How to Break in Riding Boots? Complete Guide

All equestrians struggle with learning how to break in riding boots at some point in their career. This post will help you out!

Even the best horseback riding boots need to be broken in before they can be used regularly. A better fit, more comfortable feet, and even a lower risk of injury can all be achieved by properly breaking in riding boots.

In this article, I will cover how to break in leather riding boots as well as provide advice to make the process easier.

Table of Contents

How to Break in Riding Boots? 6 Tips

Get the correct size boots; the leather won’t stretch if they are the wrong size or a size larger, and you won’t be able to break them in at all.
Even when you’re not at the barn, according to renowned boot manufacturer Ariat, you should wear them as often as you can. [1] This helps the leather start to stretch and conform to the length and shape of your legs and feet, especially around the ankle bone
While you are wearing your boots, use thick socks, this will cause your feet to sweat and the moisture will help the leather soften
Your blisters need bandaging. You’re going to experience blisters as you break in your new boots. To hasten their healing and prevent them from sliding while you walk, wrap them in thick fabric bandages.
If you’re having trouble breaking in your boots on your own, ask for assistance. It is better to pay a visit to a cobbler or shoe professional than to continue struggling on your own. This will ensure your boots are ready to wear in less time and that they do not sustain damage from trying every remedy in the book
Take your time. The break in process will not be completed overnight, and every boot is designed differently and some will take more time to soften than others. Patience is essential in this process.

How Long Does It Take to Break in Boots?

From start to finish, breaking in a new pair of riding boots takes about 2 weeks to a month, but this varies depending on how often you wear riding boots and how committed you are to breaking them in.

What Works for Breaking in Riding Boots?

Paddock and field boots can be used as daily wear, while dressage boots are best for riding.) Walking around in dressage boots is not recommended because you want them to maintain their maximum stiffness.
The boots can be submerged in water or left outside in the rain. They will be soaked as a result, and the leather will become malleable and moldable. Then you must wear them as the leather dries so they form a perfect mold to your foot. Dressage boots are not an option for me because I’m too afraid to try this with them. A rainy day, however, is ideal for donning brand-new paddock boots.
Additionally, you can ride in your boots while wearing wet socks. As a result, the leather becomes softer on the inside and is easier to mold. But perhaps a little off-putting.
While spraying water inside your boots achieves the same result, it might take longer than if you decided to try wearing wet socks.
You can also stretch or resize your boots with the aid of your neighborhood cobbler. This is the perfect time to have your cobbler adjust the fit of a pair of tall boots that are getting zippers added. Be sure your cobbler measures you before he starts working because zippers frequently change the fit.
Apply some bandages where the boots rub you to prevent the possibility of blisters forming on your skin. Ankle bones and the tendons behind your knees are popular locations. You can also use some vet wrap, or a cut-up polo wrap. Cut about 8 to 10 inches off the hook and loop end of a polo wrap to create a quick and simple knee cushion.

Conclusion: How to Break in Riding Boots

Now you should know how to break in tall leather riding boots like a pro.

It is a process that takes time and patience, that starts with buying the right size boots and wearing them as much as you can.

There are things you can do to make the process better such as wearing heel lifts and applying leather softener to the boots.If you are interested in riding boots, keep reading:

FAQs

Do You Need to Break in Horse Riding Boots?

If your riding boots feel stiff when you first get them, you’ll need to break them in. To avoid rubbing or painful blisters, the leather must be softerened so that it can conform to your legs.

How to Stretch Tall Riding Boots?

One of the more traditional methods of boot stretching is to simply wear them in.

How Can I Make My Riding Boots More Comfortable?

Wear them as much as you can after softening them with leather conditioner. As much as you can, wear thick socks to help soften the leather with heat and moisture.