Tips for breaking in new boots

[LadyB]

Bought a new pair of Ariat Heritage Ellipse Ostrich Print boots. La-la-la-love them! So pretty! And are the perfect fit. I’ve only ever owned used boots, so they’ve already been broken in by someone else.

I wore these ones for a couple of hours while sitting outside, and everything was alright, super tight, calf throbbing, but manageable. Decided to wear them riding the next day, had to undo them halfway through my ride, so my horse got off easy that day.

The left one is pinching really bad on the front crease of my ankle. Where it bends when you put your heel down. To the point that I actually can’t put it down without excessive pinching pain.

I’m looking for tips. I’ve read putting them in the bathroom while you shower, but my bathroom doesn’t seem to steam up much to get that effect. I’ve heard of people soaking them, but I fear of ruining the leather, I really don’t want to do that. Obviously the break in period is going to be painful, but tips from others are always helpful.

I’m not sure how long they take to break in, and I expect some pain, but would like to speed up the process a little since the pinching is pretty unbearable. I can’t ride with them, because I can barely feel anything at the moment between the pinching and calf throbbing.

Any tips and tricks are appreciated!

[Guilherme]

Is there a real cobbler near you? They can often stretch a boot to address a problem area.

The old, tried-and-true method is to thoroughly wet the boot and wear it 'till it dries. Then polish the fire out of it to re moisturize the leather and protect it. Given where you have the problem that may not be the best method.

You can also call the maker and ask them for advice.

Good luck as you go forward.

G.

[eclipse]

Take the to a pro to get them stretched in that area, also moleskin is your very best friend while breaking in new boots! I don’t like to soak the whole boot but I do wet my socks then wear the boots until the sock completely dries!

[JoannaHCR]

I’m breaking in the exact same boots! I used Higher Standards leather balm on them and conditioned the heck out of them, especially the ankles and they have been much more comfortable since. I have hear the water thing but am also scared of damaging the leather and the inserts. Might try wetting my socks though!

[MissAriel]

And use these: https://www.amazon.com/Silipos-10845-Tubing-Ankle-Sleeve/dp/B00JFTW43I/ref=sr_1_sc_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505405914&sr=8-5-spell&keywords=silipas&th=1

I cut the 10" tube into two 5" pieces - one for each ankle. Just like the ones they sell at the tack shops, but half the price!

[GraceLikeRain]

I’d soak those puppies.

I totally understand the fear factor but are you going to take your boots off if you are showing and it starts down pouring?

My last pair of Ariats were stiff and pinching when they arrived. I put them on at the barn and literally turned the hose on and soaked them through and through. I zipped them back up and audibly sloshed around for a few hours.

Once they were back to just damp I lightly conditioned the inside sections where they were tightest with higher standard balm and did a light tall boot-specific conditioner over the full boot.

They are now about 18 months old and fit like customs. As of yet I have seen zero indication that soaked them adversely affected the foot bed, stitching, ability to take a shine, etc.

[LadyB]

@MissAriel Those are quite neat!

Ok maybe I’ll do the turn the hose on thing this weekend and see how it goes. I don’t want to stretch them because then they’ll be too big once they all settle and stretch. I don’t want that, I want the more custom fit without the custom cost

I’ll look into a good conditioner as well and see what I can find.

I did fall off into the water this year, my boots were soaked for a day, guess it’s no different really, they still are perfectly fine.

[Irish_Ei_s]

Readjust your laces to loosen that spot and then condition the everloving crap outta that problem area.
I’d sit at night and pinch and rub and stretch, the body heat from your hands works wonders.

[Ladylexie]

I’m so pleased with my parlanti. They are breaking in beautifully!

[LadyB]

I purchased the Ariat Mink Oil, and worked it in last night while wearing them. I felt them soften up so quickly after just one application. I’ve only ridden in them once, and can’t handle the pinch on my left foot. So I am going to just keep wearing them around the house and barn before I ride in them. Each wear is getting better. There was a girl at the clinic I was in on Sunday, she was wearing the same pair, she’d been riding in them for the week, says they still hurt her.

I’ll take this break in period as a good sign that they’ll last. I’ll do more mink oil tonight and maybe even put some on the inside of the ankle.