Breaking In New Riding Boots the Easy Way

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.

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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?

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