New Boots

Finally broke down last week and bought a new pair of work boots. My last pair wore out some time ago and I've been wearing my hiking boots to work. I've been wearing Red Wing boots, model 1132, for close to twenty years with a pair usually lasting two years, give or take a few months. Once broken in they feel like house slippers, but not so much when new!

I've heard people say to soak your boots and wear them til they're dry to break them in, but that just seems like asking for trouble walking around all day with wet feet. While this is just a temporary situation, it is still is painful for a week or so. Any tried and true methods for breaking in a pair of boots with less pain, or is that just part of the game?

It's part of the break in process. No easy pill to take on these. I just wear them is all I know.

There are boots that don't have a break in pierod and are comfy right out of the box. They are not redwing. GRIN!

Mark Jones

They're definitely getting better after wearing them for four days, but I've done a LOT of walking this week.

I always say that I'm going to get another pair to keep nice and wear on the weekends until my work pair wears out then cycle the weekend ones to work and buy another pair, but have never done it. Maybe now is the time to put that plan into motion.... That way I could do a slow easier break in instead of having to do it at work.

Mink Oil is the best softener & preservative that I know of.

Not the synthetic junk, real Mink Oil with Beef Tallow in it.

I was told by some guys who went to Ranger School that they were issued Mink Oil on the first day of the School to treat their boots, and those guys live for 9 weeks with their feet/boots in the harshest of conditions.

Neatsfoot Oil works well, too. But I find that it can "oversoften" your boots - sometimes almost makes them like soft suede. With Mink Oil, you still have the protection from snakes & thorns, but they are pliable & water resistant.

I found this posting that pretty-much confirms the above:

"The US Army used to have us do all of our exercise with boots on (now they use athletic shoes). In order to get the boots really soft, we would drench them in Neat's Foot oil, though some guys opted for mink oil. As an example, at Airborne school there was a Neat's Foot oil "bucket". This was a 55-gallon drum that had been cut down to about 12 inches. You would simply walk by the bucket and step in it with each foot. This would drench the boot. We did the same later at Ranger school, only this time the bucket was mink oil. The mink oil is a better waterproofing agent, though the Neat's Foot oil is sufficient. For Ranger school one does a lot of river crossing and swamp work, hence the extra waterproofing."

Thank you for the info! I'll look into getting some asap. I've heard of mink oil, but have never looked into it much or used it.

Any good sources for mink oil?

Recommendations from anyone on what brands and models or materials to look for in either a work boot or hiking boots?

RRCmdrBennett wrote:Any good sources for mink oil?

Recommendations from anyone on what brands and models or materials to look for in either a work boot or hiking boots?

I was just looking at Amazon for the mink oil and see that it comes in both a paste and liquid. I'm curious which is better. Also curious if there's any grades that are better than others.

As far as boots go themselves, I think that decision is as varied as there are people. Yes, my feet hurt this week, but once my Red Wings get broken in I love them. I also love a slip on for a work boot more than a tie shoe. I like being able to put them on and take them off quickly. I know this may sound funny, but when I'm good and relaxed in the recliner and decide I want my boots off, I like to just kick them off rather than sit up, untie, etc etc etc just to get the boot off...   I think with slip on boots, you either love them or hate them.

As far as hiking boots go, talk to Mark!   I bought the Vasque Sundowners because I wanted an all leather vintage hiking boot. They've done alright for me, but I haven't done any LONG distance hikes. A guy I work with, retired Marine, loves the Danner boots. Apparently there's multiple price point levels on the Danners and he swears that by investing in the upper level boots you won't be sorry.

The product that I have is Kiwi Camp-Dry Mink Oil.

It has the consistancy of lard, and comes in about a 5-ounce tub.