Not technically tools...Red Wing work boots question...

[pault28]

Hello all,
I've gotten tired of buying cheap shoes or boots and then wondering why they don't last. I decided it was time to buy a quality set that will last years. I splurged and went to a red wing shoes store, got measured up, and ordered a pair of Heritage Series 1907 boots. These are their cream of the crop, top quality leather, handmade in the USA, etc boots. I bought them and they are just tearing my heel up. The heel cup is pretty stiff and just rubbing the back of my heel raw. I didn't wear them for a while to let the blisters heel. I'd like to properly break them in. Anyone have any tips? Is there a special procedure for breaking in or softening up all-leather boots. I don't doubt for a second the quality or the fact that after they're broken in, they'll be a dream to wear, but until then they'll take some getting used to.

 

[Burgerkong]

Too late now, but I went for the cheaper, but just as well built Thorogood moc toes. Regarding break in, try waxing it with Sno-Seal or Obenauf's, it will soften up the leather some, but ultimately you have to walk in them.

 

[BajaBound]

I would order a tub of obenauf's lp and work it in really well. That will not only protect the leather but will help it break in. But the break in should be done in small doses and never try to break in boots with current issues like blisters pinching etc. If you wear them at work bring another pair with you and wear them til they bother you then take them off and put on the old standbys and repeat.

 

[pault28]

If the inner layer of the heel cup is stiff, can I oil tht inside? Obviously the inside is the rougher suede-like side. That part is super stiff.

 

[Burgerkong]

If the inner layer of the heel cup is stiff, can I oil tht inside? Obviously the inside is the rougher suede-like side. That part is super stiff.

It should penetrate to the inside. Have you tried thicker socks?

 

[mech-tech]

Mink oil. I have also used saddle soap. Just any leather oil to soften them, then walk around in them to break them in.

 

[Burgerkong]

Milk oil. I have also used saddle soap. Just any leather oil to soften them, then walk around in them to break them in.

Mink oil I believe, or did you mean butter?

 

[neophyte]

If the boots are tearing your heal up there may be a problem with simply breaking the boots in.

I usually like my boots to fit like a glove. The best way I've found to do this, is to buy boots that are slightly tight in a couple areas. I then soak them with a product called shoe stretch, put on a good pair of wool socks and take a long walk. I do this every other day for a week or so. I'm not sure of the manufacturer of the shoe stretch, but it usually comes in a small red plastic bottle and most shoe repair places seem to have it.

The problem I've run across with some shoes and boots, is that some manufacturers use a synthetic material to reinforce the heels and/or toes of the footwear. The synthetic materials don't soften or stretch. With one pair of Frye boots I had a shoe repair shop remove the synthetic material in the heel, which allowed the boots to stretch to my feet.

With a pair of high end Redwing boots I'd recommend trying the shoe stretch first. After using the shoe stretch you'll probably want to saddle soap and polish the boots.

 

[mech-tech]

As long as he don't try gear oil, it helped but man they stunk!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rick carpenter]

I had some ~6" Justins that just killed me til the upper broke in by itself. Have you tried contacting them?

 

[Provincial]

I agree with breaking in Red Wings a little at a time. I try to limit working in new boots to two hours at a time at the start. As they get more comfortable, I wear them longer each time. It takes a while before you can work in them all day, but they are worth the wait!

Did you know that Red Wing will rebuild your boots for a fair price? I haven't done that yet but am sending my last pair in when the ones I just bought get broken in. If you keep the leather of the uppers in good shape, they can be rebuilt several times. Just don't wear them out too far.

I wear my heels and soles at an angle, and the rest of the boot is still in good shape when I can't wear them comfortably any longer because my feet are at an angle.

 

[CWP1616L]

The heel cup is pretty stiff and just rubbing the back of my heel raw. I didn't wear them for a while to let the blisters heel.

Put a BandAid on the wear spot. Get you some wool socks.

 

[sdguy55]

When it comes to new boots I keep it simple. I have never had a pair of boots I couldn't tough out working in them for a couple of days to get them broke in. I actually just bought a brand new pair of keens yesterday so I know EXACTLY what your going through. Bought them at noon worked till 6 in them. Came home and spread on a thick coating of mink oil and put them on the boot warmer. Now today when I go to work I know they will be 50% broke in after that its just time.

Not to hi-jack, as you might find this informational as well but has anyone ever used obenaufs HD boot oil?

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hello all,
I've gotten tired of buying cheap shoes or boots and then wondering why they don't last. I decided it was time to buy a quality set that will last years. I splurged and went to a red wing shoes store, got measured up, and ordered a pair of Heritage Series 1907 boots. These are their cream of the crop, top quality leather, handmade in the USA, etc boots. I bought them and they are just tearing my heel up. The heel cup is pretty stiff and just rubbing the back of my heel raw. I didn't wear them for a while to let the blisters heel. I'd like to properly break them in. Anyone have any tips? Is there a special procedure for breaking in or softening up all-leather boots. I don't doubt for a second the quality or the fact that after they're broken in, they'll be a dream to wear, but until then they'll take some getting used to.

You mean your achilles? I've only had this problem once with jungle boots (for whatever reason), I just cut up some plastic (coke bottle as I recall) and slid it in my sock. Won't work for you but you can at least get ideas of how to do it. Essentially, you want to decrease the friction between the boot and your skin with a material that doesn't cause blisters itself.

Lots of home-made stuff you can use but there is a variance in how much you have to work it and or alter it and or affix it (so it doesn't slide around too much). Aluminum can would work well but you have to sand the edges. I would try the plastic from a 2 liter bottle first, maybe you can just wear 2 socks to secure it.

 

[mrborohachi]

Just wanted to chime in that I love Wolverine Dura Shocks. I also have a pair of Golden Retriever that are of the hiking "Whites/Georgia" style and they have been great also. The store i bought the Golden Retrievers from let me know that the company had a 30 day exchange policy for stitches that came undone, one of my boots had done so and they warrantied the pair for me.

 

[jmm]

If the boot doesn't feel right the moment you first put it on, there's something wrong. Which is why I hate buying shoes online. It's convenient, but can be a serious pain.

I have Thorogoods. Cheaper, just as nice, just as conscience-satisfyingly USA made as Red Wings (which I used to wear). A guy on GJ tipped me to them.

Anyhow, to the OP's question. I use two things on my boots: mink oil and saddle dressing. Only use saddle dressing when your boots are dirty, and only clean your boots when dry. Same as you would a saddle. The mink oil is key at break-in and longevity. When breaking them in, give the boots a thick coat of it, and really work it into the leather. Then wear the boots out. It'll take a while, so be ready for it. After about a week at work, with plenty of mink oil, mine are usually pretty well broken in.

A tip: Heritage series aren't the best work boots. I have a pair. They're sharp as hell, but I wouldn't think about wearing them in to work.

 

[TiredDude]

If the boot doesn't feel right the moment you first put it on, there's something wrong.

Agree with this 100%.

 

[McFarmer]

I have also worn Thorogoods for the last few years, and I agree a good pair of boots should feel good right out of the box.

One of the best things I did was buy two pair, wear one pair for a while and then switch and oil up the first pair. Of course I wear them 7 days a week in some pretty tough conditions. I just bought new footbeds for both pair, made new feeling boots out of them. Thorogood will sell you the originals, USA made.

 

[pault28]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Let me clarify...the boots are very comfortable just standing in them. It's just when I walk that they rub my heel raw. I'm sure the ridge on the heel cup just has to soften up some. I'll try the mink oil first. I did where thick socks, with some liner socks underneath as well. I know the heritage series is not technically workbooks, but my job requires a lot of standing and walking.

 

[TwoXfour]

Soak them in the bathtub over night and then wear em wet the next day

 

[flht1997]

My Redwing 8618's were a very painful break-in. Took about a month before I could wear them all day. That was about three years ago, and I tend to get about six years out of a pair. I just slowly break in the new pair before I switch over.

 

[CWP1616L]

Get the Wigwam Comfort Hiker

You don't need liner socks with these:

 

[chris142]

I'm not impressed with my redwings. 6 months old and the insides are shredded and the outside stitching are pulling out. Made in China junk like the cheaper boots

 

[Mustang1167]

Wear some thicker winter socks for a few hour a day breaking them in. Also try some conditioners like others have said. I always buy their loggers which the leather is pretty well broken in to began with. But for my hunting boots I wear thicker socks until the fell more comfortable

 

[WWIIjeep]

I'm not impressed with my redwings. 6 months old and the insides are shredded and the outside stitching are pulling out. Made in China junk like the cheaper boots

That's what bothered me the last time I took a look around the local Red Wing store. My favorite Red Wing Wellington-style steel toe boots now sport a "Made in China" mark. Fortunately, my old (and very comfortable) US-made pair can be resoled another time or two.

It's nice to hear that they have at least one style still made in the USA.

To the OP: I'd suggest telling your Red Wing dealer about the problem. Mine was very good about helping me get my last pair broken in, including stretching the right one slightly.

 

[DieselSaves]

I've never had an issue with the Red Wings I've owned. I always went flat soled and moc toed. I can get about a year out of the soles, re-sole them locally, and get another year from them.
I have had a bear of a time with Chipewa boots. They usually take about three days to soften up for me. The boot salesman told me to mix rubbing alcohol and water half and half and spray the tightest spots on the boots to saturation and wear them dry. Has worked really well for me. Also anticipating needing boots and buying the next pair before the last one wears out works well. Wear the new pair til noon then switch to the old pair, repeat for a few days and you're good to go.

 

[Davefr]

I'd take them back while you can.

Don't they come with a 30 day comfort guarantee.

IMHO break in won't help a bad fit that much.

 

[jerryW]

I've given up on Redwings after wearing out the last 2 pairs in about a year. This wearing them in a rotation over 2 pairs every other day.

Found some USA made Chippewa's for less money, more comfortable better wearing so far. Had no problem with any break in period, comfy from the start. Wouldn't go back to Redwings on a bet. Ymmv.

Wearing a size 14 it can be a challenge to find anything in stock most places.



jerry

 

[fury9]

Too late now, but I went for the cheaper, but just as well built Thorogood moc toes. Regarding break in, try waxing it with Sno-Seal or Obenauf's, it will soften up the leather some, but ultimately you have to walk in them.

Damn good boots, can wear them all day right out of the box, I'm on my 5th pair

 

[pault28]

I'm not impressed with my redwings. 6 months old and the insides are shredded and the outside stitching are pulling out. Made in China junk like the cheaper boots

Not sure if you fully read my post but I bought their top shelf made in the USA heritage series...far from china junk. Let's not turn this into yet another COO debate. I posted about how to properly break in all-leather boots, not a china USA flame war. Come on!

 

[chrisa7164]

I've had one pair of Redwings since 1997. Had them resoled last year. Just keep changing out the foot bed. Try putting a little patch of moleskin over the spot that's rough.

 

[cassidy]

I always wear Redwings, they are the most terrible boot to break in but once they are all broken in, they last for a very long time and are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.

 

[Canoe50]

As mentioned already, I think your best bet is to contact the dealer and/or Red Wing directly. That's what I'd do.

 

[pault28]

As mentioned already, I think your best bet is to contact the dealer and/or Red Wing directly. That's what I'd do.

I took them back and they said it was normal and they just had to be worn and broken in. I was just trying to find out if there were tricks to breaking them in. Thanks everyone.

 

[Ign]

I agree if they bother you this much now break-in may not help much.

I only work in Thorlo Trekking socks (these are the thickest Thorlo offers). If I don't have a good boot AND a good sock, my back will make me pay!! I also use an aggresive orthotic insert; you're supposed to heat it to make it fit your foot but I leave it stock and it works. I heated one pair and quickly realized I was just heating the orthotic to fit my f'd up foot, makes no sense if it's your feet causing your back pain (as is my case).

 

[sdguy55]

Another thing I forgot to mention as something else I do. Put a heavy coating of mink oil on right away in the morning and then cinch your boots up TIGHT and then at noon loosen them up a little. This might be what your problem is. Your allowing to much from for your foot to move around. I know you said that you think the back part of the boot isn't broken in yet but how's it suppose to break in if your heel is sliding on it instead of forcing it to bend? Its gonna **** but I really think it would be worth your while

 

[Canoe50]

I took them back and they said it was normal and they just had to be worn and broken in. I was just trying to find out if there were tricks to breaking them in. Thanks everyone.

It's normal to have your heels rubbed raw to the point you have to let the blisters heal before you can wear the boots again?? Nonsense. If that's what Red Wing calls normal, I'd look for another brand.