Any shortcuts to breaking in boots?

[vash]

Sporting some new hunting boots. More rugged than what I am used to. My left feels at home. The right? Almost good. Pressure point where the boot bends at the top of my foot. High end footwear so the exchange policy is great.

Trying to break them in some without tearing them up to much for an exchange. Tips?

[vash]

Tada

[ODDJOB UNO]

duct tape your heels, wear 2 pairs of socks, and jump in a lake pond stream pool and walk them dry.

[rusnak]

That reminds me, I need to head on over to Red Wing.

We used to soak them in warm water, then wear them around all day. By the end of the day, they're perfect. Then apply mink oil to get them softened up. Those look like really nice boots, so I'd be afraid to do anything to them.

[URY914]

You lace them all the way up to the top?

You from the City?

[vash]

Originally Posted by URY914

You lace them all the way up to the top?

You from the City?

i do..and i am.

i have spindly ankles. i bought these for the extra support. going up and over this with a very heavy pack.

[yazhound]

Ex infantry and that is the best way to break in new boots...

[recycled sixtie]

First of all I wear them around the house so that way you don't scuff them so that way you can still return them. I have bought hiking boots that were too big for me and I paid the price with broken toenail and blisters. Also make sure they are waterproof?!? I had to buy another pair of hiking boots for the next hike and they were fine. Also consider what kind of socks - thick socks or thin socks, extra socks can make a difference. Happy feet=happy hunting, hiking etc.

[Bill Verburg]

Wade in a stream w/ them on then hike them dry, be sure to oil them afterward

[rusnak]

just think of the mountain as a giant boob. You'll forget about your aching feet.

[vash]

Originally Posted by rusnak

just think of the mountain as a giant boob. You'll forget about your aching feet.

oooooooo...boobs. what are we talking about?

[targa911S]

wet to dry...yep that'll do it.

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by vash

i do..and i am.

i have spindly ankles. i bought these for the extra support. going up and over this with a very heavy pack.

Thanks for the pic. That looks like the kind of place I will be hiking this summer in the Can. Rockies.To answer your question better. Well if you think the boots fit, do a local hike in them first to test drive them. If that works for u then they are likely to be okay in the backcountry. Also take compact nailclippers in case your toes/toenails rub against the boots.

[lowyder993s]

Danner?
Cabela's used to sell Vasque (Spanish Boots). I got a lotta years (and miles) outta
those. I don't think they sell them now.

These Danner's i'm really happy with. No break in.



P.S...camp look familiar?

[vash]

Jim. You actually pointed out to me my danner boots were done for. My new boots are Schnee Beartooth. I need every advantage in that AZ country.

[Chas White]

Boil enough water to fill both boots. Fill one up. Fill the other one up. Pour the first one out. Pour the second one out. Put them on and walk twenty minutes. It ain't gonna get any better than that.

[porsche4life]

My last two pairs of boots, Montrails and Scarpas, didn't need much in the way of breaking in. I just picked up a pair of Caterpillar steel toe work boots though, and they need a serious breaking in... Next week on the manufacturing floor will be fun for my feet....

[Evans, Marv]

Vash, that picture looks a lot like the Taboose Pass area in the Sierras, though I don't think it actually is.

[porsche4life]

Vash, that pic looks to have a lot of scree, have you got a trekking pole(s)? They will save your ass in that loose rock. Don't have to be pricey ones either. I love my swiss gear poles. I don't use them all the time but on a good incline or loose rock, I pull them off the side of my pack and I love them.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by targa911S

wet to dry...yep that'll do it.

+1

followed by a good coat of mink oil.

Also, keep some mole-skin in your pack.