How Do You Soften Hiking Boots?

Hiking boots are an essential part of any outdoor adventurer’s gear. They provide the necessary protection and support on the trails, but can be quite stiff when you first purchase them.

To ensure the best possible performance and comfort, it’s important to take the time to soften your boots up before hitting the trails. Here are some tips on how to do that.

Break Them In – One of the best ways to soften hiking boots is to break them in before hitting the trails. Wear them around your house or yard for a few days prior to your hike. This helps to loosen up the material and form it to your feet, providing a better fit and increased comfort on longer hikes.

Wear Thick Socks – Make sure you wear thick socks when you break in your boots as this will help mold them to your feet even faster. Thick wool or synthetic socks work best as they help trap heat, which is necessary for breaking in leather hiking boots.

Apply Waterproofing or Conditioner – Once broken in, apply a waterproofing conditioner or leather conditioner on all sides of your boots. This will help lock moisture into the leather, making them softer and more comfortable for long hikes. Be sure to follow directions carefully when applying these products as over-applying can lead to discoloration and damage of your boots.

Lace Them Up Properly – It’s also important that you lace up your boots properly before each hike as this helps keep tension evenly distributed throughout the footbed for increased comfort and support. Make sure you start lacing at the bottom of each boot and work your way up, crisscrossing each set of eyelets until you reach the top of your boot where you can then tie off with a double knot.

Conclusion:

Softening hiking boots is an important part of preparing for any outdoor adventure, but it takes time and effort if done correctly. Breaking them in by wearing them around home prior to a hike is one way to get started, followed by using thick socks and applying a waterproofing or conditioning product afterwards if needed. Lastly, make sure that you lace up properly each time before hitting the trails so that tension is evenly distributed throughout your boot for optimal support and comfort on longer hikes!

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Alex Wright