Tips for extending life of my Boots

Submitted by InncnceDstryr t3_ycermy in BuyItForLife

I don’t know if these boots are strictly BIFL, they certainly have been for me so far. I have had them for 7 years and aside from needing a little bit of love, they’re still in great condition.

Problem is, I’m a big dude. But I used to be a bigger dude. My feet are now a full size smaller than they were when I got my boots and now they’re just a little bit too big.

Does anyone have any specific tips for me to decrease the size so I can keep my boots? I’d really rather keep them and not need to shell out for a new pair.

I know there are little foamy pads you can slide in the toe space, I’ve done that in other shoes but my toes squished them.

Any tips would be hugely appreciated.

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Comments

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mal-sor t1_itlpoq6 wrote

Put some insoles they help a lot,also clean and condition them.

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kaspar_gutman t1_itlqxwq wrote

This. I use some probably overpriced but good ones called superfeet.

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Arcade80sbillsfan t1_itrkud6 wrote

Love superfeet. Worked in warehouse setting and they last forever (most insoles feel good for a bit and fade hard). These held up. Still have my original pair in a pair of boots for mowing.

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Arcade80sbillsfan t1_itrknlv wrote

This and thicker socks and you'll be set....at worst a liner (like thermal liner would shrink about a whole size if you added one)

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wrongwayjay t1_itlqbz7 wrote

Regular applications of Dubin or Mink Oil.

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Jccckkk t1_itmgz9a wrote

I suggest Obenuaf’s LP. For leather care.

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skonevt t1_itm512g wrote

I second mink oil. Some say too much of it degrades the leather but I've never had a problem even over many years. Clean them off first, of course. I occasionally clean them with saddle soap before an oil job.

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C_A_N_G t1_itoxvuz wrote

”Mink oil - Reddit’s favorite ointment”

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x1xc t1_itltlt5 wrote

Clean, condition and wax.

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Lemonyhampeapasta t1_itlu9vz wrote

Sheepskin or felted wool insole aka shoe inserts. Trim to fit.

Remove insoles after wearing to promote drying inside boots

Extra thick socks.

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AnUnusedMoniker t1_itm48za wrote

I replace mine every 4-5 years of daily wear by doing the following:

1.Get two pairs and a boot dryer. Rot kills boots faster than wear.

  1. Saddle soap or whatever leather treatment you like when they get rough looking.

  2. Get new insoles when they wear out.

  3. If you work in industry, get oil resistant soles.

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F-21 t1_itrn0q1 wrote

Isn't saddle soap a bit extreme for boot leather to be applied regularly?

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AnUnusedMoniker t1_itrpjel wrote

I probably do it twice a year.

Big thing is to do something. Lots of people treat boots like garbage and then complain about their feet being sore and wet.

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Light-Treason t1_itm584t wrote

Shoe trees are always a good idea. A small little shoe horn couldn’t hurt either.

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EasternKentuckian t1_itm5je5 wrote

Take care of the uppers with a leather conditioner of your liking. Replace the insoles, as they wear out. Have them resoled whenever the tread is gone from the bottom, but before they wear all the way through.

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celi0s t1_itlr3qp wrote

Have more than one pair

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LiveLearnCoach t1_itqlfw6 wrote

This. Circulating pairs or even more is more than the sum of its parts.

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daysway t1_itm37oe wrote

Neatsfoot oil monthly and shoe trees nightly

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Mdm08033 t1_itnjgxm wrote

Please buy some cedar shoe trees, rest the shoes for 48 hours between wearing. Invest in two horse hair brushes. One for polishing and a second to remove daily dirt before inserting the shoe trees. Start saving for two more pairs of boots and shoe trees so you can rotate. You wouldn’t wear the same underwear every day. Consider welted shoes that can be resoled by a cobbler. Your feet and wallet will thank you.

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F-21 t1_itrn7ia wrote

Neatsfoot oil really does magic with old hard leather! Does make it dark though.

Just be sure to get the 100% neatsfoot oil, the other types sometimes use aggressive chemicals which can cause issues.

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A_Ghost___Probably t1_itn8cu0 wrote

You typed the topic title like a internet search, so did you try actually searching it..?

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InncnceDstryr OP t1_itnbb5i wrote

Why do you feel the need to be critical?

I don’t have to justify asking my question to you but I will. I ask the question on a specialist subreddit that I frequently read because I trust that the people who will give advice there know what they’re talking about.

Maybe try being nice, it costs nothing and if you do it to other people they’re more likely to do it back. Totally free BIFL real life karma.

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A_Ghost___Probably t1_itncybk wrote

That was my advise. Lotsa people have an interest in leather boots and they have been used by many for generations. Go google this question and you'll see better results. There's actual "specialist" subs that will have great resouces for you. Google your title and you'll find info. Search 'leather boot care reddit' for better posts

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InncnceDstryr OP t1_itneibn wrote

Not that it really matters at all but it came across pretty strongly as “just Google it, idiot”

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Capital_Ad_8315 t1_itq2jjd wrote

I use snow seal on all my leather boots (can grab it from Amazon). I’ve used it for years on multiple boots since I was a teen, and it keeps my boots in amazing condition for their age.

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ThisWillBeOnTheExam t1_iu34uyi wrote

I swear by Leather Honey (easily found on Amazon) to prolong the life of leather boots. It makes a huge difference.

Also, keeping them relatively dry on the inside. I know some people are recommending a boot dryer but I just place mine in front of a box fan overnight when it’s been a long day and that seems to be enough.

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