Blondos rubbing at top of shaft - YouLookFab Forum

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Blondos rubbing at top of shaft

Gretchen

Veteran

Has anyone else had this issue with their Blondo boots? I took them for a spin on a trip last week with low-cut socks, and am paying for it with welts on the back of both legs.

I don't typically wear knee highs, and suspect that the amount of rubbing would be enough to tear through nylons. I will definitely need bandaids before I wear them again, I don't think BodyGlide will be enough.

Any suggestions on how to break in the top edge?

Elvina Waterproof Bootie

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Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Gail

Glory

Veteran

Oh no that sounds horrid. Are they rubbing across the back of the leg?

Anonymous

This is my worst fear with boots. So hard to predict. You might be stuck wearing socks with them until they soften up - assuming/hoping they will.

kellygirl

Veteran

Sympathizing. That is always my fear with that height bootie. Usually I only get it in the front. My Fryes were like that the first few wears so I wore them with socks and now they're fine. Hopefully yours will break in.

slim cat

Veteran

There used to be Cobbler' stretch spray a few years ago ( probably still sold at some places ) that I got and used sparingly on the new boots/shoes. You spray it inside and either wear your boots with somewhat heavier than usual socks or try to stretch/tug with your hands the leather edge of your boots. Results are mixed depending on the toughness of the leather.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Try sticking mole skin on the inside of wear it rubs.

Marilyn

Veteran

Angie beat me to the mole skin suggestion. That's what I do.

I have new boots that rub at the zipper area. They're perfectly comfortable but destroyed my nylon socks on first wear. Such a pain!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ugh, I have this problem with a lot of boots unless I wear socks. So socks it is for me!

Vildy

Veteran

I have a pair of ankle boots that gave me welts/dents on the front.

Try self-adhesive weather stripping - compressible charcoal foam is what it looks like.

notsaf

Veteran

Definitely common with high shaft boots. I swear by Band Aid's Friction Block sticks, which I swipe on the insides of shoes and directly on my skin. Moleskin works too, but I love Friction Block in all seasons.

Gretchen

Veteran

Thanks for the suggestions - I’ll definitely look into moleskin and the friction block sounds interesting.

The rub spot is right behind where the elastic ends, so I suspect it might be harder to loosen, but I love the boots too much to give them up!

Marilyn

Veteran

Yes, they're fantastic boots, Gretchen. I've been on the fence with them but I tried them again today when I was at Nordstrom and I'm leaning towards getting them.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hi Gretchen -- I have 3 pair of these boots, so you just know I am a fan!

When you say right behind the elastic, what do you mean? Inside? Or is it on the front? Not sure I understand...

My black pair gave me a tiny bit of rubbing on the front of the ankle on first wear but by the next time it didn't bother me. My taupe pair were comfy out of the box but once in a while the zipper edging will bend inwards instead of laying flat and in that case I get rubbing along the inside ankle. I have learned to do them up more carefully and now they are problem free. No issue at all with the snake ones, but then I am used to wearing them by now!

I hope yours soften or you identify the source of the problem and can fix!

Blondo Blondo Elvina Waterproof Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom

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Elvina Waterproof Bootie

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Gretchen

Veteran

@Suz The rub area is on the outside of the boot, just behind where the ribbing/elastic ends (the part that stretches). So on my leg, its just behind the ankle bone on the outside of the leg.

I've turned the husband on to this as an engineering project, as he spends so much time working with his cycling gear. There were mumbles about conditioning, and sandpaper may be involved? Looking forward to his results!

Gigi

Veteran

I would wear socks with them until they loosen up. I just bought a pair of ankle booties from Blondo, and they are very stiff. I have worn them a couple of times, and they are just starting to loosen up. It might take a while.

Blondo BlondoDan Waterproof

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Cee

Veteran

Ouch... I'd go with longer socks or a protective in-lay.

Laurie

Veteran

I returned those boots because they hurt my legs. They really hurt the front of my shins above my ankles in an unreasonable way. I am a fan of Blondos so was really disappointed. I've tried 8 or 9 pairs of snakeskin booties this season and nothing has worked. My last attempt is Sam Edelman Circus...awaiting their arrival. Hope these soften up for you! Shoes and boots should not hurt us!

Anonymous

It seems like every pair of tall shaft booties rub, except the stretchy sock booties- which eventually sag Hope DH comes up with a good solution! Truthfully I even feel the rubbing with thick socks and leggings.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, I am fascinated by all these comments. The boots do fit around my ankle bone but are very loose above that, but no "flower pot" loose -- it just goes to show you how differently each of us is made!

I wonder if there is a seam, Gretchen, on the inside there, that is the problem. If so, socks or even warming the area up a few times and/or bending it a lot might help. Or moleskin/ blister bandages until it wears in and softens?

Gail

Veteran

I had this problem with the Lucky Baley bootie. It was bad to begin with but I managed to persevere with the help of lots of body glide.
I tried the Blonde Elvina bootie on last week and it's lovely but did seem a little stiff , they didn't have the suede I expect that's less so. Good luck I hope hubby pulls through with a solution.