How do you "break in" new boots?

SPC(P) Delcina Myers — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 00:30:32 -0400

My first drill weekend I received a new uniform and new boots, 1/2 size bigger than I normally wore in the past, and within that night I received a huge a** blister on the back of my heel. Anyone have any good tips/advice/tricks to break in the boots OR to not get blisters? I had a blister on my other foot, but not as bad.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 22 at 2014 11:36 AM

CSM Michael Poll — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 11:36:52 -0400

well the first thing I would advise you is get boots that fit... 1/2 size to big you will get blisters no matter what. Once you do that, follow the guidance that others have stated. The only way to break in boots is to wear them... ALOT.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 1:42 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 13:42:36 -0400

Get boots that fit properly so your feet do not slide around in them. If the boots are black leather combat boots soak them in water for a good while . I know this sounds crazy then walk around in them for a good bit. Then when you are not wearing them physically flex the boots by hand. That's how I did it. Overall new boots equal pain for about a week until they are " broke " in.

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made Mar 22 at 2014 4:07 PM

SGT Nathan Huff — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:07:23 -0400

well for one it sounds like your boots are to big for you.

so 1: get smaller boots

2: wear them when not at drill off and on for the next few months to help break them in.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 22 at 2014 4:25 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:25:22 -0400

Dunk you're boots in water, get them completely saturated. Put them on, cinch them up, and wear them until they dry. You may have to do this more than once. But as they dry, they will better conform to your feet...

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 4:38 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:38:10 -0400

Google it how to break in New boots, or YouTube it good info.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 9:12 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 21:12:19 -0400

Look around for other boots and check fitting before you buy them.

As for breaking a pair in, I would say just wearing them around and even showering in them is a great start.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 9:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 21:50:32 -0400

honestly, ive had issue boots pretty much since I cam in the army and only bought a pair of "the new hotness" when I was a DS since I knew I would be on my feet all day. But all I have ever done is made sure I had them tied tightly from the toes to the calf and let them wear in. Now I wouldnt wear them like that for a 15k or something dumb, but for daily use they would break in just fine and once they were comfortable enough I would then just tie them normally. No special socks or nothing, just tie them tight.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 22 at 2014 9:58 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 21:58:04 -0400

2 Words...Manchu Mile. Your feet will be broke in too.

But for real what SSG Williams stated is correct. Blisters are caused by friction. You need to reduce the friction wherever you can. Starting with wearing the proper fit boot. Then identify your "hot spots" and mole skin them up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 5:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 17:35:57 -0400

I would try wearing a pair of dress socks inside your green socks this helps tremendously.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 23 at 2014 6:26 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:26:18 -0400

I used to shower with the new boots on, and then walk up and down hills and stairs with them on for awhile. Obviously not long enough to bust up my feet. But that always worked for me. I have also heard about people wetting their boots and then rubbing shaving cream into the leather to make it more malleable. I used to do that with my old baseball gloves, but never tried it with boots.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 3:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 15:31:39 -0400

Gasho, looks like everyone has given you good advise. like all think it takes time to get them where you want them. Just take care of your feet and the boots will too.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 6:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 May 2014 18:38:54 -0400

Soak them and walk in them until they dry.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 2:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:17:15 -0400

It sounds like you may have gotten the blisters because the boots were too big.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 13 at 2014 10:30 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 22:30:48 -0400

two pair of socks?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 10:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 22:44:28 -0400

Tighten them up. Get them soaking wet. Let them dry while wearing them. Repeat.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 9:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:34:33 -0400

I have always just walked through the blisters; build up those callouses and you don't get them any more. However the downside is your feet look all F'ed up.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Sep 15 at 2014 9:35 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:35:23 -0400

get correct size boots

Then until blister heals wear two pair of socks

Response by SFC Benjamin Parsons made Nov 6 at 2014 11:53 AM

SFC Benjamin Parsons — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:53:36 -0500

Hate to do a commercial here.
In the early 80s I discovered Thorlo socks in the PX. Expensive, but drastically eased all my foot/boot problems. Very durable too.
To this day its the only brand in my sock drawer.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 10:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:47:34 -0500

What ive learned from doing 12 mile ruck marches is soaking them and wearing them is the best way to break in new boots. Also you could try wearing a pair of boot socks over a pair of dress socks too. But getting a pair that fits your foot is the biggest thing you can do to minimize the issue.