How To Break In Dirt Bike Boots
Ready to hit the trails with your brand-new dirt bike boots? Take it easy mate! Before you hit the dirt, you have to make these boots your own. We’ve all felt it – the agony of trying to flex our feet in those rigid, stubborn boots. It’s like wearing a pair of bricks. In this post, I am going to show you some super effective ways to break in these new boots and make them feel like a second skin.
As a rider myself, I know that new boots can be stiff and uncomfortable, but there are ways to speed up the process of breaking them in.
One of the first things to do is to flex the leather part of the boot, followed by the heel and sole. This should be done for about five minutes on each boot to make them softer.
Once the boots have been flexed, the next step is to put them on and loosen the straps, especially the bottom ones, to allow for more flex and movement during riding.
Apart from stretching, I have some tricks which I will be discussing shortly, but before going into that, I want to share some of the easiest hacks that will help you break in your MX boots painlessly and quickly.
First up, let’s talk about the easiest (or should I say laziest) way, using plastic bags. Yes, you heard me right. Plastic bags can be your best friend when it comes to breaking in your dirt bike boots.
Simply slip a plastic bag over your socks before putting them inside your boots. Not only will this create a barrier between your feet and the boots, but it will also help your feet slide around, preventing blisters and helping the tough insider layer to adjust with your feet.
Next, let’s get a little unconventional. If you’re experiencing some serious pain while breaking in your dirt bike boots, a gauze dressing can come to the rescue. All you have to do is place it near the areas that are pressing against your foot.
You can also use a sanitary pad by cutting it into small sizes and placing it around the affected area to work as a cushion.
Now, let’s talk about the traditional method which works almost every time and in any kind of boot. Grab that hair dryer from your bathroom and start applying a little heat from a distance of 1/2 foot to the particular spot you wish to soften a bit.
Just remember to not do it for more than 20 seconds in one go. Wear them in between this process to stretch them out a bit more evenly. Repeat this process a few times and your boots will be ready for their first ride.
But if you have a couple of days to spare, the safest way to stretch out your MX boots is to stuff them with slightly damp clothes. This method may take a bit longer, but it’s the most reliable and consistent one.
With this technique, you will not only be able to stretch out your new boots, but also broaden your old boots if you have a big foot and don’t want to invest in wider dirt bike boots just yet. Once you have created a tight fit with the damp clothes, leave the boots to dry naturally. You will have a comfortable and perfectly fitting pair of dirt bike boots in no time.
So, these were some easy hacks to break in your dirt bike boots, but if you want to know my secret to stretch motocross boots, follow these steps:
Step 1: Wear Them Around The House
Once you have unpacked your newly purchased boots, try wearing them around the house for a few hours each day. This will help your feet get used to the boots and your boots will mold to your feet’s shape. It’s a good idea to wear them with thick socks to speed up the breaking-in process. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time you spend wearing them.
Step 2: Flex & Bend
Once you have completed the first step for a couple of days, the next thing to do is flex and bend them in forward direction. You can do this by sitting on a chair and using your hands to bend the boots back and forth. This will help soften the material and make it more pliable. You can also try running around in them to help loosen them up (Steps 1 & 2 can be done simultaneously as well).
Step 3: Get Them Wet
While this may sound counterintuitive, getting your motocross boots wet can help speed up the breaking-in process. Take a bucket of warm water and soak your boots for 20-30 minutes. Thereafter, remove them from the water and allow them to dry naturally (indoors only). But before they dry out completely, remember to wear them occasionally and walk around a bit. Do this a couple of times and they will mold to the shape of your feet and become more comfortable.
Step 4: Ride
Once you have spent enough time breaking into your motocross boots, it’s time to hit the trails! However, make sure to start with shorter rides at first to avoid any discomfort or soreness. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your rides until your boots feel like your second skin.
FAQ's
Technically, you don’t have to break in motocross boots as they will stretch out a bit over time, but yes, it is highly recommended. This is because new dirt bike boots tend to be stiff and uncomfortable, which can hinder your riding performance and even cause blisters or soreness. By stretching them out they will become more flexible and adjust to the shape of your feet to give you more comfort.
If you don’t break in boots, they will remain stiff and uncomfortable for the first few rides, which can hinder your riding performance (and even cause blisters). But of course, it is not mandatory to do so and if you feel they are comfortable right after unboxing, then there is no need to stretch them out at all.
Here’s a quick trick – start by making sure everything is clean from the inside. Then, grab a pair of thick socks and drench them in warm water. Slip on the socks, then slide your feet into the boots. The warmth of the water will work its magic by softening up the inner fabric of the boots, and the movement of your feet will stretch them out to fit your unique shape.
After a few hours, your boots will be molded to your feet, making them comfortable.
Once the boots are dry, you can take off the socks and enjoy the perfect fit.
There are several ways to break in motocross boots, but the most effective method is to wear them and use them as much as possible. This will help the boots conform to the shape of your feet and allow you to feel more comfortable while wearing them.
Additionally, you can try doing some calf raises while on the bike or using a towel to simulate the shape of your foot inside the boot, as mentioned in the video.
MX boots are supposed to fit snugly, but not overly tight. They should provide enough support and protection while allowing you to move and flex your foot as needed. A good fit means there should be no pressure points or discomfort, but the boot should not slip or move around your foot either.
If you want to know in detail how tight a dirt bike boot has to be, you can read in detail here: How Should A Dirt Bike Boot Fit?
Motocross boots are designed to provide maximum protection and support while riding, so they can be difficult to walk in due to their stiffness and bulkiness. The soles of the boots are typically rigid, making it difficult to bend your foot naturally, and the weight of the boots can make it challenging to walk long distances.
The amount of time it takes to break in dirt boots varies depending on the material, stiffness, and how often you wear them. Generally, it can take a few days to a few weeks of regular use before the boots start to feel more comfortable and flexible.
I have personally observed that new MX boots generally break in after 4 weeks of rigorous use.
