Break-in

* The break-in period: The purchase of a top quality, heavy duty trekking or backpacking boot necessitates a break-in period. As a general rule, the stouter the boot, the longer the break-in period will be. Those people whose feet are more toughened from hiking or other out door activities will tend to find this period somewhat less challenging. Another factor will be the degree of perfection the purchaser is able to achieve in their fit.

* Over zealous use: Sometimes, an over zealous boot owner puts their boots into vigorous use with little or no break-in. This can lead to blisters and/or chaffed areas while the owner becomes convinced their boots do not fit. Perhaps, after impatiently waiting for their feet to heal, the wearer may go out and do it again, increasingly certain their boots were badly fitted.

* Old ideas: There is an old army story that new boots should be filled with water until saturated, emptied out, and then worn until dry with the idea that the drying boot will mold itself to their feet. Considering the danger of shrinkage and stiffening, Limmer does not recommend this procedure.There may be some advantage in lightly dampened socks.

* Newness issues: In heavier duty models, a minor amount of heel slippage may be a characteristic of the break-in period. This does not necessarily reflect the quality of the fit. During the early stage, there can also be some chaffing due to the stiffness of new leather. This could occur around the top, in the area of the ankle or in a wrinkle at the flex point on top of the toes. However, all of these factors reflect on newness and stiffness, they do not necessarily reflect the quality of the boots purchased or how well they were fitted.

* Initial light use: It is recommended that the break-in process be gradual. Use your boots for a daily walk of modest length and demand, and, if possible, light work. Keep trips short and on level surfaces so your return isn't uncomfortable. Remember, at your first sign of discomfort, indoors or outdoors, take your boots off! If this procedure is repeated on successive days for a week, flex points will be well established and the wearer can attempt some light hikes.

* Protecting yourself: When the wearer begins to use their new boots for serious hiking, it's advisable to bring an older pair in case there are problems. If blisters or chafing can be avoided by changing footwear or by ending a walk sooner, the break-in process can continue. Blisters should be given two weeks to heal and, even then, the skin will be extremely sensitive to reblistering.

* Discomfort: It is possible a period of discomfort will persist even after a prolonged and properly attempted break-in period. This can occur due to a pronounced protrusion of the calf or ankle, a large corn, bunion or hammer toes. When presented with such difficulties, Limmer recommends the use of a fitting press. Proper use of a press enables a shop owner to 'customize' the fit of any boot to a purchaser's particular needs.