Chassidic Customs During Fasts
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Question
It is written that a pious person should be stringent in the four fasts as on Tisha B'Av. Regarding which matters should one be stringent in this?
Answer
There are three differences between Tisha B'Av and other fasts. A. Eating at night. On Tisha B'Av, the fast begins at sunset, while other fasts begin at dawn. B. Bathing and anointing. On other fasts, these are permitted, except for bathing the entire body in hot water. On Tisha B'Av, it is forbidden even in cold water. C. Wearing leather shoes. On other fasts, it is permitted, but on Tisha B'Av, it is forbidden. A pious person should be stringent with themselves on other fasts as on Tisha B'Av.
However, the Gaon, Rabbi Avraham Fried, shlita, instructed us that regarding eating and drinking in the evening, even pious people have accustomed themselves to be lenient. And concerning wearing leather shoes, a pious person should be stringent only at home and not outside.
Source
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 550, Se'if Katan 6