There’s nothing better than a broken-in pair of Sperry leather boat shoes, including the Authentic Original™ boat shoe. The best broken-in boat shoes feel like a second skin. They fit so well that you don’t even realize they’re on your feet. But how do you break in your boat shoes so that they feel amazing?

Wear leather

Classic leather is easier to break in than textiles or synthetic leather. Most of Sperry leather shoes are unlined. Because there isn’t another layer that needs to take shape, your leather boat shoes will mold to the shape of your feet quickly. To get that comfortable, broken-in fit, you’ll want to wear your new leather boat shoes a lot when they’re new when the leather is most pliable. Conversely, wearing your new boat shoes less often may impact how fast and how well they mold to your feet.

Also, since leather tends to dry out over time, you’ll want to protect leather boat shoes from drying, cracking, and scuffing by treating them with Sperry Leather Cleaner & Conditioner that adds moisture to the leather and keeps your shoes in top-notch shape.

Wear the right size

To get the right fit, you need to get the right size. Your feet should be comfortable in new shoes. They should be roomy enough for your toes to wiggle and snug enough that they won’t fall off. Too-tight or too-loose shoes can’t be broken in for a good fit—no matter how often or how much you wear your boat shoes.

Wear socks? Or not?

Whether you wear Sperry socks with your boat shoes will also determine how they mold to your feet. Socks will make the shoes feel tighter because they add an extra layer to your feet and may stretch the leather. If you break in your boat shoes wearing socks, then wear the shoes barefoot, they might feel loose.

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