The Altitude boots are designed to be rigid for work in spikes so they do need some extra effort when breaking in. Most importantly, take your time with it. Don’t jump in and wear them all day at work straight away. Forcing the process is likely to lead to foot and other injuries that may lead to time off work. Taking the time up front to break in the boots (and your feet) will lead to a long-term positive experience with the boots.
1. Steps to break in your boots
a. Passive / Indoor
Start by wearing them in the house for one hour when you are not moving or walking for short periods. Increase the time in the boots. Most importantly, do not wear them outside. You want to keep the boots in returnable condition in case the shape of the boot is not right for your foot.
b. Flat surface
Once you are comfortable that the boots are a good fit for your feet, start walking in them outside on footpath. 5 minutes to start with then increase the time.
c. Uneven terrain
This step starts getting the boots more flexible through movement over an uneven surface. The new movement over an uneven surface could cause rubbing so closely monitor and stop if you feel any discomfort.
d. Climbing / Ground work
Time to put the boots to work but plan to ease their use in at the work site also. Start wearing them for a short period and switch to your old boots for the rest of the day. Keep extending the time until you are wearing your new boots all day.
2. Important tips
- At all times, monitor for any pressure points and see if adjusting the laces takes this pressure off as a first step. Also try taking the boots off and on to relieve pressure points or relace the boots to reset the fit.
- Use Leukotape Blister Prevention tape or something similar to tape areas that usually rub when you are breaking in boots to prevent any damage.
- Socks can cause rubbing if they get sweaty. Consider having an additional pair of socks available and change if needed. Also, look at buying higher quality boot socks with additional padding in key pressure areas and inherent breathability.
3. “Fast” break in techniques that do not work
- Do not soak the boots and wear them wet. This is likely to damage the boots and potentially lead to the sole separating if the glue is affected as well as damage the leather. Wearing the boots wet is also likely to injure your feet.
- Do not apply heat or leave the boots near a fire. This can damage the leather.
4. Post break in care
Remember to keep the boots dry and clean as well as apply leather treatments regularly as described in the care and maintenance to keep the boots performing well.