Breaking In Waterproof Boots Before The Trail

New boots on a long trail is a recipe for a short trip. The leather and membrane need time to flex before they flex with your foot.Breaking in is not just softening leather. It is teaching the boot where your foot bends and where the heel lifts so the material gives in the right places.Wear them around the house for a week before any real hike.Take three short walks of increasing distance, then one longer one.Stop at the first hot spot. A blister today becomes an open wound tomorrow.Use thicker socks during the break in so the fit loosens slightly.I treat the first week as part of the purchase. Rushing it saves a day now and costs three days limping later.

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