Boot Breaking in and other Questions

[TheChristianEquestrian]

It’s been a while!
So I got a pair of Ariat Heritage Field Zip Tall Boots right as they were discontinued (sale! Woo!) in 2018, and I have a few questions about really breaking them in. I rode in them interchangeably with my paddock boots from early 2018 to early 2019, so about once every 2 weeks or so for about a year. I then had to stop riding and am going to get back in the arena at the latest August this year.
While they have been sitting idle, I have been taking them about of storage (top rack of my closet) every once and a dust off and to check to make sure that nothing has somehow come loose or broken. They are in near perfect condition, meaning that they aren’t really broken in.

When I rode in them, I normally had the top button of the boot behind the knee undone because they were tight and stiff. I would also get blisters if i walked around in them a lot. The folks at the Dover store I bought them at said than a few hours in the saddle would be enough to break them in, but I do not think that is the case (unfortunately).

I’ wondering what are some tips for actually breaking them in so that I can ride in them and not have a stiff piece of leather working against me. I know I should have done this when I got them years ago, but they are my first pair of tall boots so i didn’t really know what I was doing.

I have also noticed that the little button buckle behind the knee tends to get really brittle for seemingly no reason. Its been like that since I got them. Any thoughts on why and how to fix/prevent this?

I also am causally looking for recommendations on a good insole type insert for my boots, as I my heels get very sore if I walk around for too long due to medical reasons. I figured some sort of compression absorbing insert would work, but figured I would ask the people that would know!

If you need anymore information let me know. Here is also a link to the boots I have on ariat’s page in case that helps.

Heritage Contour Field Zip Tall Riding Boot

[PonyPenny]

I have always used the bathtub method to break in boots with tougher leather. This was from my Dehner days. You put the boots on and get them soaking wet. Wear them until dry. They key is to wear them until they are dry, do not take them off sooner. Heal lifts also help with blisters behind you knee. Water won’t hurt your boots.

[173north]

I do a variation of the bathtub method - bring boots to barn on hot day, go in wash stall, flip them upside down and unzip them, thoroughly hose off inside & outside of boot from ankle down, trying to keep the foot dry… then put them on, ride, and don’t take them off til they’re dry.

I’ve done this with the Heritage boots and they fit like they were custom made after a day. I’ve also done it with a $$$ pair of Ariat Monacos which are in great condition 5 years later, and a pair of DeNiros.

For insoles… I am all about Superfeet.

[Spudsmyguy]

I have these same boots and also get blisters if I wear them too long. Granted, I don’t wear them regularly so really haven’t had time to break them in. I wear those foot things that cover your ankle and instep and even those don’t keep blisters at bay. I think I’ll try the bathtub method.

[Cocorona]

I was told years ago to heat up some olive oil (or any cooking oil you have) in the microwave and rub on the inside of the boot where you need it to break in then put them on and walk around for the afternoon. The warm oil helps break the leather in and mold to your leg. You use cooking oil in case any of it seeps into your skin…obviously don’t heat the oil to burning temps… always worked like a charm

[Jo]

I use these during break-in period. Swivel them around so the gel is wherever there are rubs.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B073BZJQXJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I, personally, like the Ariat insoles but have replaced older boots with something similar to Dr. Scholl’s insoles for additional comfort.

[TheChristianEquestrian]

I think I’m going to try hosing them off on a hot day like @173north said. I plan on volunteering at a therapy horse barn in the coming weeks and plan on spending long hours there. I think that’ll be a great opportunity to try the hose method. I do apppreicate everyone’s input though! I will keep all that has been said in the back of my mind.

[Spudsmyguy]

@Jo

I use these during break-in period. Swivel them around so the gel is wherever there are rubs.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B073BZJQXJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I read the ad as “snake bite protectors” I was wondering how they protect from snake bites? Then I re-read the ad. LOL

[foggythistle]

Bring other footwear in case it becomes unbearable.
Also try putting some padding behind your knee if that’s the most troublesome spot.

[Moneypitt]

I was always chicken to try the bathtub method.

Instead I used Vogel boot cream conditioner inside and outside the boots to help condition and soften around the ankles. Not sure if it’s currently available but think there are similar products? Also great to use after wiping off dirt with a clean damp cloth to condition.

[EmilyM]

i use effax cream cleaner to clean so they soften. when i purchased new boots, the tack shop said to boil some water and dab it to the parts that need breaking in.

[PonyPenny]

Why are you a chicken to try the bathtub method? Water will not hurt your boots. It will give you a custom broken in boot. You won’t be sorry if you try it.

[Peggy]

Ice skates are apparently very painful to break in. When I had a pair of boots that were killing me I found something similar to the Equifit gel sleeves on an ice skating site for half the price.

[Moneypitt]

The best kind

Leather Conditioner & Cleaner

I bought the Cadillac version when I could not get the Vogel. It’s pretty good; too. Costs a lot less than the Vogel does now.

Boot and Shoe Leather Lotion