These Boots Are Made for Careful Walking

Getting new riding boots is so great, but breaking them in is so painful!  This very moment, I sit before my computer monitor wearing new field boots that have passed the “worst blister you’ve ever had” phase and moved on to “sawing your leg in half at the knee.”

My old boots had had it.  The leather was so soft I could roll them up like a sleeping bag, and I had to stuff them with socks to make them fit properly.  It was time.

Luckily, the only tack store in the area was having a “back to show” sale and I got a great deal on a new pair.  Because it’s just my luck, my leg is between sizes.  The smaller size is snug as a smashed bug, and a size up could practically fit both legs in one boot.  Since I’m not snazzy enough for customs at this young age in my life, I go with the smaller size, hoping that a lot of stretching and swearing will make them bearable with time.  Regardless, they look darn good compared to the old dusties.

Several hours later, friend K stood behind me, her arms looped through mine as we both clung to the flimsy plastic chair in the tack room.  Friend E was at the other end, one boot between her legs and one pushing firmly against her backside.  While E yanked and pulled, Friend P pointed and laughed.  Stupid boots!!I

I rode the next horse with a tall boot on one leg and half chaps on the other.  It’s a good look, I think it could catch on.

New boots are great, breaking them in is awful.  And you forget, between pairs, just how awful.  I know what you’re thinking though.  Why not zip-ups?  Without going into all the specific reasons why, it’s mostly because I’m old-fashioned and poor.

I’ve heard a lot of tips and tricks about how best to break in a new pair of boots, but I can’t vouch for any of them because I’m too chicken to try anything crazier than the economy sized box of Band-aids and clearing my schedule of any activities involving tennis shoes.

What have you found to be the best way to break in a new pair of boots?

Can anyone explain “the bathtub trick?”

What should you NOT do with a new pair of boots?

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