How to Break In Cowboy Boots the Right Way

A pair of quality cowboy boots is an investment. Whether you're wearing them on the ranch, heading to a Nashville honky-tonk, or competing at the rodeo, those boots need to earn their place in your rotation. But new boots straight from the box aren't ready for the real work. They need breaking in, and doing it wrong will leave your feet blistered and sore faster than you can say "get along little doggie."

Breaking in cowboy boots isn't some quick process you rush through. It takes patience, common sense, and a willingness to put in the time. Here's how to do it the way folks have been doing it for generations out west.

Start with the Right Fit

Before you even think about breaking in a pair of boots, make sure you've got the right size. This isn't the time to guess or hope they'll stretch out. Your heel shouldn't slip when you walk, and there should be about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the boot. Get your feet measured properly. A pair of western wear that doesn't fit right from the start will never break in properly, no matter what tricks you try.

Wear Them Around the House First

Don't take your new boots straight to work on the ranch or out to a full day at the rodeo. Start wearing them indoors for a few hours at a time. Walk around your house, do some light tasks, get your feet accustomed to the feel and the weight. Your feet need time to adjust to the leather, the arch support, and the heel height. This is the foundation