Quick way to wear in a pair of hiking shoes without destroying your feet?

[Locut0s]

Just got a nice pair of hiking shoes / boots, black leather. Local shoe store had a nice sale these were regularly $180 on for $80 Size is perfect and walking in them feels great, at least they should once they are worn in. I took out the insoles and put in the orthotics I wear which raises my feet in them a bit too much. They are still comfortable but because of the orthotics they are harder to wear in, more chafing against my feet. I went on a 14km walk with them the other day which gave me some blisters. I'm used to getting some blisters in new shoes but these ones are going to destroy my feet before they soften enough to wear comfortably for long walks.

Any ideas on how I can more quickly wear these in without rubbing all the skin off my feet?

[HarveyDarkey]

1. Use a good leather conditioner & use it generously

I like Neatsfoot Oil, although there are other good ones: https://www.google.com/shopping/product/10043051849832579942?q=neatsfoot+oil&safe=off&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.50500085,d.aWc,pv.xjs.s.en_US.ciY8R2R6XC8.O&biw=1440&bih=676&tch=1&ech=1&psi=es8JUtuWF4GiyAGLjIDIDA.1376374650855.5&sa=X&ei=iM8JUqqgBdOoqwH_qIHAAQ&ved=0CFoQ8wIwAA

[Locut0s]

9. Thanks, I'll look into that. nt.

[olddots]

2. you can try shoe oil or baby oil

just a little bit on the areas that aren't flexing.

[Locut0s]

10. Thanks dots...

HarveyDarkey basically suggested that too. It seems that it's flexing in one sharp corner when what I would rather it do is bend more subtly.

[Arctic Dave]

3. Moleskin works well for blisters.

http://m.

&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DzpUKcRnQaqA

[Locut0s]

11. Thanks, though I'm not too worried about the blisters themselves...

This seems more like a bruised spot anyway. And the blisters aren't a big deal.

[mulsh]

4. The next time you buy hiking boots or any shoes bring the orthotics along to insert and try before

you buy that way you'll buy shoes that actually fit from the start.

" Shoes should never require a break in period, if they do you have purchased the wrong size" said my grandfather the shoe store owner.

As far as painlessly breaking these shoes in try wearing them around the house and neighborhood for a few weeks before your next long walk. That will help make the leather and soles a bit more flexible.

[Locut0s]

12. Yeah I actually did bring the orthotics...

What I neglected to do was walk in the shoes sufficiently to try them out. I walked around a tinny bit and they felt comfortable enough that I just said, ok I'll take them. I didn't realize that the VERY tinny bit of discomfort would be a bigger deal later. I don't buy shoes that often.

I suppose your grandfather is right but truthfully I've never owned a pair of shoes in my life that didn't need at least a little breaking in. Maybe that's cause I've never had a pair that perfectly fit from the beginning

[LiberalEsto]

5. Try wearing a pair or two of heavy socks when shopping for shoes or boots

Then walk around the house wearing them with extra socks to break them in a little and let your feet get used to them. Also bring the orthotics when shopping.

[Locut0s]

13. Indeed I'm going to use them for shorter walks till they are broken in more. :P nt.

[Xyzse]

6. I don't know about this but someone told me to

Wear the new footwear and go in to the shower with them. Once it dries, it is broken in.

[Locut0s]

14. Umm, I'm not going to do that to these guys just yet ;)...

It might work, or it might ruin them I don't know. I was actually told by the lady at the store to try a hair dryer on them while wearing them.

[Xyzse]

21. I don't do it either, just saying, that is what she used to do

She was from the military, and she mentioned doing that.

I tend to just break them in naturally.

[In_The_Wind]

7. Walk around the house wearing the shoes over plastic bags over comfy socks.

The shoes will shape to your feet.

[Locut0s]

15. Interesting idea, thanks...

Didn't think of that.

[graywarrior]

8. Duct tape your blister area before you walk/hike.

No shit, I kid you not. That's what the thru hikers do on the App. Mtn Trail

I'm the duct tape expert, you know.

[Locut0s]

16. Hmm I'll have to try that out. :D nt.

[Wounded Bear]

17. You might try this....

If you use socks with thick pile on the soles, try wearing two pair. Wear one normally, and turn the second inside out, so that the pile is to the sole of the shoe and the smooth side is toward the first sock.

That's what we did in boot camp.

[handmade34]

18. body glide

and short walks to start...

[surrealAmerican]

19. What kind of socks do you wear with them?

A thin liner sock under a thicker wool sock can help a lot.

[RobinA]

20. A Good Pair

of hiking socks. The $15+ a pair kind, not cheapsters. I discovered these this summer. Everybody is getting a pair for Christmas, because most people think $15 socks are ridiculous. I did too, until I bought a pair on sale. Best thing ever.