A store shelf with boots in various shades of browns, blacks, and tans, that have smooth and exotic leather.

5 Tips for Breaking in Full-Grain Leather Boots

You just snagged a new pair of boots, and not just any boots—full-grain leather beauties. If you bought boots made from exotic leather (like alligator, ostrich, python, or lizard), then you’ve got some seriously nice dancing shoes on your hands—or rather, your feet! While the fun part of buying fancy footwear is over, the real challenge lies ahead, which is breaking in your full-grain leather boots. Read on to learn all the dos and don’ts of making your new cactus kickers as comfortable as they are stunning.

1. Plan Ahead and Go in Increments

Whether you bought men’s exotic cowboy boots for a special occasion or picked up a pair of driving moccasins for everyday use, it’s important to plan before breaking in the leather.

Timetable for Breaking In Leather Boots

Aim to buy your boots at least a month in advance of when you want to show them off. This gives you time to gradually break in your boots.

Start by wearing them around the house for at least 10 to 30 minutes each day during the first 10 days. After that, wear them outside for short periods to rough up the bottoms and reduce slipperiness. Do this for about two weeks. Then, in the final week, wear the boots for casual outings like dinner or store trips to finish the break-in process.

Remember to start with shorter wear times and increase gradually with each of these steps.

2. Double Down on Socks

A simple but effective trick that many boot wearers swear by is doubling up on the socks. First, throw on some light nylon-type socks and then layer over them with thick wool socks. The outside socks rub on the inside socks rather than your skin. Plus, thick, padded socks provide cushioning from the pressure of your new boots.

3. Soften With Leather Conditioner

Before you even start wearing your boots around the house, you’ll want to condition them to soften the leather. This helps make the material more pliable and easier to break in. Be sure to follow the directions on the conditioner you use and focus on any particularly stiff areas.

4. Use Boot Stretchers (With Caution)

You can use boot stretchers to help break in your boots, though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for exotic leather pairs. The method is better for roper boots and similar styles. However, if you do choose to use this method, you should shoot for high-quality stretchers designed for full-grain leather and stretch the boots gradually to avoid deforming them.

5. Never Heat or Wet-Treat Them

Many people think that heating or wet-treating leather boots will quickly loosen them, but this isn’t true. Part of the misconception stems from people in the military who were told they could use this tactic on their military boots. But boot experts strongly advise against it.

Breaking in your leather boots may take a little time, but patience is all you need. Eventually, you’ll see and feel how worthwhile your effort was. By following these simple tips for breaking in your full-grain leather boots, you’ll be comfortable and embody Western chic in your boot-scootin’ ensemble. Start applying these tips today and enjoy your boots for years to come!

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