How to Break in Red Wing Climbing Boots

Since 1905, Red Wing Shoes have set a high standard of excellence in footwear. The company manufactures multiple types of boots such as Vasque, Irish Setter, the Heritage Collection, Carhartt and WORX. While best known for their work boots, the Vasque, Irish Setter and Carhartt brands also specialize in hiking boots. Upon purchasing a pair of Vasque boots in particular, it is important to break them in to ensure that you will get the optimum experience and use out of your boots.

Things You'll Need

  • Wax
  • Silicone-based leather treatments
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what qualities are important to you before buying your hiking boots. The current styles of Vasque boots include models that can be worn for hiking, trail-running and multi-sport purposes. Consider your hiking skills and range; along with differences in price, appearance and features, identifying your own intensity level is essential to choosing the best pair for you.

    • 2

      Take a short hike. When breaking in Vasque hiking boots made primarily with Gore-Tex -- a waterproof, breathable fabric made for outdoor use -- a short walk is enough to get comfortable with your new hiking boots.

    • 3

      Plan multiple occasions to break in leather hiking boots. With leather Vasque boots, a short hike alone is not enough to complete the wearing-in process. A day after your first hike, begin either wearing your boots around the house for brief periods of time, or continue to take short and easy walks to gradually break in the boots. Although leather boots take longer to break in versus their fabric counterparts, they are a durable stabilizer for hiking over uneven terrain.

    • 4

      Use only wax or silicone-based treatments for additional assistance when breaking in leather boots. These products help soften the leather but should not harm the integrity of the support system within the leather boot.