The Cowboy Boot

Congratulations! You’ve bought a new pair of cowboy boots.  But, how do you give them that lived-in look and feel as soft as your favorite pair of jeans?  There are many ways to break in your new boots.  Some people say they should be worn for three days straight – but not to bed – and by the end of the third day they should be as comfortable as wearing sneakers. Others say to squeeze some baby powder inside each boot and on your feet before you initially put them on and then walk around in them for awhile.  And, others say to rub the boots with mink oil or leather conditioner to soften them up. I found this method on the internet – can’t swear by it, though.  Wear your normal socks and new boots on until your feet start to hurt. Without taking the boots or socks off, take a rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton swab and saturate the outside of the boot where the pressure points are hurting your feet. Really soak those spots to saturate the leather wet all the way through. You’ll feel instant relief as the leather expands. Now continue to wear the boots until the alcohol completely evaporates and your boot will be broken in. The alcohol will not leave any mark on the boot.  (I would test a part of the boot that is not seen first)

If your feet tend to get blisters, it’s a good idea to put some moleskin where boots tend to rub your foot the wrong way.  A cowhide or kidskin boot will become softer with wear, molding to your foot. That is why it is recommended to select a snug size because the boot will eventually “break in” and if the boot is loose when you buy them they will become even looser and will not fit properly.

My boyfriend swears he broke in his favorite boots in by putting them on and walking around the shallow end of the swimming pool for 5 – 10 minutes and then taking them off, pouring out the water and wearing them until they were dry.   He’s had those boots for 30 years and he says they’re the most comfortable shoes he owns. So, you aficionados out there, how did you break in your boots?