Advice from a Western Clothing Store: How to Break in Cowboy Boots

Jackson’s Western is Michigan’s premier western clothing store, with countless brands represented and over 4,000 pairs of western boots in stock.

Since 1969 we’ve been the authority on all things western and have faithfully served up the most fashionable and functional picks in the market for western clothing and workwear, from chaps to cowboy hats.

Take cowboy boots, for instance. We carry thousands of pairs from Ariat, Justin, Twisted X, Double H, Justin, Dan Post, Laredo and others - with plenty in stock for both men and women.

So we know a thing or two about classic western wear. We don’t just carry the goods, we know how to get the most bang for your buck.

Since these are boots, let’s call it the “most mileage for your investment.”

And getting the most mileage out of a pair of boots starts with the know-how necessary to break them in.

We’ve already published a blog on how and why you need to condition leather, but it all starts with break-in.

So how do you break cowboy boots in, and why do you need to do it in the first place?

Why You Need to Break Them in

Properly sized, well broken in cowboy boots fit like a pair of slippers and are some of the most comfortable footwear in the entire industry. That’s not to mention that they typically look pretty snazzy.

Cowboy boots are typically made from very high-end, full-grain cowhide leather and other exotic hides, such as ostrich and buffalo leather.

They’re made from premium materials, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to be comfortable out of the gate.

In fact, cowboy boots can be downright uncomfortable until you break them in. They’re actually designed with stiff uppers, vamps and leather soles that need to be worn in a bit before they’re flexible and pliable.

Also, being made from a naturally stretchy material (animal hides) cowboy boots will not only become more comfortable after you break them in, but they’ll actually conform to the shape of your feet, offering a custom-like fit.

You just can’t be the comfort, support and style of broken-in cowboy boots - but the keyword in broken in.

So, how can you do it?

First, the goods news. All you actually have to do is wear your cowboy boots in order to break them in.

Depending on how frequently you wear them, and what you do in them, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully break them in.

If you work or ride in them, they’ll break in sooner. If all you do is wear them out to monthly dances, it’ll take quite a while.

One old-fashioned trick you can follow to accelerate the break in is to wear two pairs of socks with your cowboy boots for the first couple of weeks.

Wearing two pairs of socks puts extra pressure on the leather of the boot, helping to stretch it and form to your natural contours more quickly.

Soften ‘Em Up (But Don’t Go Overboard!)

Some people also use leather conditioner - more specifically, neatsfoot oil - to soften up their cowboy boots prior to wearing them. This is similar to how some baseball and softball players use neatsfoot oil to limber up their gloves and break them in.

Applying neatsfoot oil will make the leather fibers swell, which will stretch them out and make the leather softer and more pliable.

We have to caution you, though - if you go this route, be aware of a few things.

One is that using too much will make the leather very soft, which will adversely affect some of the support the boots offer.

Also, neatsfoot oil will darken the leather and can do so permanently. Also, do not use a compound neatsfoot solution (use pure neatsfoot only) because these solutions often contain chemicals that can dissolve or damage the stitching that both decorates your boots and holds them together.

Use a Boot Stretcher and Boot Stretch Spray

You can also use purpose built boot stretchers to help break your boots in before you wear them.

If you get a boot stretcher, just be aware that the stretcher will not completely break them in. It just starts the process. You finish it by wearing the boots.

If you’re interested in speeding up the break in process, you can also use a special treatment known as “boot break-in” which is commonly sold as a spray.

Boot break-in spray sort of works like neatsfoot oil. It softens the leather, making it easier to stretch them out and break them in.

Steaming/Water Treatment

Two other methods you can use are steaming and soaking.

In steamping, you subject the inside and outside of your leather boots to steam, and then wear them immediately afterward.

Steaming, like oil or boot stretch spray, softens the leather and makes it easier to work. It’s easier for some people, since it doesn’t require you to get special oil, sprays or treatments.

Soaking is effective, but it’s risky if you don’t do it right.

Those who soak their boots to break them in submerge them in water till the leather is saturated with water. This, like oil, stretches out the leather fibers and softens them.

Then, allow the boots to dry slightly, until the leather is damp, then walk around in them as you normally would.

The risk is that if the boots dry out too quickly, the rapid drying can damage the leather and make it brittle. Don’t use this method if its very hot or dry out or you risk damaging your boots.

The other methods mentioned above are much less risky.                

The Real “Kicker”: Visit Our Western Clothing Store and Let Us Do It for You

While these are some common, tried-and-true methods for breaking in a new pair of western boots, we have a better solution.

Come visit our western clothing store, see what we have in stock, pick out your favorite pair, and we’ll fit, stretch and break them in for you.

We offer free break-in services with each purchase of cowboy boots. We’ll do the hard work for you, you get a new pair of boots, leave in style and comfort, and everyone wins.

Take a look through some of the offerings we have in stock on our website and then come visit us in our store in Wayland, Michigan. We’d love to see you and send you off in a new pair of cowboy boots - call us at 269-792-2550 if you have any questions.