softening new leather boots

[dmc]

It's that time of year again and my boots have died. Seems to be pretty much a two year life and again I've replaced them with an identical pair (like I've done for the last 6 years :)).

This means I have the same couple of months of them not actually being all that comfortable...in particular, the very stiff leather on the back of them rubs my heel somewhat. I know that after a couple of months this will be fine and they will be as comfy as the old ones but for now I'm wondering if there is anything easily obtainable that could accelerate the softening?

I've got access to a steam cleaner - was pondering a go with that. Any other ideas? Or do I just have to put up with it and let them bed in like normal :)

Please, no suggestions of other brands of boots (These are Cats) - I've tried plenty of the years and these are the best in terms of life, comfort and price (once the painful first couple of months is over :)). Anyway, I've bought them now so I'm not planning on shoe shopping for another

24 months ;-)

Darren

[Rod]

You taking the piss? And putting it into your new boots?

(I have never done this, have no idea of the consequences and but have read/heard about it since I was a kid. Just found that link by quick google - I'd suspect there are thousands more 'out there'.)

[Cerberus .]

That was an old service tip years ago & it worked. At one time during the tanning process hides were soaked in urine as part of the curing and softening process.

As for a new pair of boots nowadays...I'd use saddle-soap.

Don.

[Cicero]

========================================== Put your boots on with a comfortably fitting pair of socks. Get a large bowl of hot water and put your feet (with boots on) into the hot water and allow to soak for several minutes until you feel the leather becoming wet and pliable. Now go for a gentle walk wearing your wet boots and when they begin to feel comfortable return home and fill boots with newspaper. When dry polish with ordinary polish or saddle soap.

Cic.

[The Natural Philosopher]

well I always go to a specialist leather shop[ and buy what is comforatable, and go back to get them stretched if they don't feel right. They last about 12 years with resoling/heeling.

You are obviously buying a cheap commercial product that doesn't last and is ill fitting to start with.

Go up market. It cost less in the long run.

[Rod]

Well they (young lads, I have read) also collected 'pure' (i.e. dog shit) from the streets for the tanneries. It is odd to think that for centuries commercial interests kept the streets clear of that particular dirt. And now... :-)

[Mike Barnes]

You don't say what sort of boots they are, but for hiking boots I find that giving the heel a few hard blows with a hammer (or a lump of rock) works well. And they last rather longer than two years.

[dmc]

I've certainly heard this before - but I'm not sure people at work would appreciate the smell in the office :)

Hmm...Is that easy to find? I can't say I've ever noticed it (not that I've ever looked...)

Cheers,

Darren

[dmc]

12 years?? I wear these pretty much every day (weddings and funerals excepted

- and I don't go to many of those :)) and they get a bit of a hard life at work.

I wouldn't say all that cheap - I've certainly paid a lot more in the past at a proper leather shoe shop and they certainly didn't last any better. Certainly not as good value for money.

I couldn't find anything anywhere near as good as the cats for less than a couple of hundred quid - and I really can't justify that.

Darren - off to attack the back with a hammer :)

[dmc]

Similar to

boots - just need a bit of work for the first month or so :)

Darren

[Cicero]

========================================== Most bicycle shops will sell it (saddle soap or similar) for leather saddles.

Cic.

[Cerberus .]

Originally used in equestrian circles for cleaning saddles & tack to keep them supple. It can be bought online, decent shoe shops & those types of shops for "horsey" people's bits 'n' bobs :-)

Don.

[nightjar]

Leather softener, available from any cobbler.

Colin Bignell

[newshound]

Dubbin. Multiple treatments.

[The Natural Philosopher]

AS I do mine, largely.

I think you might find waht you need at around £130.

>

[gb]

Check out this thread:

Beale

[Richard Perkin]

Cicero wrote in news: [e-mail]:

Agreed. This is what I have done since a young lad with all walking boots. Works well.

And for waterproofing I now use Thompson's Water Seal on leather boots and also (and perhaps more importantly) on the new-fangled fabric/suede type of boots. Works really well, but does have the side effect of darkening the material. [If you read the small print on the can it does say it's suitable for this]

Hope this helps

[John Rumm]

Another traditional treatment was a liberal application of neat's foot oil or caster oil.

[Graz]

It's an old Army trick.

[Rick Hughes]

Had many a pair of Army boots, and found best way was to paint the inside with liquid Nikwax .... (any camping shop should stock it) it really softens up leather, while improving waterproofing. If you get boots and Nikwax warm (put in airing cupboard overnight) it soaks in like a sponge ... great job.