Breaking in new riding boots is never fun. The idea of owning pristine boots, all shiny and jet black (or brown if you so choose) is more romantic than the reality of how hard new riding boots are to squeeze onto your calf and zip all the way up. If you can successfully get your new riding boots on, then there’s the painful breaking in process. Blisters are generally the rule, not the exception!
I bought new riding boots on Small Business Saturday last November and did not wear them until March! I put off the painful task of breaking the boots in because, let’s face it–it’s not fun to ride in brand new boots.
It was convenient we had so much rain last winter: “Don’t want to get my new boots muddy,” but probably lingering in the back of my mind was the trauma and blister recall from behind my knees and ankles from riding days of yore.
(There are affiliate links in this post which means if you click through and purchase on Amazon, at no cost to you I will get a small commission. Thank you for your support!)
You MUST use these aids for breaking in boots with minimal pain. Photo Credit: Lady Photographic
Yet when I rode in my new boots the first time this time, it wasn’t too bad thanks to a few cheats.
Breaking in New Riding Boots Cheat #1
I have fellow blogger Carey over at Me Jump Pretty to thank for introducing me to the Equifit heel lifts. These are not lifts to make you look taller, they are meant to make your calf longer (kinda) so that you won’t experience that painful back-of-the-knee blister from the top of the tall boot leather breaking in right on your knee’s fold. You slip the heel lifts in and it’s like magic. The backs of your knees will be spared.
Breaking in New Riding Boots Cheat #2
The second cheat which is really a lifesaver are the Equifit Gel Bands. You slide them on over your foot and place them in a protective hug around your ankle bone. Then put on your socks and finally your boots. If your new boots rub in a funny spot as you’re breaking them in, you’ll won’t even be aware of it because of the buffer of this thick band. The gel bands are like armor for your ankle bones. (A teen at my barn said she always rides with them).
Breaking in New Riding Boots Cheat #3
The final cheat is not as impressive as the first two revolutionary products, but you can ride in your boots without zipping them all the way to the top. If you can pull the zippers high enough so they’re about 3/4 of the way or more, you’ll be good. The next ride you can pull them up higher and soon you’ll be able to not only get them zipped up, but also snapped a the top.
Comments are Cool! Tell me what tips you have for breaking in your new riding boots? Have you ever tried the lifts and ankle protectors?
Thanks for reading. I’d be flattered if you’d follow us (my horse Tiz A Knight, sometimes the dogs, and me). We’re on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest! You’re also invited to subscribe to our email list too and stay updated on horsey happenings! Just fill in your name and email addy below.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
7 Comments
Leave A Comment
Related Posts
I'm Susan and this is my horse Knight. We have been a blogging team since 2015 and we're glad you're here. Tally ho!
I don’t have these long fancy ones like you, but I do have a pair of Ariat short summer riding boots that have been sitting downstairs for more than a year. Every time I put them on I take them off again. I even travelled with them and didn’t use them – I will break them in this spring. Really. I will.
So are you not wearing them because of the dread of breaking them in? If so you NEED the ankle protectors. They work magic!
HEY LADY!!!!!:) My coworker asked me if you’ve heard of glove steamers for baseball gloves, and so you could try breaking in your new boots that way too? I wonder! Anywayz… I always love reading your posts!:) God Bless you! Luv ya
You know, I haven’t heard of glove steamers. What is this fine invention? I am so flattered you read my posts! Thank you. I want to do spin class with you. Move closer to me. 🙂 We should meet on the dance floor one of these weeks.
I recently broke in a new pair of field boots, and I have two secrets to share. One is alcohol: take a swig of gin before zipping them up. I’m kidding. But shoe stretch spray is really just alcohol, so you can swab or spray the inside of your boots where they are tight and that helps a ton. The other secret is Noble Outfitters Peddies socks. They were easier than the gel bands, which I also have, and protected my heel just fine.
I love those sock and bought some a few weeks ago. I forgot socks and was en route to my riding lesson. There is a tack shop on the way and I grabbed a pair (paid for them, obviously).
I break in others people’s riding boots for them. Both men’s and women’s. I’m in UK and I can wear size (UK) 6-9.