How to Break In Your Hiking Boots

[@verohb79]

I learned something new today, cotton socks might be the culprit of blisters and synthetic socks are better. Thanks Mackenzie!

[@stargirlofantares9053]

I love this girl! She’s so positive & happy! Super knowledgeable too!! Plus, she makes me want to hike. Something I thought I really couldn’t do anymore because I’m too heavy! Way to go on the body positivity!!! I need new hiking boots too & these look super comfortable & durable!! ❤️

[@evanobrien2429]

Great video! You can also briefly soak your boots in water and then wear them for a full day of walking. As they dry, they will conform to your feet. This has worked for me since the 1990's.

[@ralph7077]

Even if leather? I’m new into hiking. 😊

[@evanobrien2429]

@@ralph7077 Yes, even if leather.

[@gnpvermillion9747]

I agree this is effective, i use this for any new military boot I get and it works like magic just need to change out socks a few times lol

[@DarkWiisp]

Wouldn't that be uncomfortable to walk in during that certain day to form your boot?

[@evanobrien2429]

@@DarkWiisp yes, it's mildly uncomfortable, but it is better than getting blisters.

[@asrowenj]

Absolutely the worst idea ever to soak your boots! As a former boot fitter, you will NOT be able to tell if you have natural hot spots in the boots or if it's caused by water! Blisters form from 3 things, heat, moisture and friction. You just did a hat trick (all 3 hockey reference) when breaking in your boots with water! The most important thing to do is your socks selection! For heavier boots the thicker the sock should be. Your sock is wicking the moisture off your foot and out of the boot! There was also not a single thing said about the fit if your toes bang the front of the boot when going down and incline (mountain). If they do you either have too small a boot or laced them wrong. She didn't even address the lacing and variations you can do to make them fit better! Lace lock, skip a set of holes if you have a high instep. And she didn't even mention how to check for a proper fit when you first get them! Lace them up with proper socks, not cotton (at least she got that right) then thrust your foot forward in the ground, stop kneel down and stick your index finger behind your heel. If you can't the boots are too small. If you can just get it in good. If you can wiggle your finger around they're too big. That my friends is BOOT FIT 101! I resoled a pair of Basque Sundowners 3x before the cobler said he just couldn't do any more. I even wore out the nylon shank so it popped when I walked. LL BEAN, hmmm not sure this is a great video for testing boots!

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Thank you, I've learned more from this comment, then literally like ever! Seems a lot of people just 'tough out' ignorance, and apparently that's good for some types of business'!? '\😶/' We need to educate our populace better🤔🇺🇲

[@godizself1]

Sir or Ma'am please do a vid. Your tips are foitsaving.

[@suntiki33]

I stopped watching when I read your comment. I think I’m going with you. 😅

[@jonjones4439]

The video is about breaking in boots 😂 when all you have to do is walk in them 😂 I will wear cotton, no issue ever there walking over 20,000 steps a day.

[@danielf986]

I learned a lot more from your comment than in the actual video! Thank you so much!

[@alveydoug]

Mackenzie, you are great young lady! Your enthusiasm is outstanding and FUN. (I’m still grinning!). I look forward to seeing you in more of these informational videos.

[@lauraosburnmusic]

She is so fun.

[@seanfalconer7182]

More Mackenzie! Moar!! M O A R ! ! ! ❤️

[@pinksix5888]

Nice job and video MacKenzie!

[@Sophia_Lol]

I was watching a video then accidentally clicked this, I’m rather enjoying it tho, great tips!

[@OFFICIALMOREPHEUS]

Exactly!!! If the fit is off too much its never going to break in, will definitely break your foot in tho.. had that problem with Ariat boots

[@baskets8429]

Great 👍

[@bluejack644]

Once I tried on a coworker's worn out old boots and they made me walk bowl legged just like him. Lol. So it got me curious and I went to a used shoe store and started trying on various used boots & shoes, walking around in different pairs. It was eye opening. It was like walking around in someone else's skin. Sometimes it was hilarious. Sometimes you have no choice but to adopt the previous owners gate and manner of walking because the shoes are so worn out from walking like that person that the soles are so shaped from walking patterns totally unique to that person. Some you couldnt tell any abnormalities but others, lol, others you obviously immediately adopted the previous owners swagger. It's hilarious sometimes. I highly recommend the experience. Lol.

[@Asia-wz9sf]

🤣🤣🤣

[@EdwardHurst2323]

Great video and nice to see someone of a different size I’m so tired of seeing skinny people talking about backpack . Anyway great video

[@CliftonLee33]

Anyone who’s ever played baseball as a kid remembers the leather treatment solution that you’d wipe your baseball glove down with? I always use that with new leather boots and shoes, works like a charm...... you might have to do it a few times over a few weeks but trust me, it will definitely work

[@ItsToXxy]

How to break in your boots. You wear them. The end.

[@bigmoney-hp8es]

Doing it now lol

[@haroldhermann247]

🤯

[@obeseperson]

I hit mine with a hammer for about half an hour

[@godizself1]

I like your energy in the vid.

[@isangmilyon6982]

This video got me browsing boots even though I only hike about 6 times a year

[@ericklopez1034]

I’ve been waiting for this build for two years 🥲

[@MattShafter]

I’m a physical therapist and your foot should never have to battle the shoe upper just so the shoe fits. This is why people have bunions. A shoe should just fit, if it doesn’t, get another shoe.

[@lamsonions_]

Please bring back the rainbow lake patchwork jacket again, is such a pretty jacket and you guys released it in the mid '70s, their ultra rare piece for sure and I've been hunting for awhile, I even live in man and been searchin but no luck.....

[@llbean]

I agree, it would be a wonderful nostalgia piece. I've forwarded your thoughts along to our product developers for further review. Thanks for bringing this forward!

[@xbrandi12345x]

You live in man?? Ever thought about relocating to Maine??? 😂 I am guessing your autocorrect on your keyboard likes doing this to you. Happens to me too. I also live in man. 🙂

[@lamsonions_]

@@xbrandi12345x hehe I didn't even realize 🤣 that's too funny haha yeah that dang keyboard at it again haha 😂

[@WildlifeWarrior-yd1fq]

​@@lamsonions_Oh, yeah.You live inside a man

[@IsadoraPatrizi]

beautiful kitchen!

[@7Bandit7]

So, I actually learned a lot from this video. 👍 Bonus: I loved her spunky and fun spirit 😀 Mackenzie seems like a fun person to be around

[@red4081]

Finally a useful ad. Does this work for Doc Martins? I’ve had a pair for a few months I can’t deal with how stiff they are

[@saleemwaheed9956]

They look great. I’d buy them.

[@tdogg2029]

What about "heating them up" in front of a heater or in your hot car then wearing them? I did that to leather boots by accident after wearing them in the rain and they fit soooooo much better.

[@zoizamani1678]

it was the rain, nothing

[@Chemeleon15]

Like the other comment said, the trick was the fact that you wore them wet. Wetting them softens the leather and allows your foot to stretch the shoe and break it in. Drying them just set the new shape

[@andybalogh2252]

🙂Funny. And she's pretty but she knows she's pretty so I'll just say Loved it 💚💚💚

[@stevensolano1658]

Just use them as a daily shoe. When I break my hiking boots I do yard work and things around the house

[@MicDeluxx]

Gee willikers, this video is peachy keen! #STOKED

[@douglaszerbarini1198]

Awesome job. You are adorable!!

[@jjhack3r]

That’s one amazing lady.

[@GarryReyom]

One great tip is putting them in the over at nothing over 190, and then wear them until they cool down. You can also wear them in the shower and then wear them until they’re dry. Don’t listen to the people saying to wear them while you sleep, you need to let your feet aspirate otherwise you’ll get trenchfoot. Another myth is using nail polish remover or vinegar, don’t do this, this will ruin the boots.

[@bearhug72]

WTF ?!?! If it has a Goretex membrane, you'll ruin the waterproofing

[@carmentorres1426]

thanks for the tip

[@xlos8317]

Vasque Contendor GoreTec my favorite

[@hannahparker-maloney177]

I’ve always had issues with blisters, thanks so much for the tips!

[@genuineimpulse9134]

Blisters: for decades and thousands of miles my solution was 2nd skin and duct tape. Now check out leukotape. For modern solutions

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I’ve had some luck wearing pantyhose (just calf high ones). They’re good at limiting the friction between the sock & your skin. Put them on as your 1st layer, then a good sock of your choice (preferably wool). Good luck👍

[@PamOrl]

Nice tips 👍 Maybe add a video on different lacing methods for better fit.

[@llbean]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll be sure to send it along.

[@westyinzer4607]

This was not quite the guidance we got in Army Basic Training in 1993. In fact we received no guidance😂😂😂. Thanks for great video

[@alexgrover1456]

Can you imagine how long it would take us in training if we waited for our boots to break in?

[@xbrandi12345x]

Is your name West Yinzer or is it a place?? It'd be kinda cool as a name.

[@franciscofranco5739]

You’ll break your boots in just fine….right around the time the back of your heels peel off lmfao. I swear those morons that fit you for boots “they ain’t too loose, son, I been doing this for 15 years, now move along.” Lol

[@ExecCoachLiz]

Great video. Thank you McKenzie!

[@zoizamani1678]

that she advised not cotton socks! really people that not know what they are talking about making videos...

[@christophersantrizos1657]

Go to the ocean! Jump in! Walk 20 miles! Constantly change socks! Rinse and repeat the next day! Your boots will be broken in, and your feet will be tougher! Win win!

[@goosegirlsunny]

Great tips, I'll definitely be following when I make my next hiking boot purchase👌

[@reneecopeland1095]

After the break in period, If I like the support, can I wear my hiking boots as daily boots?

[@llbean]

Yes, we have many customers who choose to wear their hiking boots daily. ^kw

[@JoseGarcia-ul1vj]

@@llbean j

[@michaelthoele1625]

Look bottom line if your hiking your prolly gonna get blisters so just get out there and do it. They happen get used to it. You’ll be better off in the end🙌

[@hawkfan72]

Pick a nice warm day walk through water untilll boots are soaked and then hike until they’re dry!

[@QDurden]

I’ve always heard the same thing, get them wet and wear them dry. 👍

[@dstorm7752]

LL Bean has very few insulated, waterproof hiking boots. Their assumption seems to be that nobody hikes except in summer.

[@squirrelcovers6340]

I just spray them with leather conditioner and wear two pairs of thick socks and walk. It's fool proof for comfort.

[@GrandmasFolly]

I learned a ton about boots today. Cool!

[@enriquezd253]

Just ware vans high tops with an insole they work great

[@faceass1108]

How to break in your new hiking boots: Go hiking!

[@xbrandi12345x]

Lol ikr?!?? 😂 I didn't know there was a whole science to it.

[@cuprunnethover2509]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@stevetrivago]

Thanks McKenzie 💪🏼🫡

[@noah7477]

I forgot L.L Bean even existed

[@darrendolar201]

Are those timberlands available anywhere? I miss mine from awhile back

[@llbean]

Hi Darren, we don't sell Timberlands. Mackenzie is holding and wearing our Cresta Hiking Boots. You can see them here: bit.ly/3gLGEQA ^dc

[@darrendolar201]

Oh ok, thank you!

[@bethcarney5274]

They look like the 1990s classic Vasque Sundowners which I still love and own! @@llbean

[@IGoByTaylor]

These were some great tips! Great video!

[@brendabaray1712]

Thank you ❤ I am very grateful 🙏

[@MichaelHalloween31]

Nancy Sinatra - “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” 😆

[@calorion]

These seem really loosely laced. Do you really hike for hours with them laced like that?

[@broooowdym]

I don’t know why I’m here man; it’s 2:49 I ate a whole bowl of ramen, life’s good, don’t know why I’m here. :)

[@elodiatechak1633]

What if you are 74 years old and my feet hurt now. Do you have boots that are designed for older feet, that like to walk up hills?

[@llbean]

Hi Elodia, we'd recommend something that is lightweight with good support for your foot. We'd recommend the Trail Model Ventilated Hiking Shoe. You can see it here: www.llbean.com/llb/shop/91621

[@shineperishingrepublic]

Is wearing them step 1? Is there a step 2?

[@emiljawad9070]

Iam taking a hike

[@Luv345]

🔥🔥🔥

[@jorgemaldonado5575]

I love it 🥰 you are so funny

[@billnelson9413]

L.L. Bean is my rapper name.

[@ProdByClockwerk]

When I was a child I wanted to grow up to be a rapper named Rich Dollabillz.

[@samanthaeddy7277]

This is so helpful! Thank you!

[@method2madness762]

Wear them and go hiking

[@peterservon9370]

Step in a bucket of water, and wear them walking until they dry.

[@TesterBoy]

Exactly! Why didn’t she mention this??

[@MartinBielkovic]

I thought this was a joke 😂

[@scbane]

Then saddle soap the crap out of them

[@randallsluder8289]

@They Hate CJ do you think they’re not going to get wet on a long hike? If the boots can’t get wet, then maybe they are subpar.

[@AlfredoSauce1031]

I learned that in the army. Wore new boots in the shower and let them dry after a nice walk. I still have those guys to this day lol!

[@realestjokeinthedumpster5172]

I wear size 13w..to break in...on the side note I would like holler at this woman❤️

[@gregoryheelan]

Main way to break in your hiking boot - Actually GO HIKING!

[@alangwhiteTheBoss]

No it's not thats horrible advice. This is actually good advice

[@alangwhiteTheBoss]

@@richardcolleoni6644 where ur boots that u want to hike in for a 2 weeks before you use them. Then go hike. Also if you are carry heavy load look for boats with more ankle support

[@bachlava7]

Go hiking.

[@brettbarce8563]

Was gonna be .mean but you nailed it girl

[@romancorse6541]

considering the price and supposed quality I would expect zero break in

[@jonjones4439]

Lol 😂 a random video of how do break in hiking boots, you have got to be kidding me. They’re boots, you walk and break them in 🤦‍♂️…I thought this was common sense 😝

[@simpatico4004]

Lmfao. My thoughts exactly!

[@ksajak]

Yea well to some common sense isnt so common. You'd be surprised

[@motown1970]

It’s not common knowledge if you’ve never worn boots before. We provide new recruits (Soldiers) with uniforms and boots and some of these guys and young ladies need to be trained on breaking their boots in.

[@renataguzman7084]

You are so entertaining!

[@bearhug72]

Just wear trail runners. Problem solved

[@niahoward1920]

Hey McKeinzie, hey girl, hey !

[@bonkersblock]

Is the cresta boots waterproof?

[@llbean]

Yes, the Cresta Hiking Boot is waterproof. ^jsb

[@Kevin-zh8bj]

Get them wet and walk works great, not talking about soaking but get them wet.

[@liljarocha286409]

Can I use these for roofing, too. I struggle with other hiking shoes.

[@franciscofranco5739]

Danner boots

[@randyscrafts8575]

They'll never blister your feet if you let someone else break them in. 😳🤯🤭😉

[@blakedavis2447]

They won’t fit your foot and might make things worse also that’s gross

[@indigosky83]

Not doing any of this in Timberlands.

[@spencer1280]

How much are these

[@llbean]

You can view the Cresta Hiking Boots here: www.llbean.com/llb/shop/23173 ^dc

[@spencer1280]

@@llbean Thank you

[@RodgerDodger196]

🤣HOW MANY TAKES TILL YOU GOT THAT BOOT CATCH RIGHT?' Even if once it made me laugh!😁

[@brotherskrillrc6042]

You put boots on in bathtub fill with warm water soke boots,then go walking for a while at least a hour or 2, then let dry and put on next day repeat if not feeling right...

[@justinadrianzo]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@zacharywhite4448]

But what if I don't want to pick a spot that's close to home? If I travel outside of the country just to break in my new booties will it make a difference? This is too much pressure

[@utahdan231]

Great advices. Thank you.

[@adamlopez8681]

Where can I buy 🤔 these at 😎😎

[@llbean]

Hi Adam, these can be bought at www.llbean.com. ^sem

[@adamlopez8681]

@@llbean thank you so much luv 😎💯

[@Ctworld15]

Wear em.

[@BigMoTheBlackDragon]

And if you were brought up to NEVER were anything but slippers inside your, or anothers, house?

[@susanmei9980]

Break them in when they are brand new, bf they get dirty. Don’t wear outside till you’re done breaking in. 🌟

[@dandersonanza]

If I'm paying $300 for boots I'd basically expect them to come with concierge services. Thanks but no thanks, LL.

[@chelseafuller8412]

😂😂😂😂😂 yes I want them to pre-broken in

[@paddywiggle]

No f**king way! I wear my trail running shoes on the mountain day 1 of having them. Breaking in boots sounds like a pain! 😂

[@dayc5933]

Walk.

[@NDB469]

Just wear them. Done. Lol

[@genuineimpulse9134]

Here’s my lifetime tip. You CAN wear different combinations of socks and liners on different feet.

[@xbrandi12345x]

The way I read this makes me picture that you must have a lot of different feet 😂

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

As silly as that may sound, it's probably not something most people would consider.

[@cabuxtonanne]

so helpful and fun!

[@jcaleca60]

Someone told me get a cotton ball rub them down with alcohol It works on LEA THER.

[@grantbuxton]

Where are they made?

[@llbean]

Our hiking boots are made in multiple places. If you let us know which boots you're interested in, we'll be happy to check on this for you. ^kw

[@WTP_DAVE]

Your comments are reasonable but give way too much leeway to the manufacturer, I started wearing the Moab from Merrill and from day1 none of this makes sense

[@catherinekeehn2773]

First off, oil and condition your boots. Inside and outside . Use roll on deodorant on your feet to stop sweating. Use proper inserts. You know if you roll your ankles or if your foot slides forward. Stabilize your foot inside the boot.

[@shyskeleton1665]

How did i even get here. Like who really doesn't no how to break in hiking boots. You put them on and go hiking.