Cowboy Boots Hurt My Feet! (What To Do & How to Break Them In)

No one likes foot or knee pain especially from a pair of cowboy boots. Whether you have a new pair you're breaking in or an old trusty pair there are some tips and tricks you can use to make your feet more comfortable for long days in the saddle or longer nights on the dance floor.

How to Break in Cowboy Boots

A brand new pair of cowboy boots will require some time to break in. The leather would be stiff and yet to conform to the shape of your foot. When you get a new pair of cowboy boots, you can streamline the break in period, by wearing them in small increments first before spending all day in them. Soon enough, your boots will feel much better on your feet!

Consider Insoles with your Cowboy Boots

Many people have foot issues where the normal insole on a cowboy boot won't provide adequate support for their needs. If you have high/low arches or another foot condition you may want to consult with your podiatrist during the break in period on a proper orthotics insole that you can wear with your cowboy boots.

Likewise, you may have an older pair of boots wear the insole may have worn through or lost its cushioning. You can get replacement cushioning insoles from manufacturers like Dr. Scholl's or Powerstep.

Stretch Out Your Cowboy Boots

If you feel your cowboy boots are too tight or restrictive during the break in period, you may need to stretch them out first. There are a few different methods we'll go over. If you think you only need them stretched a tiny bit, try wearing two pairs of socks for a while. This might be uncomfortable at first but doing this may stretch out your boot the right amount you need. If you feel you need more of a stretch, we suggest using a shoe stretcher specifically designed for western boots such as FootFitters's Cowboy Boot Stretcher. 

Get Better Socks

You might be wearing the wrong type of socks with your cowboy boots. If you're wearing some low cut gym socks you're doing it wrong. The best type of socks to wear with cowboy boots are over the calf socks as they help prevent the shaft from chaffing your leg. We really love Merino wool socks as they keep you warm in the winter or cool in the summer. Some of our favorites are Darn Tough and Smartwool.

Get Your Old Boots Resoled

You might have put some major miles on your trusty pair of cowboy boots. Over time, a boot's sole would wear based on the type of terrain you walk in and your stride. If you see holes in your sole, uneven wear, or thinning of the leather you may consider seeing a cobbler to get your boots resoled.

To learn more about what to do when your cowboy boots hurt your feet, or to stay caught up an all country boot trends, subscribe to our boot blog!