In the Army when we got a new pair of combat boots, we would shower in them, very hot. Then we wear them until dry very tightly laced. This breaks them in quickly and softens the leather up, wearing them until dry will ensure they conform to your foot comfortably. You can submerge them in hot water over night. Think of what boots go through in a field setting in the military, we tread water, wet grass, mud, dry climates. It's really that simple with solid leather boots.
I served in a foreign military. Upon recruitment and arriving at boot camp, equipment was issued. I stood in line for boots. I wasn’t measured or asked my size. I was eyeballed and handed one pair. The same went for PT shoes. The very first time we went for a run, my left foot hurt a lot. Back at the barracks my left big toenail came off when I removed the running shoe. Clearly the shoe was a size too small. First route march caused incredible pain because my boots were too big - my foot was sliding along the boot. When I got back the drill instructor had to lance the blisters with a needle and thread draining blood and fluid from the massive blisters on the soles of my feet. I could barely walk to the toilets and drew light duty for 3 days - such was the damage to my feet. It’s one thing to have blisters on the sides of your feet when breaking in new boots but it’s quite another having clusters of blisters covering the underside on the soles of your feet because of a dumb methodology in issuing kit. Thanks for reading this far.
No offense bro but I am at the 4 minute mark and i still don't have one single tip for breaking in a boot. for the record you did tell me a way NOT to break in a boot.
Why would you think I would be offered? Have you not read some of the other comments on my videos? People spend a large amount of there time trying to get under my skin. I challenge you to spend some a few skimming the comments in a few of my other videos.
I am. She's a monster. 400+ pounds of pure love. Some days when we are feeling frisky I like to put her in the bathtub and pour glasses of warm water over her. But,not to many! Let's not forget about the laws of displacement. Thank you Archimedes.
I have never bought cheap crap boots. I have either bought Danner or Redwings along with my military Corcorans. Soak the boot in room temperature water. Dry the boot of excess water. Wear the boot all day long… laces tight. Repeat this for three days and you will see your boots will be broken in. You cannot do this with boots that are glued. You can only do this with a high-quality welt that is sewn into the sole of the boot. I’ve done this with military boots since 1981 with great results
If the sizing is correct to break them in: wear the damn things! Start with a few hours the day you get them. Start adding more time each day. Handmade custom leather boots on average take 80-100 hours to break in but just wearing them. You do not use any product while breaking them in
As a young apprentice I couldn't afford quality work boots. After 25 years in the trades, I have learned I can't afford not buying quality boots. I've used Red Wings for years for work and love them. I just bought a pair of Danner Grouse for the woods, I think they will do good.
Excellent video. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and have a bitch of a time trying to find boots that will except my orthotic. I think I might try the thorogood next. Thanks for making videos.
Very informative video! Personally I own 2 pairs of redwing loggers and a pair of Carolina loggers. As a guy who works hard in his boots (I’m a tree guy) proper sizing is important. As for breaking in, I never experience much discomfort. What I do is coat the boot in mink oil and let it soak in overnight or a couple days to soften the leather. I also put in a good pair of insoles in all my boots. On a side note, I’d like to see more logger boots on your channel. All the Facebook groups for the tree guys are always debating on the best boots and Red Wing, Carolina, Chippewa, Danner. Georgia, Wesco, and Whites are always brought up. I think these would be interesting videos for the tree guys.
I went to whites in search of some new boots for work (diesel mechanic) I was going to buy the journeymen boot but after measuring my feet, they said they don’t make them that wide so I opted for the smoke jumper boot. This will be my first pair of new boots. I’ve been wearing the same pair of hand me down boots from my brother for 15 years.
Our drill sergeants made us shower in our boots to break them in quickly. I don’t remember how much it jacked up my feet as much as the sleep deprivation and forced hydration.
They made us soak them while we did morning PT and then wear them for the day..... didn't really jack my feet up but then again I just remember being tired more then anything else.
Been wearing 16 inch lineman boots for 30 yrs, best way to break in... Put your socks on, put a grocery bag on each foot. Put your boots on, stand in your bathtub and fill with water until just above the ankle. Let boots get soaked all the way through, then lace up your boots and wear them until they dry out for the day. Now the leather is dried to the contours of your feet. Enjoy your now comfortable boots.
Ight enough! You folks wanna know what will help break them in? If your in a pinch and dont have time to break them in. Buy 2 horse hair brushes. Get some leather conditioner. Preferably a beeswax based conditioner. Make sure the wax is semi smooth and not chunky and put some on your fingers and work some into One of the brushes. Just enough so the bristles on the brush feel damp. Then i suggest gettin in a comfy chair. Take one of the boots and begin brushing. Brush the boots for 30 min. I recommend music or a tv to keep you entertaining and brush the boot all over with the damp brush to work the wax into the boot. The fine hourse hair bristles will get into the leather and soften it up. Now go to the next boot and repeat. Now get the dry brush and brush the boot for 5 minutes each. Now your ready to wear the boots and walk around. KEEP IN MIND! do not soak the boots in conditioner! It will make the leather super soft and cause creases and now you got a soaked damp slimy boot. And the leather wont be as strong. No matter what there will be pain..... but just adding a little conditioner will help the break in process. Because the boots have not been treated since the factory conditioner might be needed.
Hey sir, I really appreciate this video. I had applied to many wildland fire departments and I didn’t think to much of it but I finally got a call back and I was offered a position here in California. I bought some cheap thoroughgood hellfire wildland boots and I became an explorer with the forest service so I can become physically fit for the job. However, two weeks into the explorers my feet were riddled with blisters. The gusseted tongue didn’t bother me like you said in the video but it’s heel slipping. Thank you again.
I will also say I was looking through the comments and a lot of people, including myself, were looking for a shortcut to breaking in boots but the fact of the matter is o just have to wear them more. The length and width are perfect for mine so I should have no issues once I get the heel to collapse.
I've got a pair of Red Wing Irish Setter Crosby safety toe boots that I just purchased today and I am breaking them in. It has a non-metallic toe and they're also electrical Hazard and waterproof. They are A Woman's Work 6-inch boot. Today was the first day that I wore them and yes there was some discomfort so I'm watching this video to see if there's anything that I can do to help the breaking process
Thank you for the question. Try the one day on two days off recipe for the first week. then as you move into the second week in the boots become more comfortable then you can start to wear them one day on one day off and by the third week you should be comfortably comfortable everyday.
I apply a good leather conditioner to the new leather boots or shoes to soften and condition their leather and let the leather absorb it. Then I moisten some thicker socks than these boots/shoes intended to be worn with in just a bit of strong vodka or 70% rubbing alcohol. The amount you use depends on the thickness of the leather, and then wear shoes/boots in a house for an hour or two until the socks are almost dry. Do not try to walk a lot right away: let alcohol vapor get into the leather first. You also can put on a dry pair of thick socks after you took off your socks that are still slightly moist and wear your boots some more time to allow the dry socks to absorb the remains of alcohol and water from the leather. Then try them with the kinds of socks these shoes/boots were intended to be worn. I also massage the leather of shoes/boots with my hands to soften the leather. Sometimes you might need to repeat the whole process if the shoes are not yet broken in the way you like them because you used too little vodka or allowed too short a time for the procedure. You would be amazed how quickly and painlessly you will break in even the most stubborn boots. This method allows for saving your time and avoiding blisters and such.
i owned over 10 pairs of boots (Nick's, White's, Wesco) first day i soak them in warm water, then wear them all day, until they dry, there's no torture involved. Make sure to oil them up with a good oil afterwards (Obenaufs) it's work for me very good for the past 6 years of wearing quality boots
I just bought a new pair of work boots. What should be the first step to protecting the brand new leather before beating them up at work? Leather preservative? Oil? Nothing? Please help
Please reply, *Mink oil vs Kiwi Neutral polish* ,i want a product to preserve & store a new pair of army boots(discontinued design).I won't wear them.Also is waxing them with candle wax & then melting it with blower a good idea?
Thank you! never had a gusseted tongue before, just got some and didn't have them folded right (lots of pressure on the top of my foot) was going to send them back but thanks to you I've folded and laced them correctly and they feel 100x better.
If its summertime use a conditioner lotion an buff them heavy than wrap them in a towel an throw them in a car trunk on a hot day than just wear them an slow break them down
My advice.....purchase a boot warmer....let them cook on the weekends....wear them during the day warm them at night.....a few weekends go by and your good to go
Just purchased some Thorogoods. First time rocking them today. Very comfy right off the bat. My REdWings were tough as gas station jerky. The leather never really did break in. They hurt like heck. Heard some stories of guys rocking double socks for the first week or two. Trying that now. So far so good!
I came here after buying a pair of Danner Flashpoint 2. This are the stiffer boots I have ever had I feel like a robot walking in these boots, but also seems to be top quality.
What are those black Lineman boots brand? And what is an idea boot for a wide foot? 11EE - LOVE The Vids - Super Knowledgeable and Interesting. Thnx TBG
I bought some Iron Rangers with cork sole, and made sure the fit was good. Then when I got home, I greased up the inside real good with lanolin and put a plastic shopping bag over my socked foot, and then into the boots and wore them around the house for awhile. I believe lanolin is good for leather, and I used the Mink Oil Red Wing sells for the outside of the boot. I wore them for a day, and could tell that these boots are going to take time to break in. After two days, I'm still convinced it's going to take time. The cork sole seems stiff to me. I am also making adjustments with the plastic arch supports I need, with some Shoe Goo. I'm sure the fit is right and I think it's going to work out, but it's going to take time with these. Maybe it's the cork sole. I don't know.
Couldn't agree more about the insulated Thorogoods tongue break-in period. I almost regretted my purchase of the 814-3800s because the tongue was so uncomfortable to break in. It took a good two weeks to break them in properly. Now they're oh so great to wear.
Jon Cleaver yes. After the first few weeks these boots molded right to my foot for a great fit. I just replaced my insoles with the Timberland anti fatigue insoles for a little more cushion. I've had the boots for 6 months so I was ready for insoles.
Thanks for a decent video. Strikes me as funny though, or ironic ... maybe a little tragic that You Tube now serves to give out the information that was once just common knowledge. All these kids out there (here) thirsting for every day knowledge one would once have gotten from his dad, uncles and grandfathers ... they need guys like you.
This is very helpful. I was especially interested since I just bought the same pair of Thorogoods. In your experience, do you think the heel will collapse significantly after break in with that style? I’m in that area between a size 12-13, but no half size really exists. I tried on both. The 12 definitely seems to small. The 13 feels good, but initially I’m getting a lot of heel slippage as I’m walking around. They already feel much better after just one day at work. I’m hoping the slipping will become less as I’m able to lace them tighter. Any thoughts? Thanks
Heel slippage usually goes away once the heel-counter and sole form to your foot. Cowboy boots are famous for this and some people even get a 1/2 size small on accident not allowing for this to occur with some wear. Then you end up with a boot that is way too tight. I also have a pair of the same Thorogood moc toe wedges. I will never buy another pair online again, only local in stores. I ordered my size in EVERYTHING else and they were way too tight in the toe-box and narrow. It took forever to get those broken in and even a professional width stretch from a local cobbler didn't help. I've never worn a E width boot in my life, only D. Either I got a wonky pair or they actually are made narrow. Buy in local stores and try them on before you buy.
I have a pair of Danner Matterhorns that have some stitching coming apart where the boot flexes for the toe. HELP WHAT DO I DO! Love these boots and do not want to ruin them.
In my experience, the Thorogood boots you show there are so comfortable, minimal break-in. The black Thorogood leather boots in the same style are stiffer and take some time, especially around the ankles. However, boots with leather soles really mold to the feet (IMHO).
Also consider your feet. There's a difference between my left and right feet. So if you're having a problem but it's only on one foot, it could be the difference in your feet. It'll still break in if the boots fit correctly, but it might be a bit more painful.
This is my time breaking in a pair of Red Wings Blacksmith. Breaking in isn’t pleasant at all. The Iron Rangers weren’t so bad to break in but the Blacksmith is murder on my feet. I was thinking I should’ve gotten them a bit wider than the D width even though all my shoes have always been a D width and have never given me a hard time. Red Wings are narrow. I wonder if it’s by design.
Could you please make a ( series) of video(s) to introduce good american or European made boot companies. I really like to know all of them but I don't have an integrated resource. Thanks in advance..
I bought a pair of jungle from 5.11 a month ago and I can't wear them for more then 3 days without killing my shins. They fit perfect and my feet are fine. Is it the insole? I have never had any issues with boots. I have had magnum, Chippewa and Georgia. I'm about ready to toss them.
Came here for tips on 5.11 Speed 3.0s. I have an issue with the flex behind the toecap, where it cuts into my foot on the bend. I figure its probably just in need of some conditioning though.
My best fitting, most comfortable boots are the pair that I wear the most. Hmmm. Is there a lesson to be learned here? Yeah. You break in boots by wearing them. If you buy good boots with all leather construction you can do all you want to the upper. That sole is only going to conform to your foot with miles on the road, path job. If you buy the right boot the break-in is always worth the years of enjoyment!
Fit is very important. For me, I protect my feet with cushions, maybe even add an insole. To break in the boots, you have to just wear them, period. But, protect your feet, put padding on the heels, put in an insole, put a padding on the front of your feet. Then, go out, sweat in them, walk in them, stand in them, bend them, and they will break in. Normally boots 300 and up are the ones you spend time breaking in. A Walmart boot, kind of pointless in my opinion.
Boots that are sized properly should not hurt your feet from the first time you put them on. Lately these days it seems as though people want to shove a softball into a golfball hole and cram on a pair that is way too tight in order to get a extremely tight custom fit later on. I never went that route and always get the same size except for a very few that run extremely big or small . Merrell and Nike run 1/2 size small for me where I need a 11.5D. Belleville USMC 590s run 1/2 size big for me and I need a 10.5D. Other than that ALL are 11D. They fit from day one and only get better over time. I am a semi-retired licensed full time HVAC technician with decades in the business. I work for myself part time now doing that. I took a full time maintenance job at a factory within the last year. My point being I pound my feet hard. If I crammed my 11D into a 10D or less as some people suggest, I couldn't get the damn thing off at the end of the day and would be laid up for a weeks time. I have over 50 pairs of boots and shoes, so I think I will keep doing it my way. It just works and never disappoints me.
I agree. Idk wtf people are doing. They're NOT supposed to hurt. They should feel snug. That's it. They should ahvw slight heel slip in the beginning. If they have absolutely none, on a stiff boot, they're probably too tight.
I'm a white collar professional and I love work boots. I only get to wear them when I'm off work. I've owned many various U.S. Made brands over the last 30 years and because I don't get to wear them at work on a daily basis, I've devised a way to break them faster. I often drowned my new Red Wings or logger style boots in many coatings of leather conditioner. After a few evenings of treatment, I would wrapped the boots with an old soft t-shirt and message the boots around the tongue and upper heel. I repeat this process several times and of course wearing them as often as I get a chance. For crazy tough leather like the classic Dr. Martens, after several treatment of leather conditioner, I would wrapped in old t- shirt and hit it with a mallet. Yes, it sound stupid but it work.
So much talking so little information. You should be a politician! 😂 I was wearing them while watching this so I guess you've contributed 8 minutes toward the breaking in process. So thanks I guess?
I buy new pair...oil em up really well and let em sit a day wear em around house maybe out for dinner or just take cpl walks....i do this maybe cpl hrs everyday for a week or so....then i take em to work......never take a brand new pair to work right out of the box.... On thorogood or danner it doesnt take long, red wings are a PITA...actually stopped buying them cuz their just too stiff and could never get them comfortable (even after breaking em in)... Danner, thorogoods, pretty much all i wear.....may try Irish setters though as they are soft and here super comfy...and lightweight I get a cpl years out of a pair and buy new ones b4 old ones are completly done
I put the boots on as tight as possible. Then I soak them in gasoline. Then I set them on fire. The heat is unbelievable. After the fire goes out I go to the hospital.
Thank you for all the great information. With your reviews I decided on a pair of super rad Thorogood 1892 Dodgeville in Chromexel. So very impressed with Thorogood's quality for the price in a USA union made boot. Thanks again! Keep up all the great work! Kindest regards, Gabriel Craft
Does this apply to kangaroo leather football boots as well? I just owned a pair and currently what i did was soak them in warm water, pat it dry and wore them around the house.
I have a great pair of Red Wing Beckman’s bought them in 2014...still not sure if they are broken in...these boots take forever to break in...I were them weekly! Love them but impossible to break in!
The leather is probably dry and needs oiled or conditioned. Dry leather takes much longer to mold to your foot assuming you bought the correct size to begin with. A word of advice is to not follow online recommendations sizing way down to get a custom enduring fit. You aren't going to cram a 11D into a 9.5D....ain't happening and whoever dreamed that stuff up needs to shut up as they know nothing of what they speak. If you have to size up or down due to manufacturers variations generally +/- 1/2 size is MORE than plenty.
Hi, I was wondering if someone can help me out, I'm not knowledgeable about boots or leather goods at all but im learning. i do enjoy the look of a leather work boot. My only pair of leather boots are falling apart and i was in the market for a new pair as well as some winter boots since winter is coming and i realized last week my rubber/plastic boots completely cracked along the toe bendy area so that's just dead. i heard that Dr Martens were quite comfortable boots once they break in and i was looking for something with a softer sole since i was having a hard time with harder soles when wearing and standing for extended periods of time. so i went to the dr. martens store and ashamedly went on a bit of a spree and bought 3 pairs. ( 1 wintergrip boot for winter, and 2 pascal harvest boots which are the same shape as the 1460 but with a more rough grained leather, i dont know the proper naming of leather stuff) the lady at the store said that dr martin boots wear big and often people downsize a size when wearing dr martens, but as long as your toes aren't hitting the edge you shoudl be fine, all the tightness will go away with break in. today was my first day wearing the wintergrip ones and it was an extremely painful experience. blister on one of my heels (i understand that this is mostly due to me improperly tying my boots and haivng some slack there for the heel to slip) but especially sequeezing of my sides. I have rather large feet, i have never measured them with a professional tool, i just always wore 11 sized shoes and went for the 10 size based on her recommendation. now i'm pretty sure that it's hopeless for me to return the winter boots since i wore them out for a day, but the 2 other pairs are still new in the box (only test them in the house). you say it should be just uncomfortable but not painful, and sizing the length and width is important, and yet other people keep saying that with time they break in and it's absolutely comfortable. I can't tell if what i'm feeling is just the natural process of wearing new stiff leather boots or if im actually wearing a size too small. the toes definitely do NOT hit the edge of my shoes and apart from the intense squeezing on the sides (and on the point where the tongue meets the toebox?) is where i feel the most tighness and pain. any advice someone could offer me? thank you.
fayekhelmi, not only do you need to know the right size of your feet, but also the right width of your foot. Typically you’ll find width in shoes being measured in letters, (Allen Edmonds for example) D is average, E is wider, EE, EEE is the widest, on the opposite end, C, B, A, AA, and AAA being the most narrow. I am not to sure where you can find out your width, but you can measure your feet and do some math I guess online. Any high end shoe store should get you sized in width. I know for sure Allen Edmonds offers this. But remember, you might still get blisters, I got blisters on my shoes, after like a week it stopped. But from what you are saying, it doesn’t look like this is a break in problem. Keep in mind, if you go to Allen Edmonds store.. you probably wanna return the other two shoes, as you might pick up a pair... great shoes
I was really hoping this lengthy video would explain exactly how to break in the boot. However it seemed to just side step the topic and talked about specific brands, construction of boots. The only techniques I could pick up on were different pairs of socks and lacing (those were vague techniques, no real instructions). Also, I'm not sure why you said bestiality in regards to BDSM (perhaps a mistake), but it was off putting. You seem knowledgable. I just wish more of that knowledge was relevant to the topic specifically.
You people if possible I wear whites for 23yrs I use bear fat melted add it to my new boots nothing softens like it I've tried most of store stuff they ain't got nothing on it best water proof you get try if you can get some
Hey man I've been watching u for a bit now I'm in the water and sewer business and I'm always looking for a good pair of boots do u have a shop I can come to and check some boots out
Awesome video. My issue was getting it on because I have limitations on my left foot. I have a low level of drop foot so I got combat boots for additional support to correct my gait. But I do put them on daily since I got them a week ago.
unfortunately at 15:38 your first comment to contact you is "feel free to shoot me over an email."..oh, with no mention of Instagram, on this video, which is the only one I watched.
USMC 590s are a great boot for a great price. It's hard to beat them. Don't listen to the people online that say you need to go down 1 - 1.5 sizes. I wear a 11D in almost everything and only sized down 1/2 size to 10.5D. They fit perfect!! You would really like them! John
John Doe Thank you firstly for your service and for your advice. I really wanna get a pair of Bellevilles for work but have just been reluctant because all this nonsense about going down a size or half size. I’m thinking about getting the 300 DES ST. I have tiny, weird feet lol. I wear 7.5 and my feet are flat. Are you saying I should just get my regular size? Also, should I get wide at all since I have flat feet?
I will make it ez for all the future peeps that get this dude fed to their channel becuz they like heritage boots. To break in a new boot with hard stiff leather oil them up n wear the fuck out of them. You can do tip toe lunges to break in the toe box or just walk in them. This video how to is 15 seconds long.
Save the time, jump directly to 14:35. That’s likely what you came here to find out.
(Also- make sure you size them right).
Thank you
Found this video to solve my problem but didn't actually get the advice after watching like 10 minutes. So, thank you.
you said nothing of how to break in the boot. thank you for wasting my time
Manky McKrackin he can't be serious.
right
Dr waffle
you break in your boots by wearing them. That'll be $500 please.
After you get home from work put them on walk around your house with them just like you have no boots on
In the Army when we got a new pair of combat boots, we would shower in them, very hot. Then we wear them until dry very tightly laced. This breaks them in quickly and softens the leather up, wearing them until dry will ensure they conform to your foot comfortably. You can submerge them in hot water over night. Think of what boots go through in a field setting in the military, we tread water, wet grass, mud, dry climates. It's really that simple with solid leather boots.
I served in a foreign military. Upon recruitment and arriving at boot camp, equipment was issued. I stood in line for boots. I wasn’t measured or asked my size. I was eyeballed and handed one pair. The same went for PT shoes. The very first time we went for a run, my left foot hurt a lot. Back at the barracks my left big toenail came off when I removed the running shoe. Clearly the shoe was a size too small.
First route march caused incredible pain because my boots were too big - my foot was sliding along the boot. When I got back the drill instructor had to lance the blisters with a needle and thread draining blood and fluid from the massive blisters on the soles of my feet. I could barely walk to the toilets and drew light duty for 3 days - such was the damage to my feet.
It’s one thing to have blisters on the sides of your feet when breaking in new boots but it’s quite another having clusters of blisters covering the underside on the soles of your feet because of a dumb methodology in issuing kit.
Thanks for reading this far.
No offense bro but I am at the 4 minute mark and i still don't have one single tip for breaking in a boot. for the record you did tell me a way NOT to break in a boot.
Why would you think I would be offered? Have you not read some of the other comments on my videos? People spend a large amount of there time trying to get under my skin. I challenge you to spend some a few skimming the comments in a few of my other videos.
TheBootGuy you talk like you’re married to a fat chick. If you’re married at all.
I am. She's a monster. 400+ pounds of pure love. Some days when we are feeling frisky I like to put her in the bathtub and pour glasses of warm water over her. But,not to many! Let's not forget about the laws of displacement. Thank you Archimedes.
maybe focus on making better content instead of debating your trolls @@TheBootGuyreviews
@@psilocybemusashi You are so right!
I have never bought cheap crap boots. I have either bought Danner or Redwings along with my military Corcorans. Soak the boot in room temperature water. Dry the boot of excess water. Wear the boot all day long… laces tight. Repeat this for three days and you will see your boots will be broken in. You cannot do this with boots that are glued. You can only do this with a high-quality welt that is sewn into the sole of the boot. I’ve done this with military boots since 1981 with great results
If the sizing is correct to break them in: wear the damn things! Start with a few hours the day you get them. Start adding more time each day. Handmade custom leather boots on average take 80-100 hours to break in but just wearing them. You do not use any product while breaking them in
I just out them on and wear them 8 hours. A day. No issues. Sure they're stiff but a week in, I'm good.
As a young apprentice I couldn't afford quality work boots. After 25 years in the trades, I have learned I can't afford not buying quality boots. I've used Red Wings for years for work and love them. I just bought a pair of Danner Grouse for the woods, I think they will do good.
Truth
Excellent video. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and have a bitch of a time trying to find boots that will except my orthotic. I think I might try the thorogood next. Thanks for making videos.
Danner
Very informative video! Personally I own 2 pairs of redwing loggers and a pair of Carolina loggers. As a guy who works hard in his boots (I’m a tree guy) proper sizing is important. As for breaking in, I never experience much discomfort. What I do is coat the boot in mink oil and let it soak in overnight or a couple days to soften the leather. I also put in a good pair of insoles in all my boots.
On a side note, I’d like to see more logger boots on your channel. All the Facebook groups for the tree guys are always debating on the best boots and Red Wing, Carolina, Chippewa, Danner. Georgia, Wesco, and Whites are always brought up. I think these would be interesting videos for the tree guys.
Very informative? Are you fucking shitting me mate?
You forgot the best...Nicks Boots
@@cctvspystore nicks is like driving a lifted Lamborghini compared to driving a strong truck...
I went to whites in search of some new boots for work (diesel mechanic) I was going to buy the journeymen boot but after measuring my feet, they said they don’t make them that wide so I opted for the smoke jumper boot. This will be my first pair of new boots. I’ve been wearing the same pair of hand me down boots from my brother for 15 years.
Either your brother gave you some nice boots that had a lot of resole operations, or you have some tough feet.
Our drill sergeants made us shower in our boots to break them in quickly. I don’t remember how much it jacked up my feet as much as the sleep deprivation and forced hydration.
They made us soak them while we did morning PT and then wear them for the day..... didn't really jack my feet up but then again I just remember being tired more then anything else.
Been wearing 16 inch lineman boots for 30 yrs, best way to break in... Put your socks on, put a grocery bag on each foot. Put your boots on, stand in your bathtub and fill with water until just above the ankle. Let boots get soaked all the way through, then lace up your boots and wear them until they dry out for the day. Now the leather is dried to the contours of your feet. Enjoy your now comfortable boots.
The advice on the tongue is useful, it really helped with my new monkey boots.
My grandad was a army ranger and he told me that soaking your new boots in hot water for a good 10 minutes then put them on and walk them dry.
Ight enough! You folks wanna know what will help break them in? If your in a pinch and dont have time to break them in. Buy 2 horse hair brushes. Get some leather conditioner. Preferably a beeswax based conditioner. Make sure the wax is semi smooth and not chunky and put some on your fingers and work some into One of the brushes. Just enough so the bristles on the brush feel damp. Then i suggest gettin in a comfy chair. Take one of the boots and begin brushing. Brush the boots for 30 min. I recommend music or a tv to keep you entertaining and brush the boot all over with the damp brush to work the wax into the boot. The fine hourse hair bristles will get into the leather and soften it up. Now go to the next boot and repeat.
Now get the dry brush and brush the boot for 5 minutes each. Now your ready to wear the boots and walk around. KEEP IN MIND! do not soak the boots in conditioner! It will make the leather super soft and cause creases and now you got a soaked damp slimy boot. And the leather wont be as strong. No matter what there will be pain..... but just adding a little conditioner will help the break in process. Because the boots have not been treated since the factory conditioner might be needed.
you know a boot tutorial is gonna suck when you never see it off the table and on the ground
Hey sir, I really appreciate this video. I had applied to many wildland fire departments and I didn’t think to much of it but I finally got a call back and I was offered a position here in California. I bought some cheap thoroughgood hellfire wildland boots and I became an explorer with the forest service so I can become physically fit for the job. However, two weeks into the explorers my feet were riddled with blisters. The gusseted tongue didn’t bother me like you said in the video but it’s heel slipping. Thank you again.
I will also say I was looking through the comments and a lot of people, including myself, were looking for a shortcut to breaking in boots but the fact of the matter is o just have to wear them more. The length and width are perfect for mine so I should have no issues once I get the heel to collapse.
I've got a pair of Red Wing Irish Setter Crosby safety toe boots that I just purchased today and I am breaking them in. It has a non-metallic toe and they're also electrical Hazard and waterproof. They are A Woman's Work 6-inch boot. Today was the first day that I wore them and yes there was some discomfort so I'm watching this video to see if there's anything that I can do to help the breaking process
Thank you for the question. Try the one day on two days off recipe for the first week. then as you move into the second week in the boots become more comfortable then you can start to wear them one day on one day off and by the third week you should be comfortably comfortable everyday.
I apply a good leather conditioner to the new leather boots or shoes to soften and condition their leather and let the leather absorb it. Then I moisten some thicker socks than these boots/shoes intended to be worn with in just a bit of strong vodka or 70% rubbing alcohol. The amount you use depends on the thickness of the leather, and then wear shoes/boots in a house for an hour or two until the socks are almost dry. Do not try to walk a lot right away: let alcohol vapor get into the leather first. You also can put on a dry pair of thick socks after you took off your socks that are still slightly moist and wear your boots some more time to allow the dry socks to absorb the remains of alcohol and water from the leather. Then try them with the kinds of socks these shoes/boots were intended to be worn. I also massage the leather of shoes/boots with my hands to soften the leather. Sometimes you might need to repeat the whole process if the shoes are not yet broken in the way you like them because you used too little vodka or allowed too short a time for the procedure. You would be amazed how quickly and painlessly you will break in even the most stubborn boots. This method allows for saving your time and avoiding blisters and such.
i owned over 10 pairs of boots (Nick's, White's, Wesco) first day i soak them in warm water, then wear them all day, until they dry, there's no torture involved. Make sure to oil them up with a good oil afterwards (Obenaufs)
it's work for me very good for the past 6 years of wearing quality boots
What brand boot is that at 1:20? I really like the green color fade!
I just bought a new pair of work boots. What should be the first step to protecting the brand new leather before beating them up at work? Leather preservative? Oil? Nothing? Please help
Please reply, *Mink oil vs Kiwi Neutral polish* ,i want a product to preserve & store a new pair of army boots(discontinued design).I won't wear them.Also is waxing them with candle wax & then melting it with blower a good idea?
Thank you! never had a gusseted tongue before, just got some and didn't have them folded right (lots of pressure on the top of my foot) was going to send them back but thanks to you I've folded and laced them correctly and they feel 100x better.
If its summertime use a conditioner lotion an buff them heavy than wrap them in a towel an throw them in a car trunk on a hot day than just wear them an slow break them down
This guy knows his boots. Great info.
My advice.....purchase a boot warmer....let them cook on the weekends....wear them during the day warm them at night.....a few weekends go by and your good to go
Just purchased some Thorogoods. First time rocking them today. Very comfy right off the bat. My REdWings were tough as gas station jerky. The leather never really did break in. They hurt like heck. Heard some stories of guys rocking double socks for the first week or two. Trying that now. So far so good!
I came here after buying a pair of Danner Flashpoint 2. This are the stiffer boots I have ever had I feel like a robot walking in these boots, but also seems to be top quality.
What are those black Lineman boots brand? And what is an idea boot for a wide foot? 11EE - LOVE The Vids - Super Knowledgeable and Interesting. Thnx TBG
Linesman boot is a Carolina th-cam.com/video/mhXVsbyOdIw/w-d-xo.html best boot for wide feet Redwing 606-2406
I bought some Iron Rangers with cork sole, and made sure the fit was good. Then when I got home, I greased up the inside real good with lanolin and put a plastic shopping bag over my socked foot, and then into the boots and wore them around the house for awhile. I believe lanolin is good for leather, and I used the Mink Oil Red Wing sells for the outside of the boot. I wore them for a day, and could tell that these boots are going to take time to break in. After two days, I'm still convinced it's going to take time. The cork sole seems stiff to me. I am also making adjustments with the plastic arch supports I need, with some Shoe Goo. I'm sure the fit is right and I think it's going to work out, but it's going to take time with these. Maybe it's the cork sole. I don't know.
Couldn't agree more about the insulated Thorogoods tongue break-in period. I almost regretted my purchase of the 814-3800s because the tongue was so uncomfortable to break in. It took a good two weeks to break them in properly.
Now they're oh so great to wear.
Jeff Krantz I just bought same style. Did you notice much change in the heel fitment after your 2 weeks of breakin ?
Jon Cleaver yes. After the first few weeks these boots molded right to my foot for a great fit. I just replaced my insoles with the Timberland anti fatigue insoles for a little more cushion. I've had the boots for 6 months so I was ready for insoles.
Thanks for a decent video. Strikes me as funny though, or ironic ... maybe a little tragic that You Tube now serves to give out the information that was once just common knowledge. All these kids out there (here) thirsting for every day knowledge one would once have gotten from his dad, uncles and grandfathers ... they need guys like you.
This video saved me from breaking in my combat boots incorrectly.
Just corrected a mistake with the tongue.
Feels amazing
Thanks for the video I definitely feel better about breaking my boots in and getting a overall better comfort!
This is very helpful. I was especially interested since I just bought the same pair of Thorogoods. In your experience, do you think the heel will collapse significantly after break in with that style? I’m in that area between a size 12-13, but no half size really exists. I tried on both. The 12 definitely seems to small. The 13 feels good, but initially I’m getting a lot of heel slippage as I’m walking around. They already feel much better after just one day at work. I’m hoping the slipping will become less as I’m able to lace them tighter. Any thoughts? Thanks
Heel slippage usually goes away once the heel-counter and sole form to your foot. Cowboy boots are famous for this and some people even get a 1/2 size small on accident not allowing for this to occur with some wear. Then you end up with a boot that is way too tight.
I also have a pair of the same Thorogood moc toe wedges. I will never buy another pair online again, only local in stores. I ordered my size in EVERYTHING else and they were way too tight in the toe-box and narrow. It took forever to get those broken in and even a professional width stretch from a local cobbler didn't help. I've never worn a E width boot in my life, only D. Either I got a wonky pair or they actually are made narrow. Buy in local stores and try them on before you buy.
Thorogoods heel slip quite a bit for me at first. It was very worrying for me but after 1.5 years they feel great no slip.
I have a pair of Danner Matterhorns that have some stitching coming apart where the boot flexes for the toe. HELP WHAT DO I DO! Love these boots and do not want to ruin them.
The old school method for breaking in boots is to put them on and get them wet in warm water soaking them. Wear them dry and they fit like a glove.
I wasted 15 minutes of my life hearing how a boot is made. It’s to bad I like most of your videos.
Sorry it's the engineer in me.
Im a size 10 ee im looking at buying that thorogood boot... Should i go up a 1/2 size or down a 1/2 size ?
What kind of tactical boots are those?
In my experience, the Thorogood boots you show there are so comfortable, minimal break-in. The black Thorogood leather boots in the same style are stiffer and take some time, especially around the ankles. However, boots with leather soles really mold to the feet (IMHO).
Also consider your feet. There's a difference between my left and right feet. So if you're having a problem but it's only on one foot, it could be the difference in your feet. It'll still break in if the boots fit correctly, but it might be a bit more painful.
This is my time breaking in a pair of Red Wings Blacksmith. Breaking in isn’t pleasant at all. The Iron Rangers weren’t so bad to break in but the Blacksmith is murder on my feet. I was thinking I should’ve gotten them a bit wider than the D width even though all my shoes have always been a D width and have never given me a hard time. Red Wings are narrow. I wonder if it’s by design.
Could you please make a ( series) of video(s) to introduce good american or European made boot companies. I really like to know all of them but I don't have an integrated resource. Thanks in advance..
I bought a pair of jungle from 5.11 a month ago and I can't wear them for more then 3 days without killing my shins. They fit perfect and my feet are fine. Is it the insole? I have never had any issues with boots. I have had magnum, Chippewa and Georgia. I'm about ready to toss them.
Came here for tips on 5.11 Speed 3.0s. I have an issue with the flex behind the toecap, where it cuts into my foot on the bend. I figure its probably just in need of some conditioning though.
"Avoid welted boots" ..lost all credibility.
My shoe size is 8.5 what size boot would you recommend ? Thanks
Waste of time so much talking and so little info all I needed was 30 seconds of video
Put them on and do a weeks worth of twelve hour shifts, at the end they will be broken in! Simples.
Grown man shit
My best fitting, most comfortable boots are the pair that I wear the most. Hmmm. Is there a lesson to be learned here?
Yeah. You break in boots by wearing them.
If you buy good boots with all leather construction you can do all you want to the upper. That sole is only going to conform to your foot with miles on the road, path job.
If you buy the right boot the break-in is always worth the years of enjoyment!
Fit is very important. For me, I protect my feet with cushions, maybe even add an insole. To break in the boots, you have to just wear them, period. But, protect your feet, put padding on the heels, put in an insole, put a padding on the front of your feet. Then, go out, sweat in them, walk in them, stand in them, bend them, and they will break in. Normally boots 300 and up are the ones you spend time breaking in. A Walmart boot, kind of pointless in my opinion.
So how do you break in the boot?
First to break in this video!
Welted boots are intentionally designed to not bend or flex to provide maximum stability.
Boots that are sized properly should not hurt your feet from the first time you put them on. Lately these days it seems as though people want to shove a softball into a golfball hole and cram on a pair that is way too tight in order to get a extremely tight custom fit later on. I never went that route and always get the same size except for a very few that run extremely big or small . Merrell and Nike run 1/2 size small for me where I need a 11.5D. Belleville USMC 590s run 1/2 size big for me and I need a 10.5D. Other than that ALL are 11D. They fit from day one and only get better over time. I am a semi-retired licensed full time HVAC technician with decades in the business. I work for myself part time now doing that. I took a full time maintenance job at a factory within the last year. My point being I pound my feet hard. If I crammed my 11D into a 10D or less as some people suggest, I couldn't get the damn thing off at the end of the day and would be laid up for a weeks time.
I have over 50 pairs of boots and shoes, so I think I will keep doing it my way. It just works and never disappoints me.
I agree. Idk wtf people are doing. They're NOT supposed to hurt. They should feel snug. That's it. They should ahvw slight heel slip in the beginning. If they have absolutely none, on a stiff boot, they're probably too tight.
I'm a white collar professional and I love work boots. I only get to wear them when I'm off work. I've owned many various U.S. Made brands over the last 30 years and because I don't get to wear them at work on a daily basis, I've devised a way to break them faster. I often drowned my new Red Wings or logger style boots in many coatings of leather conditioner. After a few evenings of treatment, I would wrapped the boots with an old soft t-shirt and message the boots around the tongue and upper heel. I repeat this process several times and of course wearing them as often as I get a chance. For crazy tough leather like the classic Dr. Martens, after several treatment of leather conditioner, I would wrapped in old t- shirt and hit it with a mallet. Yes, it sound stupid but it work.
So much talking so little information. You should be a politician! 😂
I was wearing them while watching this so I guess you've contributed 8 minutes toward the breaking in process. So thanks I guess?
I buy new pair...oil em up really well and let em sit a day
wear em around house maybe out for dinner or just take cpl walks....i do this maybe cpl hrs everyday for a week or so....then i take em to work......never take a brand new pair to work right out of the box....
On thorogood or danner it doesnt take long, red wings are a PITA...actually stopped buying them cuz their just too stiff and could never get them comfortable (even after breaking em in)...
Danner, thorogoods, pretty much all i wear.....may try Irish setters though as they are soft and here super comfy...and lightweight
I get a cpl years out of a pair and buy new ones b4 old ones are completly done
Using actual combat/tactical boots, there is a lot of real leather that takes a lot to break in
hey, how would you rate the rocky c7t lightweight boots?
I put the boots on as tight as possible. Then I soak them in gasoline. Then I set them on fire. The heat is unbelievable. After the fire goes out I go to the hospital.
watches a 16 minute vid on how to break in new boots
still doesn't know how to break in boots*
just found out that in order to soak a pair of boots in the tub, I must first be into beastiality. Thank you for the tip!
What shirt are you wearing? Been looking for one just like it! Looks good
It's the DePalma hickory stripe .
TheBootGuy thanks boot guy!
Thank you for all the great information. With your reviews I decided on a pair of super rad Thorogood 1892 Dodgeville in Chromexel. So very impressed with Thorogood's quality for the price in a USA union made boot. Thanks again! Keep up all the great work! Kindest regards, Gabriel Craft
Does this apply to kangaroo leather football boots as well? I just owned a pair and currently what i did was soak them in warm water, pat it dry and wore them around the house.
I have a great pair of Red Wing Beckman’s bought them in 2014...still not sure if they are broken in...these boots take forever to break in...I were them weekly! Love them but impossible to break in!
The leather is probably dry and needs oiled or conditioned. Dry leather takes much longer to mold to your foot assuming you bought the correct size to begin with. A word of advice is to not follow online recommendations sizing way down to get a custom enduring fit. You aren't going to cram a 11D into a 9.5D....ain't happening and whoever dreamed that stuff up needs to shut up as they know nothing of what they speak. If you have to size up or down due to manufacturers variations generally +/- 1/2 size is MORE than plenty.
How do break in slip on boots?
Hi, I was wondering if someone can help me out,
I'm not knowledgeable about boots or leather goods at all but im learning. i do enjoy the look of a leather work boot.
My only pair of leather boots are falling apart and i was in the market for a new pair as well as some winter boots since winter is coming and i realized last week my rubber/plastic boots completely cracked along the toe bendy area so that's just dead.
i heard that Dr Martens were quite comfortable boots once they break in and i was looking for something with a softer sole since i was having a hard time with harder soles when wearing and standing for extended periods of time.
so i went to the dr. martens store and ashamedly went on a bit of a spree and bought 3 pairs. ( 1 wintergrip boot for winter, and 2 pascal harvest boots which are the same shape as the 1460 but with a more rough grained leather, i dont know the proper naming of leather stuff)
the lady at the store said that dr martin boots wear big and often people downsize a size when wearing dr martens, but as long as your toes aren't hitting the edge you shoudl be fine, all the tightness will go away with break in.
today was my first day wearing the wintergrip ones and it was an extremely painful experience. blister on one of my heels (i understand that this is mostly due to me improperly tying my boots and haivng some slack there for the heel to slip) but especially sequeezing of my sides.
I have rather large feet, i have never measured them with a professional tool, i just always wore 11 sized shoes and went for the 10 size based on her recommendation.
now i'm pretty sure that it's hopeless for me to return the winter boots since i wore them out for a day, but the 2 other pairs are still new in the box (only test them in the house).
you say it should be just uncomfortable but not painful, and sizing the length and width is important, and yet other people keep saying that with time they break in and it's absolutely comfortable.
I can't tell if what i'm feeling is just the natural process of wearing new stiff leather boots or if im actually wearing a size too small. the toes definitely do NOT hit the edge of my shoes and apart from the intense squeezing on the sides (and on the point where the tongue meets the toebox?) is where i feel the most tighness and pain.
any advice someone could offer me?
thank you.
fayekhelmi, not only do you need to know the right size of your feet, but also the right width of your foot. Typically you’ll find width in shoes being measured in letters, (Allen Edmonds for example) D is average, E is wider, EE, EEE is the widest, on the opposite end, C, B, A, AA, and AAA being the most narrow. I am not to sure where you can find out your width, but you can measure your feet and do some math I guess online. Any high end shoe store should get you sized in width. I know for sure Allen Edmonds offers this.
But remember, you might still get blisters, I got blisters on my shoes, after like a week it stopped. But from what you are saying, it doesn’t look like this is a break in problem.
Keep in mind, if you go to Allen Edmonds store.. you probably wanna return the other two shoes, as you might pick up a pair... great shoes
Why when I wear high hills boot like Carolinas my feet and knee hurts....?
High hills or high heeled? Did you wear gym shoes before you made the switch?
Please help me I just got a brand new pair of justin ropers. The leather ones. Having problem with the heel. What can I do ..
Let's start by full understanding the problem. Please take a few minutes to full elaborate on your problem that you are having.
Great video. Thanks!
I was really hoping this lengthy video would explain exactly how to break in the boot. However it seemed to just side step the topic and talked about specific brands, construction of boots. The only techniques I could pick up on were different pairs of socks and lacing (those were vague techniques, no real instructions). Also, I'm not sure why you said bestiality in regards to BDSM (perhaps a mistake), but it was off putting. You seem knowledgable. I just wish more of that knowledge was relevant to the topic specifically.
Didn't tell about the ankle problem??
My boots are hurting at ankle and causing blisters..
varunsingh5767 he literally talked about how to adjust your boots for ankle problems.
Boot stretchers work.
They do! But,if you want your boot to be the right shape your foot works much better.
Good video thanks!
So in summary:
1) Buy the right size
2) Tuck in the tongue and tie it up snugly
3) Wear them around and just suck it up
geeeeet to the point!
I'm going buy boots on monday
Daniel Guillen what you get....?
Great video, Thanx 4 the Tips. Peace.
You people if possible I wear whites for 23yrs I use bear fat melted add it to my new boots nothing softens like it I've tried most of store stuff they ain't got nothing on it best water proof you get try if you can get some
Hey man I've been watching u for a bit now I'm in the water and sewer business and I'm always looking for a good pair of boots do u have a shop I can come to and check some boots out
I don't. But, Maybe someday.
If you need to break them in, then the quality isn't there. Several brands have cut quality including Timberland. I've giving up on their boots.
Awesome video. My issue was getting it on because I have limitations on my left foot. I have a low level of drop foot so I got combat boots for additional support to correct my gait. But I do put them on daily since I got them a week ago.
how often do you check your email?
Hourly, but that’s only for work. I have been asking people to use my instagram to contact me.
unfortunately at 15:38 your first comment to contact you is "feel free to shoot me over an email."..oh, with no mention of Instagram, on this video, which is the only one I watched.
You didn't give any break in tips..except the folding part
I don't have time to change my socks on site lol
After the week I just had I totally understand.
Dude you really didn't tell us HOW to break in a new pair of boots 😩
Did you break your head before you making this video?
What are you trying to ask? " Did you break your head?" This makes no sense to me.
luolin3165 I think he did
Hey Boot Guy, may you review some Bellevilles?
USMC 590s are a great boot for a great price. It's hard to beat them. Don't listen to the people online that say you need to go down 1 - 1.5 sizes. I wear a 11D in almost everything and only sized down 1/2 size to 10.5D. They fit perfect!!
You would really like them!
John
Oh, I am a USMC Veteran by the way!
Semper Fi~
John Doe Thank you firstly for your service and for your advice. I really wanna get a pair of Bellevilles for work but have just been reluctant because all this nonsense about going down a size or half size. I’m thinking about getting the 300 DES ST. I have tiny, weird feet lol. I wear 7.5 and my feet are flat. Are you saying I should just get my regular size? Also, should I get wide at all since I have flat feet?
Who has to break in a pair of Thorogoods?
0:05 - one of your most asked questions: Are you Jim Root?
I don't think this guy knows what beastiality is.
Too much yapping, get to the point !!
Oh hush! You love my yapping.
Did you say BESTIALITY 😯😯😯
I will make it ez for all the future peeps that get this dude fed to their channel becuz they like heritage boots. To break in a new boot with hard stiff leather oil them up n wear the fuck out of them. You can do tip toe lunges to break in the toe box or just walk in them. This video how to is 15 seconds long.
Whoa der guy!
STOP TALKING....YOURE SAYING NOWT