Hunting boots? New or can the old ones be madesofter?

[Abacus]

After a very uncomfortable day draghunting yesterday in my old Ariat boots (leather pull on, not exactly hunt correct but near enough) I am trying to work out whether I can soften them. They have deep creases around the ankle and the leather is quite hard, is there anything I can rub on to soften them? The were second hand and have always been like this, and I think they have someone else's creases which don't quite suit me!

And if I can't do anything about it... does anyone know of a good new boot that would be suitable enough for hunting, warm and soft, and not tooooo expensve as I already have at least 4 pairs of long boots...

 

[Pinkvboots]

I had a cavallo pull on pair that were the ridgid type looked lovely but my god they were uncomfortable I flogged them on ebay.

I would just buy some zip up field boots the leather is much softer and you can pick up some fairly cheap ones.

That sort of hard thick leather only really softens with wear I find and your poor suffer.

 

[ycbm]

I would try either Stübben or Effax saddle cream on them, I find both soften leather extremely well.
.

 

[L&M]

I use neatsfoot oil on my regent hunting boots, not a great shine but after a few dressings, the leather is lovely and soft. Maybe worth a go?

 

[Abacus]

Thank you! I will try one last time to get them soft but am erring towards just wearing my other black boots (field boots, not at all correct) in the interests of comfort!

 

[spacefaer]

If you can bear to persevere with the boots, I'd recommend it

The reason traditional hunting boots were made of stiffer/thicker leather was to protect your legs against thorns, branches and random gate posts! They also give protection in the (hopefully unlikely) event of you being kicked. They're also much warmer than modern, thin competition boots.
I buy my hunting boots a size too big so that I can fit thick socks and long johns in them

 

[Barton Bounty]

Id use coconut oil, lather it on and leave them overnight and then use a leather product