Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Breaking in Leather Boots Breaking in Leather Boots
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Jan 2009
discoenduro's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 132
Breaking in Leather Boots
I've got some leather motocross boots. When I was in the Army, you'd break in leather boots by lying in a warm bath!

Any ideas on how to quickly break in these type of boots?

Many thanks,

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jan 2009
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Been dealt with on here before I think.

The problem with most MX boots is that they are covered in plastic bits so don't really break in properly anyway.

I fill mine up with warm water and leave them for a while. Then put them on with some thick, long socks and squelch around in them. Just keep wearing them as often as possible.

Let them dry naturally; stuffing a cloth down inside and leave some hanging outside the boot works quite well. I have a dehumidifier in my little workshop so boots and gear dry in a day or so.

Treat the leather with something like Neats Foot Oil (get it from saddlers) to keep it supple.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Jan 2009
discoenduro's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 132
Thanks. The boots are all leather, except for the buckles and steel at key points: Vendramini Lusaka

Awesome boot out of the box, comfier than the Sidi Crossfires i once owned, but lacking a little in flex at the ankle joint, which impedes the use of the gear lever as quickly as i'd like

I'll use the tried and tested method of bathing in my boots and applying some oil like you suggest

Good ideas for drying them out...tips noted

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: South Manchester, looking out the window at the Peaks, UK
Posts: 72
another tip for dying them is to make a sausage shape out of a pair of tights/stockings depending on availability filled with cat litter.

38
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Jan 2009
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
Yeah the bath route seems as good as any some mx boots are just very stiff. My AXO boots are over 10 years old and they still seem too stiff. I am looking at Trials boots or ATV boots as these seem more flexible.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jan 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Pr

once your feet are wet ... next thing is, they FREEZE! Not a pretty picture!
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 18:30.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: colchester uk
Posts: 35
to dry out i always stuff old newspapers down inside the boot , this helps the drying processmaybe sitting infront of the TV squashing your boots back and forth may help??lots ofdubin or leather preserver too
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 31 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
this time of year i wouldnt worry about breaking them in, just wear them for riding normally and they will soon suffer plenty of soaking/drying cycles! but keep them clean of road salt/grit, it soon chews through boot stitching.

just give them plenty of dubbin/renapur/nikwax/balm/WHY, it really does make a difference over time, also, if you have any little bits of stitching sticking out get a lighter and melt them in, on gloves too. it really helps prevent the stitching from fraying over the years.

ive had the same boots and gloves for 7 years (boots HG tuareg gore, gloves some cheap tingtong rubbish from a bike show bargain bin, but they fit like, er....gloves) and they are still going strong, only just about feel lived in now
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Boots (motocross or trial boots) mau-asam Camping Equipment and all Clothing 19 4 Jan 2010 23:03
Motocross Boots - Breaking in XT GIRL Camping Equipment and all Clothing 20 19 May 2009 02:21
Just a leather jacket Bamaboy Camping Equipment and all Clothing 7 12 Feb 2008 13:24
TFL cool leather Crusty Camping Equipment and all Clothing 0 23 Aug 2007 20:41
Safe kit- leather or fabric? Guesswho TRAVEL Hints and Tips 13 4 May 2007 15:23

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top