January 18, 2021 justin smith

How to Achieve the Most Comfortable Cowboy Boots

There's nothing quite like a pair of really comfortable cowboy boots. From the moment your feet slide in, they should feel snug and securely in place. Boots should fit more tightly than a casual shoe, much like that of a leather glove. The foot should actually “pop” into the boot with the top of the instep holding the foot into place and allowing plenty of room for the toes.

What steps can you take to have the most comfortable cowboy boots you've ever owned? Continue reading as we take a closer look at how to make cowboy boots more comfortable, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

How to Break in Cowboy Boots

Before you do anything else with your new pair of boots, you'll want to achieve a comfortable fit. An old adage in boot fit is “if you go wrong, go long”.
Boot fit is never determined by feeling the toes at the end but rather the fit around the arch of the boot with plenty if not extra toe relief. Additionally the heel of the boot should slip between ¼ to ½ inches at first but no more. The heel will break in and conform to the foot as the boot is worn. All leather boots will stretch some as they are worn. The amount of stretch will depend on the type of leather. Cowhide boots will stretch much more than a caiman or elephant.

Wondering how to stretch cowboy boots? We recommend the following methods to help you free up some space in your boots and achieve the right feel.

Walk Around in Your New Boots

The best way to break in a new pair of boots is to wear them. Taking a stroll in your boots will naturally and gradually stretch their leather to the shape of your foot. It also gives you the chance to show off your boots right away. If you choose to do this, start by wearing your new boots for short periods of time. You can gradually increase the length of time you leave them on as you go. It's important to note that this method may put some strain on your feet until the leather starts to give.

Try a Western Cowboy Boot Stretcher

In most cases, if you are fit properly in your new boots, it will not be necessary to use any technique other than wearing them for a period of days to break them in and conform them to your feet. However, everyone’s feet are shaped differently and sometimes some additional assistance is required. Boot stretchers can be used to accelerate the process of breaking in or zero in on some problem areas in your fit. If you've ever wondered how to break in cowboy boots fast, this is a possible option. You can also use spot stretching plugs to target trouble
spots and achieve a better fit. This form of stretching gives you greater control over the fit of your boots and lets you start comfortably wearing them right away.

You'll want to insert the toe block into the toe of your boot. With the desired width settings set, leave the stretcher in your boot for at least six to eight hours. This non-intrusive approach can help you achieve a full boot size up.

Use Stretch Spray

Using products like Scout Boot Stretch Spray can make your boots more soft and flexible. As a bonus perk, they can also make your boots look shiny and new. Simply spray the outside of your boots and let it work its magic. For even better results, we suggest using a Western cowboy boot stretcher after spraying. Additionally, a mixture of 50% rubbing alcohol and water will also work well as a solution to help boots stretch. If a stretcher is not used, put the boots on and wear them until dry.

How to Fix Heel Slippage in Cowboy Boots

Heel slippage can cause a severe level of discomfort and affect your gait as you move around. Along with breaking in your new cowboy boots, you'll want to make sure you prevent any slipping while you walk. If you're wondering how to make cowboy boots slip proof, you've come to the right place.

When you first purchase your boots, you'll find the leather bottom can be rather slippery. As a result, it's important to rough them up a bit. To achieve the desired outcome, try rubbing them against sandpaper, metal implements or rocks. Doing this can help prevent exterior slippage when you walk on smooth surfaces like tile or wood flooring.

Along with being uncomfortable, slippery cowboy boots are also a sure sign of a fake cowboy in Western circles. Roughing them up will keep them from looking too clean and give you a more authentic look.

In addition, if you find that your heel moves up and down inside your boot when you walk, we recommend you try the following solutions.

Heel Grips

You can easily slip heel grips into your boots to achieve just the right fit and prevent unwanted slippage. If you choose to do this, make sure the inserts can be fitted into the back of the heel in your boots. Wearing heel grips can be a great way to fix heel slippage and ultimately achieve more comfortable cowboy boots.

Anti-Slip Gel Pads

Similar to heel grips, anti-slip gel pads stick to the back of the heel of your cowboy boots. By sliding them into your shoes, they'll keep your feet secure, get rid of heel slippage and provide added comfort. Best of all, you can remove, clean and reuse them over and over. If this method sounds best for you, we advise you to attach the gel pads in the right spot to ensure you have the most comfortable cowboy boots possible.

How to Shrink Cowboy Boots

Let's say your favorite cowboy boots feel stretched out and bigger than they once did. This can happen as boots' leather softens and stretches over time. Rather than purchase a brand new pair, you may start to wonder how to make cowboy boots fit tighter. To successfully shrink your cowboy boots, you'll need the following three items:

A bucket
Warm water
A pair of socks

Start by placing your cowboy boots in the bucket and filling it with warm water. Let your shoes soak for approximately an hour so they can completely absorb the water. While the cowboy boots are soaking, dip your pair of socks into the water, too. You don't need to leave them in the bucket for an hour, though — simply get the socks wet.

Once the hour has passed, remove your shoes from the bucket. After that, it's time to put on your wet socks and cowboy boots. While this won't be the most pleasant feeling, it's the easiest way to get the size you desire and leave you with more comfortable cowboy boots.

With your boots and socks on, the only thing left to do is wait for your boots to dry. During this important step, the leather will conform to the shape of your feet. Wearing wet socks will help ensure your boots don't get too tight while leaving you with plenty of wiggle room.

Get Comfortable Cowboy Boots for Any Occasion at NRS

From determining how to stretch out cowboy boots to achieving the best overall fit, NRS has you covered. We're committed to providing premium Western gear, and that includes the most comfortable cowboy boots on the market. Shop our wide variety of cowboy boots and boot accessories today!

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