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When you get a new pair of work boots, they aren't likely to fit perfectly when you first take them out of the box. Once new boots have been broken in properly, they will conform to your unique foot shape. This takes time. By following the best practices during the breaking-in process, you can have comfortable boots without causing damage to your new footwear. Using the wrong techniques risks permanently damaging them. Avoid techniques that involve water or extreme heat. Leather is durable, but it is possible to severely damage it. You want your boots to have a snug fit, and you don't want to warp them before you've even gotten a chance to work in them. 

If you don't want to be bothered with breaking in boots for work, the Chippewa Apache Logger 20091 and the Timberland Pro Linden TB01150A214 require no breaking in at all. Otherwise, follow these tips for breaking in your new boots as fast as possible.

Things You Should Do 

Get boots that fit.

New boots are not going to be perfectly contoured to your unique foot shape right when you take them out of the box, but they do need to fit well. A pair that did not fit snugly to begin with will never be comfortable. If you have already purchased boots and they don't fit like they should, return them immediately. You need to start with a pair that actually fit.

Wear your new boots at home.

Wear your boots at home for about ten minutes per day instead of trying to make it through a whole shift at work in them before they have been broken in. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend wearing them so that you regularly spend time walking and sitting with the boots on your feet.

Apply leather conditioner.

Moisturizer is a great way to speed up the breaking in process. Leather conditioners provide hydration and come in a variety of types including creams, oils, and liquids. Moistened leather bends easier, but that does not mean it's a good idea to soak the leather in water. A conditioner will provide just the right amount of hydration.

Things You Should Not Do

Do not ignore severe discomfort.

Every boot manufacturer sizes products a little differently. If you noticed a pinch or an uncomfortable area when you were trying boots on, return them if you can. These types of problems will not go away once your work boots are broken in.

Do not submerge your boots in water.

Some people recommend fully submerging new boots in water to help break them in. Others say to soak them and wear wet boots for a while. These are terrible suggestions. In addition to being unpleasant to wear wet boots, water can also severely damage leather. Eventually, exposure to water causes leather to warp.

Do not apply direct heat.

Some people recommend baking leather footwear in an oven or blasting it with a hair dryer to speed up the breaking in process. This is a bad idea for the same reason a leather conditioner is a good idea. Dry, cracked leather is not what you want.

If you want your work boots to fit properly and last as long as possible, they have to be broken in properly. Remember, many of the methods people use for breaking in boots can lead to ruined leather. If you don't have time to break in your new footwear, consider the Chippewa Apache Logger 20091 or the Timberland Pro Linden TB01150A214 from Coastalboot.com. Neither of these boots require breaking in, so you can get right to work in them.

Choosing a good hiking boot is no small matter. When deciding which hiking boots will work best for you, there are some essentials to consider. First, the most important features are comfort and durability. You may be wearing them for a long time, and they will be the only thing protecting your feet and ankles from the terrain. 

The midsole provides your feet with a buffer from shock and determines how flexible your boot will be. Look for midsoles made from EVA and polyurethane, as these materials provide cushioning and strength. You want to ensure that your boots hold up to wear and tear, so resilient materials like full-grain leather are essential.

Here is a list of five great hiking boots that are guaranteed to provide comfort, durability, shock resistance, and great water resistance to keep your feet comfortable and dry for the long haul.

CAROLINA CA4534 
These leather waterproof boots by Carolina feature 5.5 inch aluminum toe caps and abrasion-resistant heel and toe guards. With quality construction and use of superior materials, these boots can withstand just about anything. As is the case with Carolina’s boots, the rubber outsole binding of the boot was constructed with super strong cement. Inside the boot, your foot will be supported by a well-cushioned insole with a removable EVA footbed and dual density EVA midsole. The boot is fully waterproof, keeping your foot dry and protected no matter where you go.

KEEN 1007023 
The Keen Pittsburgh boot offers a slip-proof and water-resistant outsole. The boot is fully lined with further waterproof material that provides extreme comfort and support. With Keen's patented Keen Dry waterproof breathable membrane, you are provided the breathability and waterproof protection you need for an extreme, or even a short, hike. These boots also feature an EVA Heel Cushioning Insert and a contoured heel lock to protect your feet from whatever terrain you encounter.

DR MARTENS R16277001 
Dr Martens have a reputation for lasting forever, and for good reason. These sturdy boots feature full grain leather construction and an abrasion-resistant steel toe. These Dr Martens provide a Sympatex waterproof barrier, which makes them waterproof, windproof, yet still completely breathable. The boot's interior includes a Smarmask polyurethane insole, which offers flexibility and durability to keep your feet comfortable all day.

CAROLINA CA4531
This 7" boot provides all the great features that can be expected in a Carolina boot, including a rubber outsole binding constructed with cement for flexible comfort. This boot provides an aluminum toe cap, abrasion resistance in the toe and heel, and a comfortable cushion insole with a removable EVA footbed. The boots are lined with both 400 grams of Thinsulate to moderate the temperature, as well as waterproof Scubaliner to keep them dry. 

DANNER 17602 
The Danner Corvallis GTX is a five-inch boot with leather uppers and a slip-resistant 90-degree heel. They feature a non-conductive electrical shock resistant sole and heel for safety. These boots have excellent traction, and are lined with Gore-Tex to ensure comfort and to keep your feet dry in all kinds of conditions. The Corvallis is built with 5" full-grain leather for comfort and durability and offer wider speed laces for a more secure fit.

Now that you have the information, get yourself a pair of great hiking boots and really enjoy the great outdoors.