There’s something satisfying about slipping on a new pair of work boots. They’re clean, look great, and you can’t wait to get to work to show them off.

The problem is, by the time you’ve got to work, you’re limping like a sad crab because you feel like your boots are trying to rub your toes off. The dreaded breaking-in period has begun.

You’re in for weeks of whimpering and aching, going through band-aids like they’re chewing gum. 

Or you were before you read this guide. 

I’m here to show you how to quickly break in your work boots without damaging them or your feet.

#1 Wear Them Around the House

Wearing your boots in the comfort of your home has many advantages. 

You can take them off as soon as they start to feel uncomfortable, and if you’ve got the wrong size, you’ll not mark them, so you’ll be able to get a refund or swap for the correct size.

#2 Pad Out With Thick Socks

Wearing the right socks with your work boots makes all the difference, especially when you’re breaking them in. The more padding between your feet and the stiff leather, the better.

Wearing thick work socks has several benefits, your feet are more comfortable, and the extra padding will passively push against your boots, stretching them out. It’s a win all around, but finding the right socks is essential.

If you’ve tried wearing two pairs of socks to break in boots, you’ll know your feet quickly overheat and feel uncomfortable. You’re after a sock that’s durable and thick but also breathable.

The Camel City Mill Heavyweight Boot Sock fits the bill perfectly. It’s thick enough to stretch your boots, thermoregulated to stop your feet from overheating or freezing, and perfect for work boots. 

We all know that work boots eat socks for breakfast. Many socks aren’t durable enough to last long in a work environment, but the Camel City Mill sock is built to last thanks to its high-density merino wool.

#3 Try Boot Stretching Spray

If you’re in a rush to get your boots on, then a boot stretching spray will help by softening and stretching the leather upper.

This option works well when combined with a boot stretcher, but you can easily spray your boots and wear them around the home.

As well as combining well with hack 8 (using a boot stretcher), you can also combine using a boot stretching spray with hack five by bending your boots to speed up the breaking-in process.

#4 Conditioning to Soften the Leather

If you wear leather boots often, either for work or as dress boots, you’ll know that they look better with a little TLC. If you already look after your existing boots, you may already have some Mink Oil.

Maintaining the leather by using a conditioner keeps your boots healthy, hydrated, and, more importantly for this hack, flexible.

Your new boots already look fresh, so you’re not using Mink oil to smarten them up. You’re going to use it to soften them up. 

Another thing to be aware of is that mink oil can alter the color of your boots, so it’s not always the best choice if you’ve bought light-colored boots. If you don’t mind the leather looking darker because they’re work boots, it’s time to apply the oil.

#5 Bend and Flex Your Boots

Because the outsole and thick leather upper on a new pair of work boots are invariably stiff, putting some muscle power in is a great idea to help the breaking-in process.

You’ll not be able to damage your new boots by bending them. You're in the wrong business if you’re strong enough to tear a new pair of leather boots in half. Once your boots are flexible, they’ll break in a lot easier.

Oh, and don’t try this while you’re wearing your boots.

#6 Change the Lacing Combination

If you notice that the top of your foot seems to be the biggest issue when breaking boots in, it may be the lacing that’s too tight or in the wrong place.

It could be as simple as missing out on an eyelet or trying a new combination. 

I use the Army method of tying my boots, not because I was in the Army, but because I find it the most comfortable way to lace them. 

I recommend you check out the army method shown in the above video, as it’s a lot easier to follow along by watching the Army method and lacing your boots up at the same time.

#7 Force the Leather to Stretch

There’s nothing wrong with using a bit of brute force now and then, and a straightforward method for breaking in your boots is to force out the shape of your boot from the inside. 

I’ve used this method a few times, and while it’s not my favorite option, it does work. I use a hammer with a wooden handle to get the job done. You’re only interested in the handle, not the hammer, so anything wooden and sturdy will do, such as a wooden stirring spoon.

Wear your boots around the house for a few days, and once you identify the area that needs loosening, it’s time to grab that spoon.

#8 Invest in a Boot Stretcher 

One of the most consistent and easiest ways to break in your boots is to use a boot stretcher.

Unlike forcing your boots to stretch using a wooden handle, a boot stretcher will stretch your boot out more quickly and uniformly. It’s also a great hack to combine with mink or boot stretching oil.

#9 Visit a Cobbler

Taking your boots to a professional is a last resort. If you’ve been breaking your boots in for over a month and they still feel painful, there’s a chance they’re the wrong fit.

If you know the size is right and you’ve tried the hacks above, you’ll have to take them to a cobbler. Explain exactly where the boots rub your feet or feel uncomfortable so the cobbler can fix the problem.

A cobbler will use their own version of a boot stretcher, which will be much more powerful than a hand-cranked boot stretcher and should be able to make your boots fit perfectly.

Breaking in Beats Breaking Down Every Time

Breaking in work boots is all about time and patience and having a few tricks up your sleeve. If you’re willing to take those extra days to break in your boots gently, you’re in for a much happier time.

I’ll always prefer wearing thick socks like the Camel City Mill Heavyweight Boot Sock and just breaking my boots in over several weeks. It takes patience, but the fit is always better as the boots slowly contour to my feet.