And did you take those boots into the shower and get them good and soaked?
That would break them in real quick.
We were actually required to do that in basic training the very first day.
And I still do that with all my work boots to this day!
2 inch soles on a pair of jump boots just have a look that says "BAD"!
And to be honest?
We never used them in the field if we could avoid it!