How to Break In Colonial Shoes
- 1). Remove the buckles from the shoes by loosening the strap and pulling it out from under both edges of the buckle. Set the buckles aside in a safe place.
- 2). Pull back the tongue of one shoe and pour a tablespoon of neatsfoot oil into it. Rub the oil into the bottom and side walls of the shoe. Allow the oil to soak in for two hours. Repeat for the other shoe.
- 3). Pour a quarter-sized portion of oil onto your hands and rub it onto the outside of the shoes, also allowing this coat to soak in for a few hours. Repeat for the other shoe.
- 4). Spray the inside and outside of the shoes with a light mist of clean water once the oil has soaked in and the shoes have dried. Light exposure to water, in addition to the fresh coats of neatsfoot oil, will help soften up the leather.
- 5). Replace the buckles and put on the shoes. Take a few walks around your block to loosen up the shoes. Apply another coat or two of neatsfoot oil if the shoes still feel rigid.
- 6). Clean up and restore an old pair of colonial shoes by applying ample amounts of leather conditioner to the interior and exterior walls. If they have not been worn in a long time, apply a light coat of conditioner after each use.
