How long does it take for boots to break in?

New boots can take around 80 to 100 hours to break in. That being said, don't subject yourself to wearing your boots for 4 days straight and expect your feet to be happy with you. Instead, space this time out to about 2 to 3 hours a day and keep a second pair of boots to change into.
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Should boots hurt at first?

Some discomfort at first is expected (especially if you try to wear them all day), but definitely not pain. 1. First, ensure the right size. Sometimes you'll see folks advocating buying boots a half-size or even full size too small so that when they break in, they'll be perfect.
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How far do you have to walk to break in boots?

After about 1-2 weeks or about 3-5 hikes, your boots should be fully broken in and you can start using them to their full potential.
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Do you have to walk in boots to break them in?

Do You Need To Break In Walking Boots? You might wonder why it's necessary to break in new boots at all, particularly if they already fit well and feel comfortable from the outset (as they should). It is certainly true that modern boots need far less breaking in than the traditional all-leather boots of old.
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Do boots get tighter when broken in?

After a few days, when boots are worn, and the outsole is flexed, the heel slippage shouldn't happen anymore, and you'll get a proper snug fit!
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How to Break in DOC MARTEN BOOTS - (Fast) - Dr Martens Break in Tutorial



Why do my boots hurt the top of my foot?

Extensor tendinitis

If they become inflamed due to overuse or wearing shoes without proper support, they may get torn or inflamed. This is known as extensor tendinitis, which can cause significant pain in the top of the foot.
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Is it normal for hiking boots to hurt at first?

It's probably going to feel stiff at first, but that's okay. Your only cause for concern at this point should come if you're feeling any pinching, rubbing, or slight pain. If that's the case, there's a good chance you need to return them and try out a different pair that fits your foot better.
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How can I make my boots more comfortable?

6 Ways to Make Your Boots More Comfortable
  1. Break your boots in properly.
  2. Try new insoles.
  3. Change the lace pattern on your boots.
  4. Store your boots properly.
  5. Have them professionally resoled.
  6. If all else fails, replace your boots with ones designed to be more comfortable.
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Do walking boots stretch?

If their boots are snug, but not uncomfortably so, then you should be fine—most boots will stretch enough to ensure a comfortable fit. Your heel should be locked in position inside the boot and not slide up or down as you walk (the number one cause of blisters).
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How do you break in a pair of boots?

  1. Start With the Right Size. Forget what you've heard about the leather stretching — there's nothing you can do about a pair of boots that's too small, back-to-front. ...
  2. Wear Thick Socks — Inside. ...
  3. Slap on a Band-Aid. ...
  4. Bring Your Old Boots With You. ...
  5. Give It a Break. ...
  6. Work the Bend. ...
  7. Scuff Up the Heels. ...
  8. Treat Your Leather.
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How long do leather boots take to break in?

Keep a Spare Pair

New boots can take around 80 to 100 hours to break in. That being said, don't subject yourself to wearing your boots for 4 days straight and expect your feet to be happy with you. Instead, space this time out to about 2 to 3 hours a day and keep a second pair of boots to change into.
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Why do my feet hurt in new boots?

Why Do My Work Boots Hurt My Feet? It all comes down to support. Unless your boots are custom, they don't have enough arch support built in to support your feet properly. Each day, the impact on your feet is equal to the weight of a fully loaded cement truck.
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Do new boots give you blisters?

Wear the new boots in the morning, when the weather is cooler and your feet are rested. By around noon, your feet start to swell and sweat, causing friction—and ultimately blisters.
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How do you break in leather boots quickly?

  1. Socks will save you. Find a thick pair of socks and wear them inside your boots around the house for a bit. ...
  2. Try adding heat. ...
  3. Bring some back-ups. ...
  4. Try the freezer trick. ...
  5. Wear blister plasters. ...
  6. Choose quality over quantity. ...
  7. Take them to a professional.
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How do you loosen tight boots?

7 ways to stretch out your shoes
  1. Wear them in the evening. If your shoes are just a little uncomfortable, try wearing them around the house. ...
  2. Thick socks and a blow dryer. ...
  3. Frozen zip-close bag. ...
  4. The peeled potato trick. ...
  5. Adjustable shoe trees. ...
  6. Shoe stretch sprays and liquids. ...
  7. Find a shoe repair professional.
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Why are boots uncomfortable?

So, the reason that many steel toe boots are uncomfortable is usually that the person wearing them has bought a pair of boots made on too narrow or too low a toe box to have both a steel toe insert AND the room for their toes to be comfortable.
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How can I wear boots without pain?

DIY the Pain Away:

If you're a naturally sweaty person or you're wearing your favorite boots during the raging hot days of summer, sprinkle a little bit of cornstarch into your boots and socks to absorb sweat and minimize friction.
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Why do boots hurt my big toe?

An ingrown toenail is a common cause of pain or discomfort in the big toe. It can occur if a person cuts their toenail too short or curves it in too far when cutting it. Wearing tight shoes may aggravate or even cause an ingrown toenail.
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Why do my feet hurt in hiking boots?

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk. Hiking can inflame and irritate the fascia from overuse. The foot pain can become even worse if you don't have proper insoles in your hiking footwear to support the heel and arch of your foot.
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Why do hiking boots hurt?

Your hiking boots likely hurt your feet due to either being an improper fit, too worn down, or not-broken in enough. These things will cause unwanted friction and hot spots that lead to foot pain and possibly even blisters.
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Why do leather boots hurt at first?

The early days of breaking in a pair of boots aren't just about creasing and softening the upper, it's also about getting the midsole to conform to your unique arch. Basically, at this early stage, your foot is being assailed from above and below, so a little extra cushioning can't hurt.
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Should new boots be tight?

It should not pinch across the ball of the foot or the toes, but should be comfortably snug in the instep area of your foot. Just like a good handshake. A new boot may slip some when new, but if it is snug in the instep, that slip will come out, after it is flexed from wearing.
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Do cowboy boots hurt at first?

Cowboy boots are literally made to take a beating. In fact, traditional pairs are stitched in a way that ensures the leather is rigid, stiff, and dang uncomfortable at first.
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