped me break in a few pairs. Instead of wearing them to work, some real brutal break-in boots are nice worn casually for a bit instead of trying to work in them. Put 'em on after work and go to the store, wear them to the mall on weekends, etc.
You said you don't have to break in the laces, but those thick rawhide laces that come with White's, Nick's, etc. do take some breaking in. Obenauf's softens those up significantly, but also darkens them and makes them less attractive if you ask me. Use the Obenauf's if you don't care what the leather laces look like, or if you do, break in the boots with nylon or cotton laces with Carl's alternate lacing methods, then once the boots are more comfortable swap the laces to the rawhide ones.
Thats a good call, and a good point on the laces. I've noticed that the Whites laces are thicker than most other brands and need a little more time to break in.
Big thanks to you Carl! I can't believe this solved all my problems breaking in my Iron Ranger. I thought I was an E width at first then I tried skipping laces and the surgeons knot it made all the difference.
Like always... Great video with some good advice. I usually just throw them on and go to work. A week or so later I forget they're on.
Yeah, if they're good enough you can just power through. It depends on the boot and how good it fits right off the bat.
@@CarlMurawski like I've said I have only had Whites, Wescos, Chippewas and Carolina's. All of which have been great out the gate. My Carolina's were even a metatarsal guard. And I put them on and didn't take them off for 10-12hrs a day standing welding. I guess I have been lucky not having much issue with breaking in boots.
I stumbled upon this video, because I was doing my usual research on boots. I love all the advice and am taking mental notes. I'm thinking of getting a pair of western boots soon, so I'll be using the techniques you suggested. Also, Smartwool socks are my favorite socks.
Well thank you for watching! Best of luck with your new boots 😁
Thank you so much! Husband and I bought our first timberland boots and trying to break them for our upcoming trip to japan. This is so useful :)
I just got a pair of Wolverine Harrison’s, and they are AWESOME!! I seriously recommend them to ANYONE
I remember the breakin period for my White's. The pain from the leather forming around my ankles was the worst. They have an 80 hour breakin time.
Yes, it's murder but so worth it!
80 hours? WTF
I just wear them around the house till they're not comfortable, take them off and repeat till they are comfortable for all day wear. My last pair of chippewas were good for all day wear from the get go. My wife did make me take them off to go to bed though.
As you suggested, I think trying them on for sizing is the most important for comfort. I always tend to buy my boots generally a half a size bigger + wider. If your size 10.5 in Nike's dont assume that same size in work boots.
@Matt It might depend but half a size smaller then sneakers is correct generally. But again everyones feets are diffrent. And if buying half a size wider/bigger works for you than that's good.
great video!! one method I use which is probably unconventional is, I put them on and I do pushups throughout the day while wearing them. this really makes them start to flex a lot and break in a lot quicker in my experience!!
Flex your boots and pecs at the same time 😁!
Thank you Carl for your sound & practical advice this time for ones boots.Appreciate very much. 👍
I have two pairs of whites and understand the white bite, when i have to get a new pair ill condition the shit out of them and heat some water dump it in the boot and dump it in an let it rest till its cool then dump it pad it dry and put on dry wool socks and give it a go. The best thing id 100% recommend for any break in is some leukotape to save your skin on hot spots so you can wear them as long as possible till broken in. Moleskin doesnt last long so if you need a set it and forget it the leukotape is best but know that it wont just come off easy which is why more people choose it. Best pair of socks is hands down DARN TOUGH.
The only other thing is to take care of them, clean and oil them so they last!!!! Two areas never to go cheap on your shoes and your toilet paper. Another note is if your out in the field and your lace brakes having the longer 108" ones come in handy as you can just shorten it and still have a function-able boot till you can get new ones and still finish your day out.
When breaking in my RedWing boots I had duct tape no my heel for a week or so to stop heel slip being too bad, that way it slips but there is alot less friction on the heel itself. The first day I wore them I ruined the skin on me heel and it took weeks to fix.
After 3 weeks I could walk comfortably and it was wort it.
I am having the same issue with heal slipping and blisters on my heal from my redwings. Were you able to eventually able to stop using the duct tape? I am only having slippage on one foot, the other foot is fine
This is a great video. I just want to stress for a 8 or 10" boot, get tall thick socks.
When buying new boots, especially work boots, I do my best to go try them on after a long day of work. That way I know if they'll be comfortable when my feet are tired and sore because something that feels a bit funny when you have fresh feet might turn into something painful after 8+ hours wearing them.
Another informational and concise video, well done.
Steve DelLanno agreed
Wear them. The end.
levelheadsteve 🧐
levelheadsteve Wear them but dont walk on em or youll get blisters use em around the house and once their molded after a few days or a weekend then wear the to walk
I agree it's not complicated LOL
Use mink oil daily and wear them all day everywhere. Wear moister wicking socks, socks that don't absorb sweat. You want that sweat in the boot to help soften them and shrink the leather to mold them to your feet.
I only just clicked on this video to say the same thing. Just wear them!
Perfect timing on this video. I bought my first pair of Red Wings last night (Heritage Moc Toe), and I'm wearing them at work right now. I've got my old comfortable Ariats in the car. It's good to know I've got the right idea.
Zach S. That was my first pair of red wings, and the worst for me to break in. It was that collar around the top digging into my upper ankle. Spend a little time scrunching that collar with your hands and it’ll help a lot. About two weeks of wear and they’ll feel like Cadillacs.
Thanks for the advice! I'll keep it in mind. Mine are the copper color.
I doubt anybody cares, but this came to mind as I watched this. 56 years ago I was a boy scout, one of the things we had to do was a 20-mile hike. The first step to get ready, buy a pair of Red Wing Boots. The next step put on a pair of socks put on your boots stand in a bathtub of warm water that goes over the top of the boots until they are completely soaked. Now wear your boots all day until they dry. Wear them the next day. After this process recondition your boots. I have to say I wore those boots on that hike and after and never had a problem. Knowing what I know now about leather and boot construction that [roably was not good advice. :-)
Heat can also do the opposite if they are wet. A wet boot with heat can make the leather shrink somewhat or tighten the fibers making it feel tighter on you foot. But you did give some great tips the best is taking your time and slowly breaking them in.
“Patients is a virtue”
I love my custom Nicks Hot Shots, although, they were absolutely murder to break in! A suggestion that come from Nicks was spraying the boots down with a 50/50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol when they became too much to bear. It made the leather much more supple and easier to break in. Hope this helps someone.
I saw that on my Nicks when they came in, I never had to give them that treatment but they were definitely a bear to break in.
How tight were they in the beginning? I have a pair I got and they are hard to get on. They seem to pinch the pinky toe and almost feels like they are hitting the front of thr toes.
I even went to remeasure my feet and sent in a new fit sheet to double check, but Nick's tells me it matches the first fit sheet and should be the correct size.
Waiting for my first pair of custom boots to arrive from Whites this Friday. Hopefully they fit good, I went into the store and had them measure me for them, which I'm glad I did because I found out I've been wearing the wrong size boots for the last 15 years!
I always wore them to work, after two weeks even the toughest pair get broke in. It's not very complicated your feet might hurt a little bit, so what big deal . If your an office worker don't buy quality work boots like Redwings, or Whites because it will take forever to break them in . I would buy Allen Edmonds, or Alden's if I was a office worker .
good advice, i bought a pair of cheaper boots that are a bit too big so no break in needed, i never walk around on the shop floor for more rhan 15-20 minutes, then i just plop my ass into my chair at my desk and throw my dress shoes on 👍
Most boots destroy my heels more so on the right foot as it goes but I didn't know about the surgeon's knot so will try that and thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Soak in warm water(Not hot) for an hour, lace em up snug and go about normal activity for a few hours, take em off and air dry for a couple days. Apply massive amounts of leather conditioner. Enjoy. Warm water allows the leather to form to your foot's shape almost immediately. That shape will be retained as they dry. To dry boots efficiently, lay them on their side. This allows natural convection to get all the way to the toe. Even soaking wet boots will dry in 24 hrs at room temp if you point a small fan on low at them. 21 years in the US Army. Used the water method many times. It flat out works. And you're feet don't have to endure the pain of normal break-in.
I had a pair of RW steel toes that I swore would never break in. Ended up having to power wash for a few hours. Boots got soaked. Let them dry and wore my old boots to work the next day. The following day I wore my RWs and they were near perfect. Now they’re my favorite boots and almost need a resole.
I wear 1500 10" Corcoran boots (black). First day I had them, I was hating it. It was pinching my foot, they looked so slim. However, since I bought them as my daily everywhere boots, I just kept wearing them. I did change the laces because the pair that was on them was cheap and stiff and it wouldn't let me move my foot in there. After five days everything settled, and now a year later I can't stop looking at them and how they have aged. They are the only boots I wear.
I carefully use a humidifier (warm moist air) one boot at a time so soften them, aiming at the high friction areas, wear them immediately after and then I apply conditioner to them
I have a pair of British army assault boots that have smooth leather on the outside and smooth on the inside and I find the inside leather makes them really comfortable. They were 2nd hand boots so the leather was quite soft when I bought them. The only problem with the boots is that the rubber used in the sole disintergrates after a few years and the tread wears down quite quickly. There are companies who make reproductions of them with a different sole material that doesn't disintegrate.
*Taking out the soles really helped*
My boots fit comfortablely now and they are new thorogood work boots. My last pair were 9EE which I had for 4 year. Decided to get 9.5 reg but when I put them on they were really tight on the sides. I was thinking I should have went with EE. But after watching this video I removed the sole and they fit perfect. Thanks for the tip!
Leather is living, dub with your hands, get it warm again- Ernest MacReady. Shoemaker
County Down. Ulster. Grandad. Legend.
Never tried Tenderly, but there is a leather paste oil called Garrison Gold by Garrison Leather Care that is designed to soften leather. I know it's also used to break-in baseball gloves and that leather is STIFF! Bought some on Amazon and used it on some Luchesse Cowboy boots and Red Wing Iron Rangers and the difference was amazing. Also, I like the thick sock idea. I'll have to try that next time. Thanks.
Just got a pair of Double H 13" comp square toe boots. So sharp! Cant wait to break them in!
Hello, hope all is well with you and your family. I know this is a long shot, on this video I think you were a green pair of boots. They look great. I was wondering if you could tell me the brand and or style of boot. They look so cool. I also have high arches and some shoes do bother me a lot. Thank you for the great video.
Those boots are kind of a unicorn. I was working on a pair of collaboration boots when I made this video, and the green boots in this video were the first version. They weren’t quite up to snuff just yet but the factory shut down before we could go any further sadly. So these are most likely the first and last of their kind.
Thank you for responding to my inquiry. Those boots look really nice.
Good job explaining, but here's the problem that most people don't follow, if u buy high-ended boots u must wear a thicker sock, maybe even 2 socks, use a wooden stretcher, the best time to do these methods is when just got home from wearing them over 6 hours, that's when what we call highest heated leather time, so while it's warm you put the cedar wood life, by morning that boot will fill broken in, now wear the boot on water or wet snow so let the leather get wet, and repeat the same process I explained. 30 years experience in selling high-end boots and shoes. That's how you break them.
Just got me a pair of Roland Sands Mojave boots man these have thick leather can’t wait till they break in, thanks for the tips man 👍🏼
Thanks for the heel advice. Great tips. I’ll give them a try. Just picked up a new pair of RW heritage Mocs and am experiencing the slip.
I chuckled when you mentioned wetting the leather. That's how we broke in leather skates back in the day. Soak the boot of the skate and then wear them.
hey carl, interesting video as usual!
so today is my 5th day with my iron ranger, i can feel the leather is a bit stretched already and are forming to the shape of my foot, the toe box is already creasing, the heel area too, so i can change the clutch on my bike easier now. i don't have any of the problems that you mention, just some of my feet movements are limited to the new leather boots. there's even time when its drizzling in my area and i just let the water to dry itself on my boots because it stretches the boots a bit. and i put my shoe trees to dry the inside of the boots.
anyway, if i really need to quicken the process, i'll definitely use you method.
Gotta love the foot shift wear mark!
Coming back to this after getting my Tecovas work boots lol. My feet hurt.
My Frye's Prison Boots "break in" took about a week.. max. Now they fit like a glove and the soles are nice and flexible. Awesome boots! They run 1/2 size larger than cross trainers. But the same size as dress shoes.
I just got brand new iron rangers and I soaked them and golden mink oil a couple of times already and yes they got much darker but I like it. The leather seemed to stretch quite easily and conform to my foot much easier and I don’t know if my foot is perfect for a number eight last or watt but I have had no problems at all breaking these boots in. I was ready for a really tough time from everything that I’ve read and heard but honestly they were a piece of cake for me and I’m convinced it was the mink oil that really softened the leather.
Inherently they are very waterproof now!
I just got my builder pro I ordered a stock size 10 and I wore then about an hour inside my house then quickly realized these boots were gonna be very comfortable after breaking in because they were better feeling then my chippewa boots when I first got those and after break in those were the most comfortable work boots I ever had so now I'm about 20 hours into breaking in these nicks they just keep getting better everytime I put them on although not fully broke in yet they are really comfortable for where I'm at in the break in period
The technique i use to break in my boots is to condition the inside of the boots and wear them around the house with no laces. That reduces friction on the foot, softens the leather and your socks will naturaly absorb any excess conditioner. Plus, having no laces allows your foot to wiggle a little more which helps to expand the boot a bit.
the inside part i think is highly overlooked in many of the videos i just watched on break in. when applying proofhide to brooks bike saddles its always a bit on top and a lot on the bottom. the inside is like the part of the baseball glove where you throw the baseball.
When I had an issue with the heel cap on my Justin conductors I just stuck a piece of $1 foam insole there until I no longer needed it.
It relieved the issue but made the boot harder to get on when having to hold it in place while slipping my foot in.
I've not had the issue with the Thorogood's I just got last week, these boots just felt like the right fit the second I put them on.
The Justin's were the first good boots I bought and truthfully the first properly sized boots I bought, so I'm most used to crappy sand a half too big Walmart boots ( when your parents raise you on shoes you'll " grow into " wearing the right size takes some getting used to ) but while the Thorogood's definitely need a bit more break in they instantly felt right in overall fit.
They've not been uncomfortable to walk in at all really They are breaking in much faster than the Justin's I wear for work, but still need a little bit of break in as I've not done a lot of major toe bending in them yet.
I usually just wear 'em to break them in...
Docs hurt like hell, I want my docs to fit well not so well customised my blood and dna samples can be obtained from the lining lol
Hang on fellas I'll be right back. I have to change.
You MADMAN!
I have high arches and I replace all my boot laces with paracord. I put metal aglets on them too myself. They are amazing. Strong enough that they won’t snap but softer than most laces. Either that or I go with flat ribbon laces. Works great for that pressure point.
When breaking in stiff boots, I will sometimes apply a circle of duct tape/Moleskin to my heal or other potential hotspots. Thin liner socks inside wool socks help as well.
Moleskin is best advice.
Great tip!
My grandfather taught me the moleskin trick years ago and it still works well
I have really odd feet, size 6, triple E, with narrow heels and a fairly flat arch, and I am waiting on my Red Wing Rangers still, since they have to be custom made/ordered. I wear Docs regularly in my commercial kitchen, so I am on my feet constantly. My Docs are a tad narrow and can pinch. I honestly can't wait for them to arrive at the Red Wing store and break them in. I figure 16 hour days will do it quick.
Did not know the surgion's knot lacing method, very interresting! 😄👍
What I've done on tight shoes/boots was to put 3,4 pairs of socks into a shoe tree and leave it on for a day or two. It did help stretch the shoe
Interesting! Like a home made shoe stretcher.
One thing I have learned about breaking in a new pair of boots is this: put the boots on with thicker socks; lace them up; now, and very important, DON'T start just walking around in them; while sitting in a chair or on a stool take your fingers of one hand while flat and put them on top of where the toes are going to bend; slowly with the boot flat on the floor start bending the boot like you are taking a step while tracing with your fingers where your toes are bending and where you want the crease to be; now overbend them. This will put the crease right where you want/need it to be. This will ease breaking in without pinch spots where your toes are. Repeat process with the other boot. You may want to get a pair of already-broken-in boots on and practice a couple of times to get the feel of it. I was a drill sergeant for several years and you don't have the luxury of time always. If you just start walking around in them the leather will take the path of least resistance and crease willy-nilly. Not good. This is why I always check new boots that I buy to make sure there are no stray creases. Try it.
Hey Carl. Good informative vid. The part that touches on hi arch/tongue causing pain at the top side of the ankle is not a subject easy or plentiful to find a solution to .
Also May I ask what the make or brand name of the black boots shown at the beginning of this video ( before pleasing play ) ? They are black , shown in a wet environment. I can also make out that the top side of the toe box is flat , and that’s what I’m looking for. If the warfare boot for $400.00 you reviewed came in a cap toe version, that would be as close of an example to use to describe what I’m looking for. Thanks from Sean “blue collar proud” .
A boot drier to warm up the boot which will make it more pliable but, from the inside not outside because you might compromise the welt. You definitely want that
@shadowdance4666....That's very smart. Thanx.
I like the eyelet skipping trick to keep things comfortably loose in the ball and instep areas. But I only have the laces going in through the first and out through the fourth eyelets, where I tie my boots after wrapping the excess lacing around. I never tie above the instep.
I'm in the camp that believes that you're wearing the wrong size or fit of boot if you have to break them in. They should fit right when you put them on and not cause any discomfort. Whatever size you have to wear to get that fit is your size. For some it's a half size up, others a full size. I wear wides a half size up if they're soft toes, a size up or more if steel toes. I don't know what it is with steel toes but they're always tighter across the toe box than the same size soft toes.
i'll definitely try the sand paper trick!
Good tip man!
What brand is your shirt? It’s a nice one.
I bought a pair of nicks and was NOT prepared for the break in so I asked my dad if he had any suggestions and he told me to soak them in water and wear them until they're dry with some really thick socks and then let them dry out over a couple days and clean, condition and waterproof them and I tell you what I have never had a nicer fitting pair of boots in my life
I wear bandaids where my boots rub me raw when I’m breaking them in. In my case, it’s in the heel area where the foxing meets the back stay. Bandaids are less expensive then mole skin, but mole skin is good too. I also will use a shoe stretcher with a leather stretcher solution to help me break them in, if needed. The stretch solution is sold at shoe repair shops.
I just use duckt tape. :D Cheap and it stops the rubbing. The only problem is that the skin can't breathe throu it.
I've just bought a great pair of Western styled cowboy boots, and referenced some of the tips in the video and on the comments section. Thank y'all. 😊🖐️
Just bought a pair of iron rangers and cant wait
I have around 60 hours in my 55 last custom builder pros, completely underestimated it. IT killed my left heel for a week even when I paid extra to have the heels even more custom. My heel is suuuuper skinny and boney, it's about an inch and a half wide. thanks for the surgeon's knot tip
Wow, that’s an interesting condition. What did they do to build up the heel?
@@CarlMurawski they didn't thicken the heel or add additional material, as far as what I can tell is that they built the upper at more inward angle to have the upper collapse in on my heel more when it breaks in. (just a theory). At the moment my heel slips unless the boots are laced tight
Currently wearing a new pair of Jim Green Razorbacks with some thick socks around the house. Thanks Carl!
Going to try the surgeon knot. Thank you for your help
I have walked through plenty of boots... sadly have also had diesel ruin many pairs of nice boots, but my prefered method is walking 1 or 2 miles in them at the start, maybe on an off day where I have time. Usually when I get a new pair it is because flooding finds/creates a massive leak. In any case a second pair of socks make the day better too!
Actually very good advice.... thanks. You uploaded this video on my Birthday last year... thanks. ;)
Happy to help!
Some interesting advice but I believe you are using "high arch" incorrectly. If the top of your feet is scrunching up against the top of the boot, you have high instep.
bertman4 high arch is on the back of the heel?
Yeah, we knew what he was talking about.
If you have a high arch, you are likely to have a high instep.
WithMetta What I came to say too
@@LowHangingFruitForest Yes, the kinda go together ;0)
Thanks for sharing! Could you let us know what boots were featured in the video?
With all leather boots. Leather inside and out rub lots of boot oil on the inside of boot where you have discomfort. Then conditions the outside put extra oil on outside hot spot. I did that to my Redwing 2218's and they are perfect now. Also do a military lace . Start by going over under then the next eyelid go under over the next over under keep alternating all the way up. It creates less friction. I was going to get rid of my Redwing loggers until I did the inside oil treatment. The boot is perfect
Create your own "last" or have one made for you to stretch everything forward of your arch (basically the weaker part of your foot. Make sure it matches your foot at its widest (walking around all day in slides or barefoot) and also has extra material where your feet tend to be uncomfortable or get pressed (small toe, big toe joint, big toe).
Pro-tip - ensure the last allows your big toe to straighten out more than it does naturally. Big toes pointing in can be a sign of bad things to come.
Finally, the last should be scooped so it doesn't press the insole except at the absolute outer edges (that can't be avoided). You don't want your insole to be conformed to the last. It needs to conform to your foot
The other parts of your boot are controlled by lace tension, so that'll get broken in like in this video.
my shoes and boots , getting the correct size is a good idea. Totally coat them in wax polish , wear them indoors x4 nights watching TV.. Works a treat.been doing this for 30 years.
When I buy a new pair of leather boots or shoes, I apply a generous amount of mink oil or sno seal to the leather. I use a hair dryer to heat it in until it’s completely absorbed. I keep reapplying until the leather is completely saturated. Then i let them cool down completely and wipe off any excess. This process makes the leather soft and not so stiff.
Im having a hell of a time breaking in my Limmer boots.. ive got almost 50 hours in them and they have barely even started creasing at the toe box.. dont know if my feet are up to the task.
Try mink oil...
I wear as heavy of a sock (go up in thickness as I break in the boot) as I can stand and wear my new boots on my treadmill- 30 minutes at a time, fast walking speed and no more than every other day is the best method I have found.