New Boot Guide & FAQs – Olson's Tack Shop

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Welcome to Your New Boots

A Guide to a Perfect Start!

New Boot Guide & FAQs

We know you're excited to try on your new boots, but please take a moment to read this guide. It's packed with important tips to ensure your boots fit perfectly and last for years to come.

Trying Them On: Your First Fit

The first time you try on your new boots can be tricky, but don't worry, it's normal! Follow these steps for the best experience:

Preparation is Key

Wear the right gear: Always wear the breeches and socks you wore during your boot fitting. For the very first fitting, thin boot socks are highly recommended to prevent zip snagging.
Don't be afraid to ask for help! Having someone assist you can make a big difference, especially with the initial zip.
Fully open the zipper: Before you even start to put your foot in, fully open the zip (or loosen laces if applicable). This prevents damage to the zipper.

The Trying-On Process

1. Slide Your Foot In:

Point your toe: This helps your foot slide into the footbed more easily.
Push down firmly: You might need to give a good push to get your heel all the way down into the foot of the boot. Don't be afraid to apply a little force.

2. Zip Up/Lace Up (Carefully!):

Start the Zipper: Begin zipping up from the bottom.
Pull the Zipper Up: This is often the trickiest part. You might need to: - Point your toe downwards: This can create a little slack in your calf.
- Pull the boot up at the ankle/heel: While zipping, gently pull the boot material upwards from the ankle area to help guide the zipper.
- Get help (if needed): A friend might need to help pull the zipper up. It should be snug, but not impossible.
Full Lace-up Boots: Systematically tighten the laces from bottom to top, ensuring an even snugness without pinching.

Important Zip Tips:

NEVER use tools or excessive force to pull up the zip. This can cause permanent damage and is not covered by warranty.
Zip slowly and carefully.
Slide your finger behind the zipper to avoid zip snagging.

Assess the Fit

Once your boots are on, it's time to check the fit. Remember that new boots, especially structured ones, will feel different from broken-in boots.

Foot

Your toes should have a little wiggle room, but your heel should feel secure without excessive slipping.

Ankle

The feel around the ankle can vary significantly depending on the boot type:

Soft "Jump-Like" Boots: The ankle should feel snug but not restrictive. You should be able to flex your ankle comfortably.
Stiff "Dressage" Boots: The ankle can feel roomier, depending on the model. You should still be able to comfortably flex your ankle.

Calf

This is where the biggest difference in feel occurs between boot types:

Soft "Jump-Like" Boots: These should have a very snug, "second skin" feel. When new, it will likely feel "uncomfortably snug" or "like your circulation might be cut off" initially. However, it should NOT actually cut off circulation or cause throbbing.
Stiff "Dressage" Boots: Due to the reinforced structure, the initial fit will feel significantly different from softer field boots. The boot should make contact with the calf but not feel tight. Room at the ankle and crown of the boot can be normal, depending on your leg shape.

Height

The top of the boot should come up to the back of your knee, possibly even slightly higher on soft boots. New boots will "drop" (wrinkle and settle) an inch or so on soft boots. On stiff boots, allow for only a slight drop. You might find it hard to fully bend your knee at first, which is normal.

Stand Up and Walk Around

Initial Feeling

They will feel stiff, and you might feel the top of the boot digging into the back of your knee. This is normal for new boots and will improve as they break in and drop.

What to Do

Walk a few steps: Pay attention to how your foot feels and if there's any uncomfortable rubbing. There are tricks to help with rubbing – just ask us!
Flex your ankles: Try to bend your knees and mimic the riding position.

The "Drop"

Remember that new boots will drop. The leather will soften and wrinkle around your ankle, causing the shaft to settle lower on your leg. This is why they often feel too tall initially. We anticipate about 2cm drop on softer boots, 1cm on reinforced dressage boots.

Signs of a Good Fit

Snug, but not painful: The boot should hug your leg without causing pain or restricting circulation.
Difficult to zip, but possible (for soft boots): It should be a bit of a struggle to zip them the first few times. Stiff boots, there shouldn’t be much tension on the zipper.
"Pop" when your foot comes out: When you take the boot off, you might hear a "pop" as the vacuum seal breaks, which indicates a good fit.
Heel lifts minimally: There should be minimal heel lift when walking.

Signs of a Bad Fit

Too loose: If you can easily pinch a lot of leather on your calf, or your foot is swimming in the footbed, the boot is too big.
Too tight/painful: If the boot causes immediate pain, numbness, or leaves deep red marks, it's too small.
Can't zip/lace completely: If you absolutely cannot get the boot zipped or laced all the way, it's likely too small in the calf.

Helpful Fitting Advice

Initial Tightness is Normal: Many clients think their boots don't fit, but in most cases, they just need time to settle.
Quick Adaptation: Within 10 minutes of wear, most boots begin to ease significantly.
Leather Differences: Some leathers are naturally softer and will feel more forgiving immediately. Structured and reinforced leathers (like those used in dressage boots) will feel much stiffer during the first fitting – this is expected.
Morning can be best: During warmer months, try on your boots first thing in the morning. Legs and feet can swell slightly throughout the day, affecting the fit.

Breaking in new riding boots takes time and patience, but getting the initial fit right is the most important step!

Questions or Concerns? Let's Talk!

If you have any concerns or questions about your boots, please contact us!

We're the Experts: We have the full picture of your order, fit, and how your unique boots were made.
Personalized Help: While advice from fellow riders can be well-meaning, it's often general. We're here to help with your specific boots, and no question is too small!

Text/Call us at 425-454-9453 Email us at Info@olsonstack.com

FAQ's

What should I wear when I try on my new boots for the first time?

Always wear the breeches and socks you wore during your boot fitting. Do not try them on bare skin. For the very first try-on, we highly recommend thin boot socks to prevent any snagging of the zipper.

Will my new boots "drop" in height?

Yes, softer jumping boots can drop around 2cm as the ankle softens and the leather settles. Dressage models may drop only about 1cm due to their reinforced structure.

How long does it take to break in new boots?

Most clients find their boots feel great relatively quickly. Riding is the BEST way to break them in, as walking won't mimic your riding position. > [Conditioning](/content/products/olsons-boot-dressing "Olson's Riding Boot Dressing"/index.html) < the inside of your boots can also help soften the leather prior to riding/walking in them.

My boots feel too tall and are digging into the back of my knee. Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal for new boots. They will feel stiff and may dig in initially, but this will improve as they break in and "drop." If they feel too high, [**heel risers**](/content/products/heel-lift-1?_pos=1&_sid=f9433072e&_ss=r "https://shop.olsonstack.com/products/heel-lift-1?_pos=1&_sid=f9433072e&_ss=r"/index.html) can sometimes help.

What if I can't get the boots zipped or laced completely?

If you absolutely cannot get the boot zipped or laced all the way, it's likely too small in the calf. Please contact us immediately so we can discuss the fit.

How long will my boots last?

The longevity of your boots depends on your riding frequency and, most importantly, > [**proper care and maintenance<**.](/content/pages/care-for-your-boots "Boot Care 101"/index.html) With regular cleaning, polishing, avoiding excessive mud/soaking, and clearing sand from zips.

What is the warranty period for my boots?

Average warranty is 6 months from the date you receive your boots. This covers manufacturing defects such as early zip failure, hardware breaking in the first few weeks, and visible stitching faults.

My boots are past the warranty period, but I need a repair. Can you help?

While your boots are made to last, general wear occurs. For minor repairs outside the warranty, we recommend our local leather specialist. Please text us to make an appointment to drop off your boots for repair.

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Founded in 1945 by Carl Olson and serving equestrians throughout the world since then. Specialty equestrian retailer focused on hunter/jumper, dressage, 3-day eventing, and pleasure riders.

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