12 Basic Ways to Break in Ariat Work Boots

Ariat work boots are a relatively new boot on the market, but they have quickly found a favorite place in the hearts of many people. This is because they are durable and affordable, with several models to suit any budget. In addition, Ariat work boots are constructed from durable suede leather. But before you can start wearing them comfortably, you’ll need to break them in.

As easy as it sounds, breaking in Ariat work boots is not always straightforward. So, how do you break in Ariat work boots? This post offers some tips to help you break in Ariat work boots and will also include a few techniques and ideas you can try to break in Ariat work boots. 

Basic Guide to Breaking in Ariat Work Boots – 12 Ways

Ways 1: Start with the Right Size

The first thing you need to do is make sure you pick the right size. It’s pretty much impossible to break in Ariat work boots if they are too large or too small. Ariat work boots come in different sizes. Make sure your Ariat boots are a perfect fit from the beginning. You should:

• Get your shoe size right. Measure the length of your foot from the rear of your heel to the tip of your largest toe, and add an inch or more if necessary for wiggle room.
• Fill out the Ariat sizing chart on their website and choose a size that corresponds with your measurement. This will make it easier to determine which size you should purchase for comfort and fit purposes.
• If you are in doubt, order a half size larger.
• Remember to pick a pair with the right width for your feet. Wider feet will need wider boots. 

Way 2: Walk Around the House

Do not wear your new Ariat work boots right away; this will cause you to injure your feet. Your feet need time to adjust to the new boot. 

• Wear your Ariat boots around the house, but not for long periods. You should try to walk briskly without bearing down too much on the boots.
• As you walk, use different types of flooring for added support and comfort while wearing your new Ariat work boots. 
• For an optimal break-in, walk on hard surfaces such as concrete, tile, and asphalt for about 30 minutes a day. Avoid wearing your Ariat work boots on carpet or grass as those surfaces can damage the rubber of the soles of the shoes.
• When you wear your new Ariat work boots around the house, make sure you wear them on the INSIDE of your feet first. This will help your feet adjust to wearing unfamiliar boots. Doing this can help if you have not worn a different type of boot before. Just do it little by little over time and break in Ariat’s new boots.
• When you feel comfortable wearing them outside, start wearing them in little different ways. For example, wear them in a half-kneeling position while gardening or working with your hands.
• If you find yourself getting blisters or hot spots when you wear your new boots for a long duration of time, stop wearing your new boots outside and go back to wearing them around the house. This is something that only happens if the boots are not broken in properly.

Way 3: Walk Around outside

When you feel like your feet are getting used to the boots, you can start wearing them outside. Start slowly over time.

• Wear your Ariat work boots only for short periods at first. This includes walking down to the mailbox or around the yard.
• Wear them inside out again to help get used to wearing them on your feet for long periods.
• When you feel comfortable wearing your new Ariat work boots outside, try wearing them for longer periods. For example, walk around the block and make it a habit to get some exercise while wearing your new Ariat work boots.
• If you get blisters or hot spots, stop wearing your new boots and put them back into your closet for a while to let them return to room temperature. This will help reduce blisters and hot spots.
• If you feel a hot spot on your foot, stop wearing your new boots. Take a look at the hot spot and see if excess material on the work boot is rubbing against your skin. If this is not the case, then it might just be a matter of time.
• Go back to wearing your Ariat work boots inside out until you can wear them outside comfortably for longer periods.

Way 4: Wear Ariat Work Boots with Thick Socks

Wear socks with your new Ariat work boots. You can wear any kind of sock you want, but the thicker, the better. Step by step for Wear Ariat work boots with thick socks:

• Step 1: First, put your socks on over your new Ariat work boots.
• Step 2:  Next, put on your new Ariat work boots. This will not be easy at first, but practice makes perfect. 
• Step 3:  After you are comfortable wearing your new Ariat work boots with thick socks, wear them for several minutes at a time around the house or the yard. This will help your feet adjust to wearing the boots and also prevent blisters and hot spots.
• Step 4:  After wearing your new boots for a while, you should be able to get used to wearing them outside. Then, it is time to go out and get some exercise while wearing your new Ariat work boots.

Note: 

• Make sure to wear thick socks that are not too tall or thick, as tall or thick socks can push your foot into the boot uncomfortably. You don’t want to experience any discomfort or pain when wearing your new boots. This is where getting the right size will come in handy.
• Wear a clean pair of socks every day. This will prevent germs and bacteria from entering your Ariat work boots and causing a stink or a rash on your feet.
• When wearing thick socks over your new work boots, you should increase the amount of time you wear the boots. Don’t just wear them around for a few minutes at a time. Wearing them for an hour or so each day will help break in your new boots over time.

Way 5: Bend the Boots

Bending your new boots and stepping on the heel will help break in the boots and make them easier to wear over time. There is a step by steps for bending the boots: 

• Step 1: Place your new Ariat work boots on a flat surface 
• Step 2: Bend your new work boots by grabbing the toe and bending it until it forms a 90-degree angle with your foot. 
• Step 3: Bend them slowly, and you should be able to get them pretty close to the ground.
• Note: Don’t just bend your boots straight down with force; this will cause the leather of the boot to be damaged. 
• Step 4:  Hold that position for a little, then let go of the boot. Do this several times so you can confirm the leather of the boot to fit your feet.
• Step 5: Put on your new Ariat work boots and walk around in them for a while.
• Step 6: Walk around in a circle ten times, then walk around normally after that for about 20 minutes or so.

Note: 

• When you bend the toe of your new work boots, be gentle to prevent damaging the leather.
• If you bend the shoes too much, you might cause the leather to rip or tear. Do this only if needed.
• It is recommended that you do not bend your new work boots frequently or to an extreme extent.
• If possible, get your boots in a size that better fits your feet. If this is not possible, try bending them to make up for differences between your foot and the boot.

Way 6: Step on the Heel

Besides that, you can also bend and shape your work boots by stepping on the heel.

• Step 1: Grab the heel and step down on it with force until the leather conforms to your foot.
• Step 2: If the boot’s leather is still stiff and not pulled down, bend it to your foot shape and step on it again.
• Step 3:  Do this several times so you can get used to having something on your feet and breaking them in over time.

Note: If they are uncomfortable after stepping on the heels over time, put them away for a while and try them again later when you are comfortable with having something on your feet.

Way 7: Use a Shoe Stretcher

You can also use a shoe stretcher to stretch your new boots. A shoe stretcher will stretch the leather of your boot to make it easier to wear. 

• Step 1: Find a shoe stretcher that is the right size for your new work boots. 
• Step 2: Place your new boots on a flat surface
• Step 3: Insert the shoe stretcher into the toe of the boot.
• Step 4: Grab the boot and stretch it over time until the boot fits snug around your foot. 
• Step 5: Remove the work boots from the stretcher, stand on them, walk around with them until they are broken in.

Note: 

• You can find shoe stretchers at most stores that sell shoes, like Walmart or Target.
• Make sure to put your boots on after using the shoe stretcher, as it will decrease the chance of damaging the boot.
• Stretchers are not recommended for slip-on boots, as they can cause them to come apart.

Way 8: Bring an Extra Pair and Adhesive Bandages to Work

If you cannot break your work boots in quickly, use an extra pair of work boots similar to your new ones. Put them on next to your new work boots and use the adhesive bandages you have at work. This way, you can walk around with these extra boots that are broken in next to your new ones, which will help speed up the breaking-in process.

• Step 1: First, put on your new work boots. 
• Step 2: If you have a similar pair of boots that you can use as an extra pair, then put those on next to your other work boots.
• Step 3: Use the adhesive bandages to stick them to your other work boots.
• Step 4: After a while, sit down and put on your other work boots.
• Step 5: Once your boots have been worn for a while, remove the extra work boots from them and start wearing them separately.

Note: 

• Make sure to put the adhesive bandages in before you walk around, and do not wait until after.
• It will be hard to get the boots on and off when wearing them with the adhesive bandages, so consider this when using this option.
• This method will not be able to get your work boots broken in as fast as other methods listed above.
• Be careful if you use adhesive bandages because you will be wearing two different shoes to work. As a result, you will have a strong possibility of causing an accident in the workplace.

Way 9: Putting Weight in Your New Ariat Work Boots

Getting more weight on your new boots will help them conform to your feet better and more quickly. You can put anything inside the boots to add weight, such as a pack of ball bearings or a metal can. Then wear them until you get home from work.

• Step 1: Find a pair of balls that weigh more than everyday things, like buttons or metal washers.
• Step 2: Fill up your new work boots with these balls and hold them in with tape or rubber bands. 
• Step 3: Wear the shoes to work, and when you get home, take them off and rest. 
• Step 4: You can also use a can of food, like an empty coffee can, with something heavy in it to help break in your work boots.

Note: 

• Make sure to put heavy items inside your work boots before putting them on, or you will risk damaging the leather of your boots.
• Do not use anything with sharp edges in your work boots because they might get stuck and damage them.
• If you fill-up the inside of your work boots, be sure to check the air holes to make sure that they can still breathe.
• If you use a can of food to help break in your work boots, it is recommended that you use a paper coffee filter or other similar filters so that it doesn’t stain your clothes and carpets.

Way 10: Use a Bag or Paper While Breaking in Ariat Work Boots

A paper bag or a pair of work gloves can soften the leather and make it easier to break in. Some people even suggest using duct tape, which is thought not to damage the leather but soften it. You should use these methods for about 10 minutes on each foot to avoid damaging your feet while breaking in your boots. It’s said that this will greatly speed up the breaking-in process, though it could take as long as 48 hours.

• Step 1: Pull out the filler material lining the inside of your boots.
• Step 2: Put your boots on.
• Step 3: Put your feet in paper grocery bags or gloves, then walk around for 10 minutes.
• Step 4: Remove your boots and discard the filler material. If it doesn’t come out easily, make a few cuts with a knife.
• Step 5: Stuff each boot with crumpled newspaper, packing them tightly.
• Step 6: Wear your boots for a few hours, remove the crumpled paper and discard it.
• Step 7: Put your boots on again. Your feet should still feel snug in the boots.
• Step 8: Repeat steps 3 through 7 three or four more times until you no longer feel any pressure when you step in them.

Note: 

• Breaking in work boots is similar to breaking in a pair of athletic shoes. The padding on some work boots is designed to conform to the natural shape of your foot, while some are more flexible. 
• Breaking in work boots is more time-consuming than other types of footwear, but you should start seeing improvement within a week or two.
• You can break in any kind of shoe by doing it this way, not just cowboy boots.
• Some people prefer to use steel wool instead of paper bags or gloves.

Way 11. Use a Hairdryer for a Break-in Ariat Work Boots

This method is great fr Ariat Rancher’s work boots. It will help take your work boots from a new pair to a broken-in pair in a short amount of time. You will use a hairdryer to blow warm air around inside your new Ariat Boots.

• Step 1: Put your new Ariat work boots on.
• Step 2: Heat the hairdryer to its maximum temperature and place it on low.
• Step 3: Turn on the hairdryer and start blowing warm air around inside your work boots. Avoid getting the hairdryer too close to any part of your boots, but make sure it reaches the laces, tongue, corners, and other areas. You can also blow air around the entire boot if you want.
• Step 3: Blow warm air into your boots with a hairdryer for three minutes at a time, putting on and taking off the boots with every session. Repeat this process several times over one day.
• Step 4: Keep blowing warm air with the hairdryer on low for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Step 5: Remove the heat from your hairdryer and then let your boots sit with their laces tightened for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Note: 

• For maximum results, blow warm, not hot, air on your shoes with a hairdryer.
• If you don’t want to use your hairdryer, simply stand in front of a window and let the hot air blow on your boots.
• Be sure to wear thick socks and a hat while doing this method.
• It is recommended that you do this on new boots only; the leather may be too soft for older boots.

Way 12: Put a Heating Pad on Ariat Work Boots for a Break-in

This is a straightforward method. You can use a heated heating pad or an electric blanket to break in your work boots. Simply slip the heating pad or electric blanket inside your boots and sit for about ten minutes; straightforward; this will help soften and soften the leather and enhance its flexibility. This is a terrific strategy to apply when you’ve been through it wearing your new boots for a while, and they’re starting to feel too tight.

• Step 1: Lay your boots on a log or place something flat inside your work boots, such as a bag of sand.
• Step 2: Open up the heating pad and place it inside the boots.
• Step 3: Shut the heating pad and get inside your work boots.
• Step 4: Allow the heated pads to warm up for about 10 minutes before getting up.
• Step 5: Remove the heating pad from your boots and let them sit for another 10 minutes before removing them.

Note: 

• You should only rub your work boots with a heating pad or electric blanket for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time. Be sure to let them cool off before putting them back on.
• If you do not want to use your hairdryer, then simply stand in front of a window and let the hot air viewed from the outside blow across your boots.
• If your work boots are already broken in, you can skip this step.
• It is recommended that you do this on new boots only.
• You can also place a moistened rag or paper towel inside your work boots while using the heating pad or electric blanket. This will help the leather stay soft while breaking in Ariat work boots.

Things avoid When Breaking in Ariat Work Boots.

There are some things you should not do when breaking in your Ariat work boots:

• Do not use any oil, polish, or lubricants when breaking in Ariat work boots. This will soften the leather too quickly and make it too soft.
• Do not wear your new boots for more than eight hours a day. You want to give your feet some rest between wearing them, so they do not get sore.
• Do not try to break in your boots by pounding them with a hammer or metal stake; the leather will become too soft and will wear out very quickly.
• Avoid wearing your work boots when taking a walk or while going up or down a flight of stairs. Instead, you want to wear them around the house for around an hour before you try to wear them to work.
• After wearing your work boots for a few hours, do not remove them immediately; it can cause some pressure points to build up and lead to soreness. Instead, you want to wait until your feet, and your boots feel comfortable with the new motion of the boot.
• Do not put on heavy socks when breaking in Ariat work boots. Before becoming acclimated to the pressure on their toes or arch, your feet will be able to adjust to the boot’s weight.

How Long does It Take for Ariat Work Boots to Break in?

Some people say it takes them a week to break in Ariat work boots, while others say it only takes them a day. It is hard to tell how long it will take because it depends on so many different variables. Average: If your new Ariat work boots are already broken in, then it will take you around a week to break them in again. On average, it takes around one to two weeks for Ariat work boots to break in. You should look for the signs that they are ready before then; usually, they are easier to put on and remove, bending into, and fit more comfortably. 

If you are wearing your work boots at work, it will take them longer to break in than if you are just wearing them around the house. If you buy another pair of Ariat work boots that is a size larger or a size smaller, then they may take a little longer to break in. The more expensive the leather used for your Ariat work boots, the harder it will be for them to break in. This is because the leather will be thicker and not as flexible. The warmer the temperature is, the faster your work boots will break in. This is because the leather will be more flexible and will fit better.

FAQs

How do You Break in Ariat Work Boots Fast?

There is no one magical way you can break in your Ariat work boots fast; it depends on the type of shoe and the shape and size of your foot. 

How Can I Find out If my Work Boots are Broken in?

You will know when your Ariat work boots are broken in because they will feel more comfortable than when you first put them on. You should try wearing them out to work or somewhere else to test how comfortable they are when this happens.

What Should I do If my Work Boots do not Break in After a few Weeks?

If your Ariat work boots do not break in after a few weeks, then you may want to return them and try another pair of work boots. If you keep wearing the same pair of work boots that do not break-in, then your feet will end up getting injured.

Can I Break Down my Ariat Work Boots by Steeling them?

Steeling your work boots is okay; however, the more you do it, the faster they will wear out. This is not recommended for people who need to wear their work boots daily.