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Tired of limping around in your tight shoes with their stiff leather skins? By learning how to break in cowboy boots you can avoid swollen ankles and painful callouses. Since these boots generally use cowhide leather you can stretch them to make them more comfortable.
So if your new boots are a little too small that’s nothing to worry about. With the right tips and tricks, you can make your cowboy boots more comfortable. There are tonnes of ways to do this and we’re going to explain the top five easiest methods.
1. Doubling Up Your Socks
Perhaps the easiest, low-effort, low-cost way to break in your shoes is to wear two pairs of socks. Doubling up with thick woolen socks can stretch your boots so they increase half a size or more. If your cowboy boots are a size too small this is a great way to open up the leather.
You may have heard people say leather shoes adjust to the shape of your foot. Well, that’s simply because the gradual pressure exerted at the point of contact between the foot and the leather causes it to expand.
Now you can only imagine what will happen when you stuff your double socked foot into the boot. While it will work, this method is slow and uncomfortable. You’ll have to repeat it over several days or even weeks to see any real result. If your shoe is too small doing this can even cause extreme foot pain and blisters. That is why this is not a preferred method, but the last resort.
If you do decide to go this route, try it in the summer, during the afternoon when the sun is out. The heat will make the material more pliant so it will adjust a little easier. Under no circumstances should you layer more than two pairs of socks.
2. Steaming The Boot
Looking for a cheap way to break in your cowboy boots at home? Steaming the inside of your boots is a great way to get an almost custom fit. This is a popular method because the shoe contorts to adjust to your foot and becomes extremely comfortable.
Of course, there are a few negatives. The biggest risk is that the moisture will make the leather dry out and fade. Water is bad for leather and there is a significant risk of damage. Similar to the previous strategy this is also a slow process that will take some time and maybe uncomfortable in the meanwhile.
But if you’re determined to push through the pain this is a solid, inexpensive way of breaking in your cowboy boots and not making a mess in the process.
How it works
Find a steam-making machine such as a garment streamer or even a kettle. Use it to push steam into your cowboy boots for 20 seconds. Move the steamer away and feel the surface of the boot. It should be soft and warm. If the section is still firm redo the steaming process for an additional 10 to 15 seconds.
Finally, the boot will feel flexible and pliable. At this point, put it on and walk around your house. As the boot dries it will adjust to the form of your feet. The best way to do this is to keep the shoe on till it is completely dry. However, this will likely be uncomfortable so if you aren’t able to keep them on the entire time, pull them off after the material has cooled down.
Remember, this method relies on natural drying so using a heat source will defeat the purpose. Once the boots are completely dry you can condition them using mink oil or another specialty product.
3. Soaking Your Boots In Warm Water
Another inexpensive yet drastic way to break in your cowboy boots is by soaking them in warm water. Once again this is a tried and tested way of getting a comfortable, custom fit in your show. However, the water can damage the leather surface causing the dyes to fade or the leather to peel off so proceed at your own risk.
If comfort is your only goal go right ahead. Unlike steaming, this can get messy. The warm water will work its magic on the fibers. Once they loosen up the leather will become flexible and contort to match the shape of your feet.
How it works
Fill a large bucket or tub with lukewarm water. The temperature of the water is important since cold water won’t have any effect and hot water will warp the leather immediately. Next, put your boots in while making sure the water level is low enough that it doesn’t enter the boot. You’ll have to press down on the boot to stop it from floating.
Wait for the insole to become slightly damp then pull the boot out of the water. Pull-on a pair of thick socks and wear your boots. If this is too uncomfortable for you, use a plastic bag over your socks to stop the water from seeping in. That way you won’t have to worry about wet feet.
Keep the boots on till they dry out completely or mostly. The longer you wait the better it is. Once they’re completely dry you can condition them using milk oil to stop the leather from cracking.
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4. Freezing A Bag Of Water Inside Your Boots
If you’re afraid of ruining your boots try this inexpensive yet safe method for stretching them open. While slow and time-consuming it will stretch open the toe box area slightly.
How it works
Find a sealable bag that can hold up to a gallon of water and fill it halfway. Make sure there are no air bubbles then put it into the toe box of your boot. Use socks to keep the bag in place and put the boot in the freezer. Leave it for 8 to 10 hours. The water will freeze and expand. The ice will exert pressure on the boot’s toe box.
You’ll have to wait for the ice to thaw before removing it. Repeat this process several times and you’ll see the results. It’s safe and non-intrusive. Perfect for avoiding those toe calluses.
5. Buying A Cowboy Boot Stretcher
If none of these methods seem right, you can always purchase a Cowboy boot stretcher. It will offer quick and immediate results with no potential for damage or discomfort. Of course, you’ll have to pay the upfront cost which can be pricy.
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How To Break In Your Cowboy Boots
The ideal scenario is to have boots that fit you perfectly. The best way to avoid such minor sizing issues is to shop at the end of a hectic workday when your feet are at their largest or most swollen. However, if you have a pair that needs breaking in, these five methods should do the trick!
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