subject: Boots Don't Have To Be Uncomfortable! [print this page] I think a lot of people assume that boots are made to be uncomfortable. But, maybe that is just because they don't know how to find the right pair for their feet and they don't know how to prepare the boot to be worn. First and foremost when buying ANY boot have it be on or offline, it's important that you buy the right size. Chances are if you are buying boots you are going to be using them for work which means they have to last anywhere from 8-12 hours for your work day or you are buying them for hiking or walking. Which also means they will have to be comfortable for at least a few hours at a time!
It's a good idea to find a pair of boots at least 1 size bigger than you would normally wear. Oftentimes during the workday or midday our feet swell. So if you get the same size you always buy in other shoes, chances are these will become quite snug and lead to further foot problems such as blisters and pains! No thanks! Secondly, when it comes to buying boots, it's important that you break those puppies in! I don't know one person that can just buy a pair and wear them the next day for hours on end. If you bought leather boots these are very easy to break in.
All you need to do is soften up the leather. One trick is to get a bar of soap and rub the interiors of the boot uppers. (You can also use a special leather conditioner, but soap does just as well.) There are professional shoe stretchers and shoe stretching sprays, but soap is inexpensive and works just right. Once the leather is subdued, put on your hiking socks and boots and walk around the house/yard for an hour. Avoid over-tightening the laces. Even if your feet do not hurt after an hour, take the boots off, and leave them off until the next day. Repeat this process for several days until they become comfortable enough for you.
You can also "bend" and flex the boot at the front of the shoe by holding the front and the back of the shoe and flexing it up and down. This is what I always do with ANY shoe I buy and it helps a lot! Other than breaking in your new boots it's important that you take care of them, especially if they are high quality. You can do this by polishing them with a leather or waterproof polish which will keep them conditioned, water proof and soft feeling. Take care of your boots and they will take care of you!
