Breaking in Your Walking Boots
Buying a new pair of walking boots can be fun and exciting. The smell of new leather is intoxicating and you want to wear them immediately. However, there are a few things that need to be done before you wear those boots on your long-anticipated hike. Probably the most important thing to do with your boots is to break them in correctly and properly.
There is a myth that needs to be dispelled immediately. Boots are not successfully broken in by soaking them. This only leads to uneven stretching and will affect the long-term safety and comfort that the boots are supposed to provide.
Breaking in the boots entails a step-by-step process over a period of time - starting with unpacking your boots at home. Taking them from the box gently bend and flex them, taking care not to crack the leather. There are parts of the boots that are stiffer than others, so try to bend, stretch or massage these moderately.
The next step is to wear the boots around the house for a couple of hours a day. They will stretch nicely, especially when you need to climb the stairs a few times a day. When you’re sitting down, untie the laces and wear them in that way. The purpose is to get your walking boots to start moulding to your feet in order to provide the maximum level of comfort in the long term. If the boots feel a little tight try wearing two pairs of socks for a while. It is also useful to stretch and bend your feet as much as possible inside your walking boots.
Once the boots are a little more flexible and you are able to walk more comfortably start wearing them for longer periods of time. Also start walking short distances with them. Slowly but surely increase the distance that you walk so that your feet can get used to the boots as well. If the boot chafes, put a plaster on the spot that is beginning to become raw. Never leave a raw place untreated as this will develop into a blister and cause you unnecessary agony.
As you increase the distance that you walk, also increase the weight that you are carrying on your back. Start with no weight, then lighter weight etc. The boots should now start becoming accustomed to your feet and the weight that they will need to carry.
Most modern boots require very little breaking in and should therefore be ready for wear a lot sooner. Although there are no short cuts to breaking in a pair of walking boots, it should be eased considerably by buying a decent pair of boots.