• Meet Our Team
  • Advertise on SCDN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Sunday, October 5
Scioto County Daily News
  • Login
  • Register
Subscribe For $1/week
  • Public Safety

    ‘Tweaking’ or Troubled? Always Check on Drivers in Distress 

    drug crisis

    Overdoses, False Alarms, and Needle Sightings: Drug Crisis Keeps Portsmouth Police Busy 

    Hot iPhone Drama: SOMC Theft Leads Cops Straight to Summit Street Bust 

    FROM REHAB TO RANSACK: MAN TURNS MICKEY D’s LOT INTO MADHOUSE 

    Wayne hills

    Wanted Men Nabbed in Wayne Hills: Warrants Catch Up With Harr and Hummel 

    Good Kids CPS

    Kids Caught Walking on US 23: Deputies Step In Before Tragedy 

    Woodbine Apartments

    Late-Night Disturbance at Woodbine Apartments Raises Concerns for Kids in the Home 

    Family Dollar

    Family Dollar Employee Foils Shoplifters  

    Southern Ohio Human Trafficking

    Another Arrest Tied to Southern Ohio’s Ongoing Human Trafficking Crackdown 

    Pit Bull Bites Baby’s Face & Other Cases Highlights Strain on Animal Control 

    Good Samaritan 2

    Man on Dating App Does the Right Thing — Calls Deputies After Suspecting Teen Contact 

    SCDN File Photo

    Mound Park Complaints Pile Up: Fights, Threats, and False Alarms 

    Scioto County Grand Jury Indictments

    12 New Scioto County Grand Jury Indictments

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 10/03/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    handcuffs jail arrest

    Two Wanted Men Nabbed at Portsmouth Homeless Shelter in Back-to-Back Weeks 

    HEROES KICK DOWN DOOR TO SAVE ELDERLY MAN 

    woman arrested handcuffs

    Two-for-One Arrest in West Portsmouth 

    Man Reported Hiding in Bushes, Peeking in Windows at Portsmouth Apartments 

    Grand Jury

    Lucasville Pair Indicted on Child Sex-Related Charges 

    Union Township EMS

    Union Township Cuts Off EMS to Rarden – Here’s Why 

  • Lawrence County
  • Politics

    Democrats Blast Bryan Davis: “Quit Collecting a Paycheck You’re Not Earning” 

    Robert Horton

    Update in Robert Horton Corruption Case 

    Davis Commish

    No Updates, Just an Empty Seat: Powell and Smith Say Davis Drama is Out of Their Hands

    weird strange absurd

    Parking, Murals, and an Indicted Commissioner: Sparks Fly at Portsmouth City Manager’s Conference 

    Bryan Davis Due Back In Court October 21 

    Sean Dunne Next Mayor of Portsmouth?

    Dunne: “It’s Time for Portsmouth to Speak Up” on Davis Resignation 

    confused woman

    Portsmouth Council Weighs Asking Davis to Resign 

    Turning Point USA

    Student Democrats Deny Role in Petition to Ban Turning Point USA at SSU 

    Turning Point USA

    Portsmouth Politics Escalate: SSU Students Petition to Ban Turning Point USA

    Recorder Gary Jenkins

    Scioto County Recorder’s Office Increases Fees 

    Scottie Powell

    Commissioner Powell Responds to Conflict of Interest Questions 

    FOP Endorses Malone, Neff in Portsmouth City Election 

    Bryan Davis

    Where’s Bryan Davis? GOP Says Step Down — Court Says Suspended

    SCDN File Photo

    Where’s Bryan Davis? After Two Missed Meetings, GOP Says It’s Time to Step Down 

    This bench is a different bench located near Jim Dandy's

    Exclusive: The Bench Is Back — But the Political Drama Isn’t Over 

    crisis question

    Where’s Bryan Davis? Commissioners, Citizens Ask the Same Question 

    Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis

    Bryan Davis Arraignment Set, New Judge Assigned 

    Bryan Davis

    Why Commissioner Davis Staying in Office Raises Big Problems 

    Scottie Powell

    Powell Calls on Commissioner Davis to Resign 

    Scioto County Bryan Davis Scandal

    🗓 Timeline of a Scandal: How Scioto County’s Economic Development Crisis Unfolded 

  • Feel Good
    A man approaching the bowling lane with a red bowling ball as his three friends in the background cheer him on.

    How Bowling Can Improve Your Mental Health

    A sleek blue sedan parked on concrete. Behind the vehicle is a view of the sky with a setting sun over a body of water.

    How To Make Your Daily Driver Feel Like a Sports Car

    A person's hand is holding a miniature wooden house with a green roof and a budding plant on top against a green background.

    How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

    A man sitting in a vehicle is handing over an ID card to a female police officer standing by his window.

    Tips for Staying Calm During Police Encounters

    Cyn Mackley

    Cyn Mackley Channels Haunted Appalachia

    A group of friends stand around a table, smiling, laughing, and drinking. There are plates of food on the table.

    Creative Ways To Host Outdoor Events This Summer

    A family of two parents and a young boy and girl are playing laser tag with vests and laser blasters in an arena.

    What Activities To Offer at a Family Fun Center

    Shawnee State University SSU

    Shawnee State University Joins New Athletic Conference, Adds Football to Lineup 

    BREAKING: Commissioners Make Shocking Decision—Halloween to Remain on Halloween 

    Escape to the Hills: A Summer Reading List Set in Appalachia 

    Scioto County Champs: Lady Trojans and Word Wizards Bring Home the Gold 

    “I Held Those Keys Tight” — One Man’s Harrowing Journey from Addiction to Hope 

    Three girls in quinceañera dresses stand beside one another. The one in middle has a gold dress while the other two wear pink.

    Tips for Selecting the Color of a Quinceañera Dress

    The Day the Streak Ended: Lakers’ 1987 Record Broken

    An angler standing at the edge of a lake just after sunset with three fishing rods resting on the ground next to him.

    Night Fishing: Who Is It for and How Do You Start?

    good cops

    Cops Rescue Lost Man 

    good cops

    Kid Misses Bus, Deputy to the Rescue 

    A group of people stands outside with their arms in the air. They hold their hands together, making a pyramid shape.

    Hidden Gems: Community Strategies for Mental Wellness

    good cops

    Man Says He’s Trapped in Armory 

    Good Samaritan 2

    Good Neighbor and Officer to the Rescue 

  • Obituaries
    Patricia Aileen (White) Attaway

    Patricia Aileen (White) Attaway of Georgia

    Bonnie Lafrida Riddlebarger

    Bonnie Lafrida Riddlebarger, 88 of New Boston

    Fontella Munn

    Fontella Munn, 87 of Lucasville

    Beverly Jane Kessinger

    Beverly Jane Kessinger, 82 of Friendship

    Barbara Williams

    Beth Ann Fite, 68 of Wheelersburg

    Barbara Williams

    Linda Kay Percell, 77 of Wheelersburg,

    William Emanuel Redoutey Sr

    William Emanuel Redoutey Sr., 80 of Portsmouth

    R. Eugene O. Collins

    R. Eugene O. Collins, 93 of West Portsmouth

    James E. Armstrong

    James E. Armstrong, 81 of Russell

    Leander Workman, Sr.

    Leander Workman, Sr., age 90, of South Portsmouth

    Phyllis Ann Murphy Picklesimer

    Phyllis Ann Murphy Picklesimer, 70 formerly of Lafollette

    Barbara Williams

    Deborah Sue Arnett, 73 of Wheelersburg

    Barbara Williams

    Phyllis Jean Porter, 81 of Wheelersburg

    James Taylor

    James Franklin Taylor, 94 of Wheelersburg

    Brian Keith Cogar, 68 of South Webster

    Patricia Salmons Smith 78 of McDermott

    Billy Ray White

    Billy Ray White, 66 of Portsmouth

    Leatha S. Queen

    Leatha S. Queen, 67 of Rosemount

    Timothy Eugene Coldiron

    Timothy Eugene Coldiron, 55 of Wheelersburg

    Penny Sue (Scaggs) Henthorn

    Penny Sue Henthorn

  • More News
    • All News
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Education
    • Economy
    • Food & Drinks
    • Local Business
    • National
    • Opinion
    • Regional
    • Strange But True
    • Trending
No Result
View All Result
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result

Easy Ways To Break in Your Stiff Hiking Boots

Casey Cartwright by Casey Cartwright
9 months ago
in Education
A close-up of a pair of brown hiking boots. The soles are slightly dirt with mud and grass, perched on a rock.
ShareTweetEmail

There’s nothing more frustrating than hitting the trail only to feel the discomfort of rigid, unyielding hiking boots. New boots, while essential for proper support and durability, often take time to mold perfectly to your feet, leading to blisters and sore spots along the way. We’ll walk you through simple and effective ways to break in your stiff hiking boots so you can enjoy comfortable, worry-free exploration, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out.

Wear Them Around the House With Thick Socks

Wear your boots at home with thick socks before taking them on an adventurous trek. Doing so allows the material of the boots to gradually loosen up and conform to the shape of your feet without the pressure of a full hike.

Thick socks provide extra padding, reducing friction and minimizing potential hot spots as the boots adjust. Spend time walking around your house, climbing stairs, or even doing simple chores while wearing them.

RELATED POSTS

Essential Equipment Planning for Restaurant Kitchen Redesigns

How To Make Your Daily Driver Feel Like a Sports Car

Semi Smashes Pole on Marshall Avenue, Flees Scene 

Walk On Various Surfaces

Once your boots feel comfortable at home, it’s time to give them a bit more of a challenge by walking on different surfaces. Take a stroll around your yard, over gravel paths, grassy fields, or uneven pavement.

Doing so helps your boots adapt to the diverse terrain you’ll encounter on your hikes while allowing your feet to get used to the boots’ support and grip. Pay attention to how your feet feel on each surface, highlighting areas that might still need breaking in.

Flex the Boots Manually or Try Boot Stretchers

While you’re choosing the perfect pair of boots, one of the first things you look for is how they feel on your feet. Just because your potential new boots are the right size, it doesn’t mean they’re immediately comfortable. Fortunately, you can help them along manually!

Gently flex your boots with your hands by bending the sole and moving the upper material back and forth. Doing so mimics the natural motion of your foot when hiking and can soften stiff spots before you wear them. Another handy tool to consider is a boot stretcher. You can easily increase the width of the device to match your foot size, gradually loosening tight areas and giving your feet a bit more breathing room.

Apply Leather Conditioners

Giving your boots a little TLC with a quality leather conditioner can make a world of difference for leather hiking boots. Not only does it soften the material, making the break-in process smoother, but it also helps maintain the leather’s durability and keeps it looking great.

Please Support This Local Business

Apply the conditioner sparingly using a soft cloth, working it evenly into the material. Doing so will keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out or cracking, which also keeps the material waterproof. You can also gently heat the leather with a hair dryer on a medium setting to soften tight spots. Just make sure you’re wearing them while you break them in so they conform to your feet.

Breaking in stiff hiking boots might take some patience, but the payoff is worth it. Properly fitted and broken-in boots can turn challenging hikes into enjoyable outings, keeping your feet happy every step of the way.

Tags: bootsbreakingdifferentwear
Please Support This Local Business

TRENDING NOW

Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 10/01/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

October 1, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 09/30/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

September 30, 2025
Mark Craycraft

SCDN Names First Suspect in Explosive Human Trafficking Case: Attorney Gene Meadows 

September 30, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 09/29/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

September 29, 2025
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost

135 Arrested in Statewide Human Trafficking Crackdown — Southern Ohio at the Center 

October 1, 2025

ABOUT US

We are a grassroots team of local journalists on a mission to give our community up-to-the-second news and events for Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Western West Virginia. We believe progress inspires change and we believe our reporting has become the front-lines of Portsmouth, Ohio's comeback.

CATEGORIES

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Casino
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • Food & Drink
  • Local Business
  • National
  • Obituaries
  • Ohio
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Public Safety
  • Regional
  • Strange But True
  • Video

AREAS SERVED

  • Portsmouth
  • Wheelersburg
  • Minford
  • Waverly
  • Friendship
  • Ironton
  • West Union
  • Piketon
  • Coal Grove
  • South Point
  • Vanceburg
  • Grayson
  • South Shore
  • Greenup
  • Raceland
  • Ashland

SITE SEARCH

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.