Breaking in Your Horse Riding Boots: 7 Rider-Tested Tips

Investing in a new pair of horse riding boots is always exciting. However, as riders with years of experience, we know this excitement can quickly be dampened by stiff ankles, sore feet, and those dreaded blisters.

That’s why learning how to break in your boots is crucial, or you may end up nursing sore feet and feeling like you’ve ridden a wild horse with no reins. To ensure you enjoy maximum comfort and the best possible riding experience, we’ve compiled our top seven tips to make breaking in your new riding boots as simple and painless as possible.

7 Top Tips for Breaking In New Riding Boots

There’s no denying that new leather and synthetic leather boots are stiff and unyielding, so the process of breaking your boots in will take dedication, time, and a generous dash of perseverance. But once you’ve completed it, you’ll have a comfortable and supportive pair of boots that last.

1. Wear Your Boots Around the House

It’s tempting to try out your new horse riding boots by going for a leisurely ride, but this is often a recipe for discomfort and unwanted blisters. Before you get into the saddle, wear your boots around the house for a few weeks to kickstart the break-in process. 

The gentle movement and friction of walking, paired with the warmth from your body, will gently soften the leather and mould it to your feet and legs.

Once your boots feel more comfortable, wear them for short rides of an hour or less each, or as long as you can without experiencing discomfort.

2. Cushion Your Feet and Ankles

While wearing boots around the house will considerably reduce your risk of blisters, tight new boots can still cause pressure and friction, even with limited wear.

Wear thick, long socks like LeMieux's SS24 Silicone Socks to prevent pain and blisters while breaking in your boots. We also recommend wrapping your ankles and calves in soft, elastic bandaging to protect them from pinching and friction.

3. Do Heel Lifts and Drops

The ankle parts of new boots can quickly cause blisters and chafing around your upper feet and ankles, and the tops of the shafts can irritate the delicate skin behind your knees.

Thankfully, once you have successfully worn them in, the shafts of your boots will drop by around 1 or 2 inches. You can speed up this process by performing heel drop and lift exercises while wearing them.

To do this, put on your new boots along with thick socks and stockings. Stand at the edge of a ledge or a stair, and position your heels just over the edge of the surface. Next, push upwards with the balls of your feet, and then drop your heels back into their starting position.

Do this as many times as is comfortable to simulate the position of your feet in the stirrups and help to soften the material of your boots around the ankles.

4. Use a Quality Leather Conditioner

If your new boots are made of genuine leather, a conditioner like Horsewise Elite Leather Conditioner can help relax the leather, making it more flexible and easier to stretch.

Apply the conditioner generously around the ankle area and the tops of your boot shafts. This will soften the leather significantly, making your footwear more comfortable and yielding to the shape of your feet and legs.

5. Invest in a Boot Stretcher

Boot stretchers are handy tools designed to stretch the insteps and shafts of your horse-riding boots. A quality stretcher will expand the top part of your boots’ shafts for a more yielding fit and stretch the insteps to reduce pressure on your feet and ankles.

Once you’ve invested in a boot stretcher, use a specialised shoe stretching spray on the inside parts of both boots. Insert the stretcher into your shoes and expand it according to your needs. Be sure to expand the stretcher slowly to avoid tearing your boots and damaging the device.

After around 8 hours, your boots should be roomier and more comfortable to wear. If they still feel tight, heat them gently with a hair dryer and repeat the process. Gentle heat will relax the leather, allowing it to stretch more effectively without harming its integrity.

6. Store Your Boots Using a Boot Tree

Once your riding boots have been broken in, it’s important to maintain their new shape for an optimal fit. Using boot trees can help you maintain the shape of your riding boots when you’re not wearing them.

Boot trees keep your boots’ shafts upright in an ideal position, helping to prevent creasing and shrinking. They can also extend the lifespan of your horse riding footwear by allowing your boots to dry out fully after each use.

7. Keep Your Boots in Excellent Condition

Once you’ve completed the task of breaking in your new boots, caring for them properly is the key to ensuring they last as long as possible. The longer they last, the longer you can enjoy their comfort before having to replace them and start the break-in process again.

After each use, clean your boots thoroughly with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser like Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Allow them to dry completely before storing them using a boot tree. Nourish your boots with a rich leather conditioner like Ariat Leather Cream Polish on a regular basis, paying particular attention to the ankle area and the tops of the shafts. You may also use a specialised shoe polish to preserve the colour and durability of your boots.

Enjoy a Personalised Fit Every Time

Every horse rider knows about the challenges of breaking in a new pair of boots. While this process is universally uncomfortable, using smart tips and strategies can help to reduce its duration, leaving your boots feeling like they were made just for you in no time.

Aside from breaking in and caring for your boots, investing in high-quality, durable footwear is essential for your comfort and confidence in the saddle. Explore our range of premium horse riding boots at Ayr Equestrian to find the perfect pair for all your favourite riding activities.