Compliment other stretching methods, like boot stretchers or steam, by walking around in your boots afterward. Depending on how often and how long you wear them, the boots could take several days or up to several weeks to break in. If you wear stiff boots for several hours or more in one day, let them “rest” for a day before you wear them again.
Even with extra socks on, walking in new boots might get painful. Only wear them a few hours a day while they break in, and take breaks if you get sore.
Use a boot stretcher that’s designed to expand the area that’s giving you trouble, or else you’ll expand the boot in the wrong places. Boot stretchers are also great for older pairs of boots that have shrunk or gone stiff because they haven’t been worn in a while.
If you’re in a hurry, put the boots on right after you spray them and wear them while you go about your day.
Condition or moisturize your leather cowboy boots every 3 to 6 months to keep them soft and flexible.
Keep tapping or repeating the process until you’re happy with the shape, fit, and feel of the boots. Alternatively, grab your boots by the toe and knock them on the ground or a table 5 times. Try the boots on and repeat until they fit more comfortably. [7] X Research source
Let the boots cool slightly and then put them on while they’re still warm and soft. Walk around in them for about 10 minutes, or until they fully cool down. Too much direct heat can cause leather to fade, so be sure not to hold the boots too close to the steam for too long. Alternatively, use a clothes steamer instead of a pot of boiling water.
Put the box in your freezer for at least 8 hours. The cold temperatures won’t damage your boots or the leather. Pull the boots out of the freezer and let the ice thaw in a cool, dry place before taking the water bags out. Try on your boots to see how they fit. If they’re still tight or stiff, repeat the process.
Hold the dryer at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from the boot to avoid overheating. Apply leather conditioner or moisturizer afterward to keep the boot leather soft and smooth.
This method won’t break in the boots all by itself, but supplements other methods for a shorter break-in time. Also try flexing the sole and heel to increase flexibility and softness in thick areas.
The wet socks might feel uncomfortable, but they’ll protect you from wet boot blisters! As the boots dry, they’ll shrink and mold to the shape of your feet. Keep the boots largely in the shade so they dry slowly. If they’re thick boots, it might take several days to dry fully. Apply another layer of leather oil after submerging, and consider rubbing antibacterial lotion on the insides to keep them from smelling. Only use this method on boots that are too large. Tight boots will get even tighter after soaking. If you’re worried about damaging your boots, spray the outsides with water or wrap them with warm, damp towels instead of fully submerging them. [14] X Research source
