If you want to utilize Cowboy boots and enjoy wearing them, you must first break them in properly, which is a tough and uncomfortable task. Cowboy boots can be broken in using a variety of methods, each with its own set of advantages. This method softens the leather and then molds the contour of the boots to ensure your feet’s comfort.
To wear the cowboy boots, the user needs put on a second pair of socks and wander around the house. This procedure is regarded as the most relaxing and safe way to break into cowboy boots. This procedure might entirely stretch the leather and then note the concerns with the shoe’s fit. Another effective method for extending leather from certain areas of the boots is to use a boot stretcher. However, you should use this extender with caution since if it is mistreated, your shoes will be severely damaged.
Understanding Cowboy Boots
For over a decade, cowboy boots have gained praise as excellent footwear. Consumers mainly associate the versatile pattern of cowboy boots with the American West.
Like snake and ostrich, Suede, leather, and tropical skins are the primary materials used to manufacture cowboy boots. Different colors and designs are available in various cowboy boots, from customary to modern patterns.
Materials and Design
The iconicness in the pattern of the cowboy boots makes them stand out in the market. Ornamented stitching, elevated heels, and slender toes are the main factors for which cowboy boots are renowned.
If you want to skid your foot easily into the stirrup while riding the horse, then the pointed toe is designed for this reason. On the other hand, you can adjust balance while riding because of elevated heels in the cowboy boots so that the rider does not slip.
Hard-wearing and resistant leather is used to manufacture cowboy boots. Different grades of leather are utilized in making cowboy boots, with the higher grade being the most expensive. Ostrich and snakeskin are considered foreign skins and are the most costly among all kinds of leather, including traditional leather.
Fit and Sizing
The users of cowboy boots should have an ideal and accurate fit and size that fits perfectly and wraps around their ankles and feet comfortably. If the users need to stand or walk for extended periods, the boots should provide adequate comfort to the consumers rather than being too tight.
Size is considered an essential factor when buying the proper cowboy boots. You should be careful enough and try the cowboy boots when purchasing them, as the sizing of these boots is slightly different compared to the regular shoes. The boots’ width can profoundly impact the fit, so one should keep an eye on the width while purchasing cowboy boots.
While breaking in the cowboy boots, the user must focus on the materials utilized in manufacturing them and their pattern. Moreover, remember the right fit and the accurate size so you do not have to regret later on your purchase. Cowboy boots can be a good investment if you follow the correct methods of using them properly and utilize the perfect method to break them in, as these boots will offer comfort and ease to your feet.
Preparation for Break-In
Gathering Necessary Supplies
If you want to break in the cowboy boots, you must collect the main items used for the break-in. A mushy fabric, two pairs of socks, a single pair of massive socks to fit correctly into the cowboy boots, or a leather conditioner are the main supplies used to efficiently break in the cowboy boots.
Moreover, there are other techniques for breaking in these boots, and you can use a boot stretcher, steam iron, or a hair dryer for this purpose; above all this, the users can also use a bucket full of water to break in the cowboy boots.
Protecting the Leather
There are many ways of protecting the leather of cowboy boots; you should maintain them and take care of them efficiently. To prevent the cowboy boots from banging and preserve the softness of the leather, the user should use a conditioner specifically for leather. This will help shield the leather of the cowboy boots throughout the whole break-in process. The leather of the cowboy boots can become parched, rigid, and shatterable if left uncovered in the sunlight and acute heat.
If the user wants to remain safe and sound from injuries and pains, wearing a thick pair of socks should be obligatory during the break-in process. Moreover, you can also go for another pair of socks if you need to make the break-in process rapid. Otherwise, other options are available to speed up the whole break-in procedure, and that can be done by utilizing a boot stretcher to extend the shoes according to the foot’s shape.
The cowboy boots user can verify a snug and triumphant break-in procedure if the right supplies to speed up this process and shield the boots’ leather are available and used perfectly.
Break-In Techniques
It is easy if the proper techniques are used to break in the cowboy boots; otherwise, it is considered intimidating. To break in cowboy boots, several productive methods are given below:
Wearing Them In
First, wear cowboy boots daily for at least an hour or two all over the house. This is the most effective way of breaking in the boots. Once you start wearing the shoes regularly, your feet will get used to them and be habitual to their proper appearance.
If your cowboy boots are structured of genuine leather, this technique of breaking in the shoes is the finest; otherwise, this method will not work correctly if the boots are made of synthetic materials.
Manual Stretching
You can use another method to break in the cowboy boots by simply inserting a thick pair of socks into the shoes and then using newspapers to fill the boots. In this way, the shoes will extend and stretch appropriately.
This way of breaking into the boots is called manual stretching. Another way to stretch the shoes is by inserting a dowel into the cowboy boots and gently applying pressure. As a result, particular areas of the shoes will stretch out efficiently.
Use of Boot Stretchers
Another productive way to break in the cowboy boots is to use the boot stretchers. You can place the stretcher into the cowboy boots and leave them inside the shoes for at least a day or a few days by adjusting them to the longed-for width.
Users mainly use this method of breaking in when they desire to stretch out the width of the shoes.
Moisturizing the Leather
Allow the cowboy shoes to get immersed for several hours after gently applying a leather conditioner to the surface of the boots, as this is an effective way to break in the cowboy boots. This is called moisturization of the leather. This process makes the leather mushy, making it easy to break in the shoes.
You can comfortably break into the cowboy boots by following the abovementioned techniques. You’ll not get the fruit at once, but for the perfect break-in, you must wait patiently for the final results.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Cleaning and Conditioning
A requirement for the verification of endurance of your cowboy boots for extended periods is to clean and condition them regularly. The shoes’ longevity intensifies and appears fantastic when using this technique on the shoes. Several excellent tips are given below to clean the boots appropriately:
- Use a mushy brush or soft fabric to detach the dust and debris from the cowboy boots. Water can damage the leather of the cowboy boots, so do not use water to clean your shoes.
- Try to clean your boots every three to six months by using a cleaner that is explicitly for the leather, and the user should use the cleaner according to the instructions given on the bottle.
- The use of conditioner after cleaning the boots maintains the softness of the cowboy boots, making them look more supple and elegant.
- Jarring chemicals can damage the softness of the leather, so try to avoid such barbarous chemicals on the cowboy boots.
Proper Storage
Proper storage is required to maintain the cowboy boots’ appearance as it further averts the damage. Several significant tips for proper storage are given below:
- A dry and chill place is required where the cowboy boots should be placed. As direct sunlight can destroy the boots’ leather, try to store the boots away from any heat source.
- To maintain the shape of the cowboy boots, take a newspaper or a shank of a tree and pack it into the shoes, which will adjust the appearance of the boots.
- Try wrapping the boots using a fabric or putting them in any bag to protect them from debris and dust.
- The shape of the cowboy boots can be destroyed if placed in a restricted or narrow place.
Your cowboy boots can endure for years in perfect condition if you follow the abovementioned tips.
What’s the Best Way to Break in Cowboy Boots at Home?
You can break in the cowboy boots by following easy techniques at home, as it will be cost-effective and suitable to carry out this procedure. You can follow the below methods if you want to break in the cowboy boots at home:
1. Wear Them Around the House
The cheapest and effortless way to break in the cowboy boots is to wear them at home and walk around regularly.
The shoes then mold according to the appearance of your feet; that happens if the consumer sticks to this method by wearing the boots daily for at least an hour or more. As a result, the user gets the desired results, and the shoes fit efficiently.
2. Use a Leather Softener
The cowboy boots can remain soft and supple if products such as leather softeners are used to maintain the shoes’ mushiness. These softeners make the boots more flexible as they pierce through the leather.
Leave the cowboy boots overnight after applying the leather softener on all sides of the boots, and as a result, the boots will mold to the appearance of your feet after you walk in them around the home the very next day.
3. Use Heat to Stretch the Leather
The user can use a hair dryer to make the leather of the cowboy boots elastic and stretchable. As heat can extend the leather in any way, to begin with this method, the user needs to heat the inside of the boots for several minutes after wearing a thick pair of socks.
Then, the consumer should walk around the house as long as the inside part of the shoes gets cool. You should carry out this process until the boots are efficiently molded to the shape of your feet, and this procedure can be carried out several times depending on the shoes’ elasticity.
4. Use Water to Stretch the Leather
Water can also play an essential role in stretching the leather of the cowboy boots. This technique can be carried out by taking a tub full of water and immersing each boot into it. Furthermore, wear the shoes after verifying the plastic lining and completing your work. As a result, the shoes will get dry and stretch to follow the shape of your feet.
There are different ways of breaking in cowboy boots at home, and the user should choose the technique that is appropriate, productive, and secure. The consumers can follow the methods mentioned above to stretch the leather of the cowboy boots.
Can you break in cowboy boots using water without damaging them?
When the leather is new, it can be slightly rigid and uneasy for the users, and the cowboy boots are mainly made of leather. The consumer feels comfortable once the break-in process is completed, although the whole process can take time. Drenching the shoes in the water is also a method to break in cowboy boots. Can someone use water to break in cowboy boots without harming the shoes?
Yes, the consumer can use water to break in cowboy boots without destroying them, but you should give it proper attention. All kinds of cowboy boots can not go through this method appropriately as this technique goes for some types of boots, so always check with the manufacturer before breaking in cowboy boots.
Using water, the users can break in cowboy boots by following several necessary steps given below:
- Use tepid-warm water to fill the bucket or bathtub.
- Without allowing water to enter the shoes, immerse the boots in the tub.
- Give the boots at least 30 minutes to remain in the water.
- Allow the boots to dry itself after removing them from the water. As any heat source can damage and harm the leather of the boots, you should not use any heat source to dry the boots.
You can retain your cowboy boots’ original shape if you carry out the process efficiently.
It is important to note that this method can cause the leather to stretch and become softer, but it can also cause the boots to lose their shape if not done correctly. Additionally, this method may only work for some types of cowboy boots, and it is best to check with the manufacturer before attempting it. This technique of breaking in cowboy boots only goes well with some shoes, so examine the manufacturer before you begin the process.
What methods can quickly soften new cowboy boots?
If the user wants to attain a comfortable and perfect fit, try to execute the break-in method proficiently. Some directions for carrying out the procedure of break-in are given below:
Wear Thick Socks
The consumer can also wear thick socks to stretch the leather of the cowboy boots. This method is considered adequate for breaking in the shoes, and if you want to get the perfect results, try to wear the shoes daily with the socks.
Use a Leather Conditioner
The leather can become soft and flexible if a leather conditioner is applied to the cowboy boots. The conditioner is involved in a minimal quantity all over the shoes and then set free to let them dry. Try to use the conditioner, particularly for the leather of the cowboy boots.
Steam the Boots
Steaming the boots is another fruitful technique to make cowboy boots leather. Take a pot and boil the water, steam the boots over it, and do not allow the shoes to touch the water. The leather of the cowboy boots will stretch out and become soft after steaming.
Use a Hairdryer
The new cowboy boots can become soft and squishy if a hairdryer is used to break in the new boots. To provide the heat smoothly across the boots, keep them several inches away from the hairdryer. You will damage the leather entirely if overheating is done.
Freeze the Boots
You can also freeze the boots if you want to make them soft and supple, and this is considered an efficient way of breaking in cowboy boots. Put a plastic water bag inside the shoes and place the cowboy boots in the freezer. Allow the ice to defrost before removing the bag of ice from the boots.
The break-in process can be uncomplicated and straightforward if the users carry out the procedure efficiently. Try to be patient and execute the method slowly and proficiently, as it will take some time to provide you with the perfect and comfortable shoes.
How do you deal with tightness on the top of the foot when wearing cowboy boots?
Versatile style and longevity make the cowboy boots stand out in the market. However, if you want to deal with the tightness of your feet, you should be careful about carrying out the whole procedure; otherwise, it will be difficult. To cope with such a problem, various vital tips are given below:
Wear Thick Socks
To stretch the boots and make them soft, wear a thick pair of socks as it is a productive way of breaking in cowboy boots. The user will not feel tightness on the foot because the thick socks will provide additional space to stretch the shoes. You should wear the boots with socks daily to break in cowboy boots properly.
Use a Boot Stretcher
The user should follow the proper directions to stretch the leather in particular areas of the boot, which can be carried out using a boot stretcher.
The user should use the stretcher daily for several hours so there will be no tightness left, and then you can enjoy wearing your favorite boots. Be careful while carrying out the procedure; otherwise, the shoes will be damaged.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Another productive way to make the leather soft and elastic is by rubbing alcohol on the boots. If you find some areas that are tighter and more rigid, apply extra alcohol over those areas; otherwise, coat the boots with alcohol evenly on the inside and outside.
The leather will become agile and flexible once the alcohol applied to the shoes dries up.
Use Leather Conditioner
If you want to intensify the elasticity of the boots and make them soft, apply a leather conditioner over them. Allow the shoes to drench in the conditioner for at least an hour, which will help stretch the boots. Moreover, try to use the conditioner mainly manufactured in the leather of the cowboy boots.
You can quickly deal with the tightness, and then the break in the process can become easy if you follow the directions mentioned above.
Conclusion
Trying various techniques of breaking in cowboy boots helps the users to choose an ideal and effective method because everyone has different feet and requires a distinct way of breaking in the shoes.
Refrain from accelerating the process speedily, as one mistake can destroy and harm the cowboy boots entirely. Be patient during the break-in procedure if you want an appropriate and snug fit.
Make the leather soft and supple using a leather conditioner as it stretches the boots’ leather. You can also wear a pair of thick socks to minimize the aches and pains.
During the whole break-in process, the user should be patient and give proper attention and care to attain perfect results. The cowboy boots will endure for years if you follow the tips given in this article to stretch the leather and make it snug footwear.
