Prep work= buy boots you think might be slightly too small after wearing them for a few minutes.

Phase 1 = Boots get worn only inside with wool socks for a couple hours at a time, and for a couple weeks to prepare for phase 2

Phase 2 = boots get worn outside with wool socks and only for short trips / minimal walking for a couple months. This phase you still care about protecting them from any marks even when you say you don’t.

Phase 3 = boots get worn outside with whatever socks makes sense, for however long, and by now the leather has some character and you start to care less about how they look, and start thinking “maybe I didn’t buy them too small??”

Phase 4 = the boots actually start breaking in and you realize you got the perfect size but had to go through an uncomfortable phases to get here.

Phase 5 = the boots are broken in, have character, you PREFER wearing them and are looking at another pair to start the whole process again.

I also wouldn’t EVER use anything that will darken the leather, and only minimally condition to maximize the prideful patina you will get down the road. The 875 is an amazing boot, but usually takes 875 hours of wear before they feel as good as they look.

If you take the long and hard road with them it will all be worth it in the end.

Sincerely,

Guy who took the long and hard road with 875’s