When you purchase a new pair of cowgirl boots, you want to jump into them as soon as you leave the store. Waiting in your closet is the perfect outfit for those boots and the night planned for dancing and fun. However, the leather may rub and squeeze against your feet, resulting in discomfort and possibly blisters. Here are six painless ways to break in your favorite new cowgirl boots:
1. Buy the correct size.
According to a study by the College of Podiatry in the U.K., most people wear shoes that are the wrong size for their feet. To prevent this from happening, try the Brannock device supplied by the store to get an accurate foot measurement. You can also give it a try at home using Youtube tutorials on how to reliably measure your foot.
2. Take things slowly.
The worst idea to do with new leather boots is to wear them when you are on your feet all day. Leave them at home for that day of running errands. Instead, walk in them for two to three hours a day for a couple of weeks. Eventually, you will feel more space as the boots become more comfortable to move around in.
3. Clean them often.
Taking care of your cowgirl boots is a necessary habit to form right from the start. Dirt and grime can strip your leather of its natural oils, so it’s best to wipe them with a damp clean cloth. Once a week should be sufficient unless you frequent an area that will cause heavier soiling. For that, give them a quick wipe every time you take them off.
4. Heat will expand them.
Use heat to warm up the shoes and loosen them up a bit. Don’t cook them by applying direct heat to them. Instead, grab a pair of socks fresh from the dryer, and slip them on with the boots. As a bonus, this may also give your feet a bit of heat therapy which increases blood flow, and reduces pain, and inflammation.
5. Wear multiple socks.
Even when your socks are warmed up, they can still be useful for breaking in your cowgirl boots. Add another pair or two, depending on the thickness. Catch up on a missed show, or carry around a book as you wear the socks and boots around your home. Since this can potentially cause some foot pain, limit the number of socks that you wear to protect your feet. It may take a little longer by going slow, but the purpose behind all of these is to decrease foot pain not add to it.
6. Try leather conditioner.
Just as hair conditioner softens your hair, leather conditioner softens the stiff fibers of your leather boots. Depending on the brand that you choose, the conditioner may have additional benefits such as waterproofing. If you’re concerned about how the conditioner will affect your boots, or about the color-changing, test it on a small area first. Do all of this in a well-ventilated area, and put down newspaper if necessary to protect household surfaces.