How to Put Boots On

Some boots, like cowboy boots, have a narrow space in which to fit your feet. This often means they are tailored to your foot so they’re more comfortable to walk in, but it also means they can be hard to put on. Some boots have to be laced up correctly for a snug fit, which is important if you’re walking for long periods or hiking. Wearing the right socks makes a big difference, when it comes to comfort as well. Hold on to your boot straps, pull up and read on for tips on how to slide your feet in with ease.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Putting On Cowboy Boots

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    1
    Wear boot socks. The right socks will help you put on cowboy boots. Wear boot socks or ribbed athletic ones that go up to your calf. The sock material will help you wiggle your feet into boots along with your body weight.[1]
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    2
    Sit down on a chair or bench. It will be easier to push your heels into cowboy boots if you’re sitting down. Use the side of your bed to sit down on as long as your feet fully touch the ground.
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    3
    Use the boot pull straps. Many cowboy boots have pull straps located on the sides and top of each. Insert your index fingers from the front with the tips facing backwards. Open the tops wide as you hold onto the straps. If you don’t have loops on the sides of your boots, grasp the sides with your hands.[2]
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    4
    Place your foot in the upper portion of the boot. Pull the boots up by pulling on the straps. They may go on all the way, or they may stop before your ankle is flush with the heel.[3]
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    5
    Stand up and put the boot heel on the floor. While keeping your fingers in the loops, use your body weight to step down as you pull one boot up. Your foot should slide into place.[4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Putting On Lace-Up Boots

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    Lace underneath the bottom eyelet. Start by lacing underneath the bottom eyelets on both sides of each boot. This will help you criss-cross the laces using moderate to high tension, depending on how snug you need to make your boots.[5]
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    Start lacing underneath the bottom eyelet. To relieve any pressure at the base of the boots, start criss-crossing the laces from the top part of the bottom eyelet. All consecutive eyelets should be threaded from underneath.[6]
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    Criss-cross the laces. The criss-cross technique is common, but also the most comfortable to wear with boots. After you lace the first pair of eyelets, criss-cross each lace to the opposite side by threading underneath each eyelet.
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    Loosen up the laces from the top down. To put on your boots easily and not mess up all your hard work lacing them, loosen the laces from the top. Only loosen the top few laces at first. Check to see if your foot will fit and if it doesn’t, loosen up one or two more at the top.
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    Wear the correct sock material. Cotton or polyester socks will make your feet smell to high heaven after you take off your boots. Wear wool socks or at least a wool blend. Steer clear of ones made entirely out of nylon, cotton or polyester.[7]
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    6
    Use your body weight. As your muscle flexes, it might allow you to push a tight boot all the way down. Remember to keep your laces snug at the bottom at least, so your boots don’t slip.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Putting On Hiking Boots

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    1
    Wear liner socks. Liner socks are worn between your boots and regular socks, and they snugly hold your feet in place. Find some made out of wool, but about half the thickness. Opt for synthetic material that wicks away moisture or something like silk, if you can’t find wool.[8]
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    Double knot the laces. To prevent your boots from slipping while you walk, or your laces coming undone; double knot them. After you lace and tie your boots like normal, tie them again using the butterfly loops.[9]
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    Find thick socks. You don’t want your boots to slip around your foot at all while you walk. To make sure you prevent this, find thick socks. Look for socks about the thickness of fleece or made out of fleece themselves.[10]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How can I print marching cadences?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Buy a software like Sibelius or a free one like MuseScore and write it out on there, and then print it.
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about putting boots on, check out our in-depth interview with Victor Adrian.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.langstons.com/cowboy-boots-buyers-guide.html
  2. ↑ http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/western-boots-information/
  3. ↑ https://www.lucchese.com/fitguide
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHp4nzzCSac
  5. ↑ https://theidleman.com/manual/advice/lace-boots-properly/
  6. ↑ https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/crisscrosslacing.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-avoid-smelly-feet/
  8. ↑ http://hikinglady.com/the-gear/boots/socks-sock-liners/
  9. ↑ http://sectionhiker.com/hiking-boot-lacing-techniques/
  1. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/keep-heel-rubbing-boot-12061834.html

About This Article

Carroll Kelly
Co-authored by:
Carroll Kelly
Shoe Care Specialist
This article was co-authored by Carroll Kelly. Carroll Kelly is a Shoe Care Specialist and the Owner of Austin Shoe Hospital in Austin, Texas. With over 37 years of experience, Carroll specializes in sustainable shoes, boots, belts, handbags, and luggage repair. Carroll graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas. Austin Shoe Hospital is a family-run business that started over 105 years ago from a single horse-drawn carriage. Today they are the largest and most recognized shoe repair company in the world. This article has been viewed 50,159 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: March 21, 2023
Views: 50,159
Categories: Boots
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