Best way to break-in new riding boots

[catkin]

Been a long time since I had a new pair of long riding boots but now I have and I need to break them in

Any hints and tips?
I've heard of heel lifts for example but not knowingly seen them or used them.

The boots are pull-ons.

Thankies

 

[teapot]

Wear them around the house. If you can't, heat the leather up, then stuff with newspaper or boot trees that widen.

 

[Four Seasons]

I've always used the stairs, walking up and down multiple times. Also good exercise...

I've heard that standing in a bath with warm water supples them a lot, but that can't be any good for the leather

 

[oldie48]

If they are cutting you behind the knee and need to drop a bit, heel lifts are great, you could make your own out of some gamgee. I also like to wear mine whilst I'm sitting at my lap top working.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I have used heel lifts and it really does stop the agonising cuts you get behind the knee and once they drop you can do away with them, I find wearing them indoors and riding in them a few times a week can help soften them and gives you a chance to get used to them.

 

[cobgoblin]

If they are tight to pull on try wearing tights or pop socks....nice and slippy for pulling on and off.

 

[fuzzymooch]

Are they leather? If so flexilan. Works great on new boots as well as bridles saddle etc.

 

[MyBoyChe]

I wear mine to work! They are smart boots though and I do work in an office where semi casual is fine, so leggings, boots, and a long jumper or top is perfectly acceptable.

 

[milliepops]

heel lifts are great, you can get them in different heights - have a look on ebay. When I get new boots they are really much too tall to begin with so i get giant lifts and then smaller ones as they start to drop.

And then just wear them as much as you can