Mine didn't need any breaking in - they were instantly soft and comfy. 'Hours to get the zip up'?? Sound a bit snug! Don't know what else to suggest really.
I wore them for my lesson yesterday and they were very comfy!
My mum said they looked lovely on too
I wore them around the house and now the zip goes up absolutely fine I put a bit of padding at the back of my ankle to stop zip rubbing!
The fit completely snug everywhere and I have never ever had a boot that fits my ankle so it's great!
The Leather is very soft too !
What do you clean them with? I caught the fence and they have a "rub" Mark mum said it just needs polished?