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How To Break In Your Chelsea Boots
12
Oct
Oct
It’s well known that to break in any good pair of leather boots you’re guaranteed a couple of bruises along the way. Giving in to constant blisters and sticky plasters isn’t the only way to step into comfort. If this is your first time trying out this style, or if you’re a seasoned wearer. These simple tips can help make the break-in process easier.
Get the sizing right to start
To start with, it is essential that you have chosen the right-sized boots. You might have been looking for hiking boots and been tempted to go for a tight fit to handle those slopes. Maybe you were looking for something with more breathing room for a fashionable way to enhance your everyday workwear. In both cases, too tight, you could end up with sore feet, too loose, you could slide all over the place.
Test whether the size of your new shoes is right, make sure you have enough room in the toe box. There should be the right amount of wriggling, as Chelsea boots are known to have a firmer fit across the top of the boot. Then check to see if your ankles feel snug when you step. If it does feel a bit tight though, don’t worry too much, as the leather will stretch slightly over time.
For a wider feel, we recommend buying a half size up from your usual fit, or, you might prefer the Classic Series over the Originals, as their design offers a little more width. If you’re choosing to go with the Dress Series, however, you might need to go for a half size down from your regular measurements, as these have been crafted to have a moderately longer length. Take a look at our Blundstone size guide for more information. Learning how to break in boots can be effortless. Before you start, make sure your new boots have the right proportions and measurements for you.
So, now that you’ve found your sole mates, it’s time to break them in!
Wear your boots often!
Avoid wearing them for long periods of time at first. Better to slip them on and wear them around the house for short periods of time each day. Or maybe take them out for a short stroll. Your aim should be to increase gradually the amount of time you wear them each day.
Consistency will keep the leather stretching into your specific foot shape! Take this opportunity to identify any problem areas that may need some extra attention during the break-in process. This step helps your boots mould to the shape of your feet and allows the leather to soften and flex more naturally.
Wear thick socks!
A thick pair of socks is a great place to start when breaking in new boots. The thickness will help to protect your feet from rubbing against the leather also helping to stretch the boots a bit. If you find that certain areas of your boots are causing discomfort, consider adding some extra cushioning. Gel or foam insoles can provide additional support and alleviate pressure points. Just make sure that the insoles don’t alter the fit too much or make the boots feel too tight.
If you don’t have the right pair of socks lying around try layering up and wearing two or three pairs of socks to protect your foot and achieve the same effect. The goal of this step is to provide extra cushioning, protect your skin from potential rubbing or blisters, and try to provide some extra stretching for the leather fibres along the way.
Use leather conditioner
If you’re in a rush to run around town in your new boots, consider investing in some high-quality leather conditioning products. This will expedite the softening process. We recommend a first-rate leather conditioner to ensure you don’t affect the quality of the material or damage the leather fibres.
Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the leather. Focus on areas that feel stiff or tight. Be gentle with the application but don’t stress out if you’ve overdone it. The conditioner will help moisturize the leather, making it more supple and comfortable.
Shoe-Stretching
If your boots are still uncomfortable after a few days of wearing them around the house. Try using a shoe stretcher to speed up the process. A shoe stretcher, also known as a shoe tree depending on if you want the width or length of your boot expanded, is a device you can use to elasticate and soften the boots out a bit more. These generally work well with a good leather conditioner, though the combination isn’t crucial. You can leave them in your Chelsea boots for 6-8 hours and the leather will become softer.
An important note on shoe-stretching. According to experts, you should NOT attempt the DIY method of shoe-stretching by using a blow-dryer. This causes more harm than good, making the minimal stretch it provides not worth it. This once beloved method is much more likely to cause damage to the leather fibres. So is not recommended by leather experts. We understand the process can be tedious, but persistence will result in a much better outcome.
Be patient. Persistence Pays Off
Breaking in a pair of boots takes time. Getting your boots to stretch to your exact shape, making them uniquely yours, is part of the process. The amount of time it takes to break in a pair of Chelsea boots varies on the materials they are made of and how often you wear them. Leather boots will take longer to break in than boots made of other materials, such as canvas or synthetics. This is because leather is a natural material that needs time to adjust to the proportions, measurements and shape of your foot.
In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to break in a new pair of boots. The more often you wear your boots, the faster they will break in. If you only wear your boots once or twice a week, it will take longer for them to break in than if you wear them every day. Breaking in your Chelsea boots takes time and patience. Remember that each foot is unique, and the break-in period may vary. With consistent wear and care, your boots will gradually become more comfortable as the leather conforms to your feet. Don’t give up too soon! It’s worth the effort for the long-lasting comfort and
style your boots provide.
A good old-fashioned Cobbler
When it comes to your beloved pair of Chelsea boots, sometimes time is not something you have when it comes to your break-in process. Maybe you’re in a rush to get them to fit your feet so you can take them on your holiday trip, or your business conference in just a week’s time, or maybe a festival coming up that very weekend.
Whatever the reason, sometimes they need a little extra breathing room and fast. Enter the trusted cobbler, the magician of shoe modifications. A trip to the cobbler is the most effective way to treat your new shoe’s leather. By handing over your prized possessions to the skilled hands of the craftsman, you entrust them with the task of expanding the confines of the boots. With meticulous precision, they stretch and manipulate the material, bending it to their will. The cobbler’s tools work their magic, gently moulding the once-constricting spaces into newfound comfort zones. Finally, your new boots emerge transformed.
Their fit is now more accommodating, allowing you to breathe a sigh of relief in the knowledge that your Chelsea’s are ready for immediate action. This act of shoe salvation is a testament to the artistry of the cobbler, shortening an otherwise lengthy process and reminding us that when in need, a visit to the cobbler can truly be a step towards footwear bliss.
How to break in your new Chelsea boots – Daunting but worth it
Breaking in a new pair of boots can be daunting, and the prospect of pain is never inviting. The pain can be avoided by taking it slow and keeping your wear consistent. Stick to thick socks in the beginning graduating to more specific products if you need to. Being patient throughout the process will pay off in the end. Say goodbye to the bad parts of the break-in process. Let this become a way for you to form a unique attachment to your Chelsea boots, uniquely fitted to you.
Follow these steps and allow your boots time to adjust to your feet. You will soon experience the perfect fit and comfort. So, go ahead and step out confidently in your well-worn boots, ready to conquer any adventure.