Breaking In Sebago Boat Shoes: Tips And Tricks

Boat shoes are a great addition to your wardrobe, but they can be stiff and uncomfortable when new. Here are some tips to break in your Sebago boat shoes and make them more comfortable. Firstly, wear them at home to mould them to your foot shape. You can also use blister plasters or tape to act as a cushion and prevent blisters. Another method is to soak your shoes in water and wear them until they dry, which will allow the leather to stretch and mould to your feet. You can also try using a hairdryer on a low setting to make the shoes more supple, and then walk in them to get them to flex into the correct mould.

Soak in saltwater to mould to your feet

Soaking your Sebago boat shoes in saltwater is a great way to mould them to your feet. This method is also known as "wet-weathering" and will give your shoes a more well-worn look and fit.

To begin, fill a bathtub, large bucket, or plastic/rubber storage container with about 6 inches (15 cm) of warm water. If you don't have access to any of these, you can also search for a natural body of water to stand in or use a garden hose or faucet to wet your shoes. Aim for a salinity of about 3.5% by adding about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 1/4 gallon (0.95 L) of water. This will simulate the conditions of wearing your boat shoes in and around the sea.

Next, put on your boat shoes without socks and lace them up tightly. Stand in the water until your shoes are fully saturated. This may take a few minutes for leather shoes, as they have natural water-resistant properties. While standing in the water, rock forward onto your toes and backward onto your heels to stretch the material.

Once your shoes are wet all the way through, carefully step out of the container and allow the excess water to drain. Use a clean, dry towel to pat the upper part of the shoes and remove any remaining moisture on the surface. They don't need to be completely dry, just dabbed until they stop dripping.

Finally, wear your shoes around as they air-dry. You can go for a short walk or do some simple exercises to introduce more movement to the damp material. Boat shoes are designed to dry quickly, so your new shoes will soften up and take on an organic, lived-in look in no time.

Leather expands when it gets wet and shrinks as it dries, so this process will result in a unique fit that feels tailor-made for your feet.

Wear them with socks to break them in

Wearing your Sebago boat shoes with socks is a great way to break them in without having to endure blisters and sore feet. This method is especially useful if your shoes are a little snug.

Start by wearing your new shoes with thick socks for short periods around the house. This allows the material to adjust to the shape of your feet gradually. Aim for 20-minute sessions and slowly increase the duration as the shoes start to feel more comfortable.

If your shoes still feel tight, try wearing two or three pairs of regular socks to help stretch the fabric. This technique is also helpful if you don't have any thicker pairs of socks.

Thick socks can also provide extra cushioning to protect your feet from blisters. Even if the shoes aren't meant to be worn with socks, using them during the initial break-in period can be beneficial.

Additionally, wearing socks while breaking in your shoes can add a little extra volume to your feet, helping to stretch them out even more.

Remember to take your time when breaking in your Sebago boat shoes. Rushing the process can lead to discomfort and damage to both your feet and your shoes. Gradually increase the time you wear your shoes, paying close attention to any pain or discomfort, and give your feet a rest as needed.

Use a hairdryer on a low setting to make the shoes suppler

If your Sebago boat shoes are a little snug, you can use a hairdryer to stretch them out and make them more supple. This is a tried and tested method that works like a charm. First, put on a pair of thick socks over the socks you want to wear with the shoes. Your feet should be snug in the shoes. Then, grab your hairdryer and, keeping it a few inches away from the shoe, run it over the tight parts of the shoe until they feel more comfortable. Make sure to keep the hairdryer moving so you don't scorch the shoe. Aim for the bridge of your foot or the toebox if that's a little tight. Once you have the desired flexibility, turn off the hairdryer, and walk around in the shoes until they have completely cooled down. You can then take off the thick socks and see how they feel. Repeat the process if necessary.

It's important to note that this method only works on natural materials, such as leather. It won't work on plastic shoes, and you should be careful not to overheat the shoes as this can damage the materials used in their construction.

Wear them at home to mould to your foot shape

Wearing your Sebago boat shoes at home is a great way to mould them to your foot shape. This is a good method if you don't have access to a boat or don't want to get your shoes wet.

To do this, simply put on your shoes and lace them up tight. Then, go about your day as normal, wearing your shoes around the house. The leather will soften and expand to the shape of your foot as you walk. This is a good way to break in your shoes without causing blisters or discomfort.

If you want to speed up the process, you can try wearing your shoes with thicker socks, or using a hairdryer to apply heat to the leather. This will help the leather soften and mould to your foot more quickly.

Another option is to use a shoe stretcher. This is a tool that you place inside your shoe to help expand the leather. You can buy wooden shoe trees or adjustable two-way stretchers online or at a shoe store.

Wearing your Sebago boat shoes at home is a simple and effective way to break them in and mould them to your foot shape. This method may take a little longer than some of the other options, but it is low-effort and convenient.

Use a leather conditioner to soften the leather

Leather conditioners are a great way to soften your Sebago boat shoes and keep them looking new. They also have an antibacterial solution to prevent bacteria from growing on your leather goods.

There are three main types of leather-softening products: specially formulated leather conditioners, natural oils, or everyday household products like rubbing alcohol or Vaseline.

Specially Formulated Leather Conditioners

The safest, most effective, and most efficient way to soften leather is by using a high-quality leather conditioner. These conditioners soften leather in three ways:

• Lubrication: They function as lubricants, letting the leather fibres move freely. This improves the leather's softness and flexibility.
• Rehydration: They contain hydrating ingredients, such as waxes and natural oils, which penetrate deep into the leather fibres, moisturising the leather from within.
• Protection: As they replenish the lost natural oils, the conditioners form a protective barrier that covers the leather from environmental factors. This prevents further oil loss and extends the leather's life.

Natural Oils

If you can't invest in a specially formulated leather conditioner, natural oils are the next best option. Oils like jojoba, coconut, avocado, neatsfoot, and mink oil are excellent choices for achieving the desired softness in your leather items. Before applying any natural oil, it's beneficial to expose the leather to sunlight, as this helps open the pores and facilitate the absorption process.

Household Products

Some people choose to use rubbing alcohol and Vaseline to soften leather. Always exercise caution when using household products to soften leather, as they can be harsh on the material. Alcohol can strip the leather of its natural oils, and Vaseline can leave a heavy, sticky residue.

How to Apply Leather Conditioner

When applying leather conditioner, a little goes a long way. Too much conditioner can make the leather feel greasy or sticky. Squeeze a small amount of your chosen product onto a soft, clean, and dry cloth. Gently rub the conditioner onto the leather using an even, circular motion. Once you're satisfied with the application, let the conditioner sit on the leather surface for a few hours or overnight to allow the leather to fully absorb moisture and nutrients.

Buffing the Leather

Once the waiting period is over, it's time to buff the leather. Buffing serves three major purposes:

• Removes any excess conditioner, which can cause a sticky or greasy feeling if left on the leather surface.
• Brings out the leather's natural lustre, giving it a refined and well-maintained look.
• Gives leather a uniform finish by evening out any spots or streaks that might have formed during the softening process.

To buff leather, simply rub a clean and dry lint-free cloth over the leather's surface using moderate pressure and a circular motion until you achieve your desired shine.

Frequently asked questions