Although many of our styles are comfortable right out of the box, we always suggest that you plan for a certain amount of break in time before and during your first few wear sessions. Please note, once you wear boots outside or apply any sort of boot care products, you will not be able to return the item for sizing or fit issues.
For most boots: To begin the process of molding the boots to your feet, wear them around the house for a couple of hours a day for a week or so. You should allow a bit longer for boots with thicker leathers and stiffer components. Before you know it, your Danner boots will feel comfortable. Leather conditioner might also help with the process(for full grain leather boots) as it softens the leather to assist in molding to the shape of your foot. When using leather conditioner it is important to remember that it will darken the leather, so we recommend testing on a small section hidden away before applying to the whole boot.
If your boot feels tight on the sides or top of your feet to the point of discomfort, you can try getting the outside of the boot wet with water until the leather is saturated/darkened and wear them until the leather has completely dried out. This will expedite break-in and get the leather to quickly conform to your foot.
For any stubborn areas that are still uncomfortable after a few weeks of consistent wear, you can take them to a local cobbler or shoe repair shop for a boot stretch to have more room put in where it's needed.
Mountain Light styles: Every Mountain Light boot is going to break in a little differently. With a gusseted tongue made from thicker leather, it is going to take a bit more work to break in. One trick is to take out the laces and rub Danner Leather Conditioner all over the boot including the tongue area. Then insert something (like a rolled up hand towel) to simulate your foot, into your boot and then adjust the tongue and tie tightly. Let this sit overnight and then repeat this often enough and it will help to train the tongue to stay where you want it. This will also help if you experience uncomfortable pressure on the top of your foot.