Break in for the Innsbruck and the Montreaux began with Nikwax Conditioner and Waterproofer. The Nikwax treatment is designed to speed break in and to make normally non water resistant shoes or boots, water resistant. It took about two weeks of part-time wear for the initial break in. Break in got easier for me when my son needed boots to wear on a late spring school camping trip and he took the Innsbrucks to wear. By the end of the two day trip, the boots returned muddy, and nicely broken in.
Kids can be helpful at times.
As with all boots, a break in period is recommended before long trips. These are supportive boots and the leather needs to broken in. The feature that is immediately noticeable is the beveled heel. Most heels are 90 degrees to the sole, but the Innsbruck and Montreaux heels are about a 45 degree bevel. The result is it is easier to walk, as one does not have to lift the boot as high to prevent scraping the heel.