Even more fussy foot issues :(

Only I could have problems with buttery soft flat boots.

I wore them yesterday and I had the same problem as I did with the Stuart Weitzman boots. Just on the heels of that episode (pun intended), the back of my ankles were torn open yet again, though not as badly as before.

This time I don't think it's the size because these are already a 6.5 and I'm wearing socks. I never had this problem before and it's very, very frustrating. No one else I know has this problem either so I have no idea what causes it or what the solution is. I can't tell if it will be an issue until I walk around for a while.

It seems like the part where the boot shaft meets the ankle/heel area is too tapered and ends up biting. I also have narrow heels so my heels tends to slip a bit, resulting in chafing. But I am not sure what the solution is. Somehow I find it wrong to have to add a heel grip to such high quality and expensive (at least full price) boots. They are otherwise very comfortable and have molded nicely to my foot and legs, and I can't return them anyway, so I'd like to make them work. Any thoughts or theories?

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

Maya...
I had this thought the other day...
For hiking I wear a sock called Wrightsock. They are a thin, double layer sock that keep you virtually blister free. I can't say I've *never* gotten a blister with these socks, but they really do help.
So, the other day, after trolling the mall all day and my feet were starting to get a rubbed spot, I wondered if I should try wearing my wrightsocks when I'm going to be wearing boots for a day of walking (and I thought of you too)

Here's a link to the socks. Most sporting goods stores carry them. I'ts worth a try

http://www.wrightsock.com/walking.html

also, have you thought of putting mole skin on the inside of the boot where it seems to rub? I know it seems a shame to "deface" an expensive pair of boots, but I put moleskin on the inside of my shoes sometimes and it really does help.

MNsara

Bummer! But if you have a funny/fussy unique issue, then no matter how expensive the boot, it won't be designed to accomodate it.

I'm looking into QM's ideas too because I'm frustrated by all my lovely boots giving me flack!

I usually have to start new shoes out with many wearings of vertical bandaids on the back of the upper heel. Maybe my heel doesn't curve in like most? I also have low ankle bones that get eaten up by the side edge of most shoes until they get well broken in (using bandaids again there). I've tried Bandaid's bodyglide stick, but that only helps if it is minor rubbing - not the kind the produces AND scrapes open blisters within a few hours.

(I can see why anyone would get to a certain point and just give up - wearing only *sensible* shoes!)

Jonesy

I always wear in my new shoes and boots in an incremental way. So, I start off wearing them around the house for several hours, doing lots of standing (e.g., while preparing dinner). Then I wear them out on errands that involve a bit of walking, but no more than 30-60 minutes. Then, I might wear them to work, to a meeting (so, again, a bit of walking, combined with sitting). Then I wear them to teach (3 hours on my feet, combined with some walking). Then I wear them for longer periods with more walking. In other words, I never start off wearing new shoes or boots, no matter how expensive and buttery-soft, for many hours of extended walking. That always leads to trouble, in my experience.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am trying to understand *eactly* where the rubbing is: at the back of your ankle bone above your heel?

Maya

Angie, it's at the top of the heel in the back. Sort of where the ankle and heel meet. I'll try to take a picture when I get home.

Anonymous

Maya, I don't have fuzzy feet but the area you are describing is very sensitive on me. To date, I have not been able to find anything (i.e. Moleskin, bandaids etc), that will stay put and protect that area. All protective materials I've tried, seem to shift as I walk. Sadly, If I see fit issues there, I simply pass on the shoe.

I am not sure about these fryes, but I have ordered both el dorado riding and some other pair - ah the name escapes me at the moment - and I found that the old adage holds true. The brand needs some breaking in. I was not willing to gamble given the cost so I returned them. I was paying full price on both occasions.

I know many members own these boots so better help is on the way. I'll be watching with interest.

Maya - that sounds like the place I put a large Bandaid - vertically - under a sock so it stays put. The rubbing motion gets taken by the Bandaid and not by my skin. ( I suppose that's like moleskin). It has surprised me how long it can take for that shoe heel to break-in.

Sometimes I've figured the boots should be *ready* by now, I'm wrong, and I come home with blisters rubbed raw . . . (should carry bandaids with me!)

Maybe it is just a matter of breaking them in more. I never had this problem before this year though, so I'm pretty surprised. Here are some pictures so you can see the location--sorry to assault your senses with them.

This is positively mild compared to the Stuart Weitzmans. That was a veritable bloodbath. There was just no way I could keep those, but these might be salvageable.

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lyn*

I have had blisters in those spots too... my cobbler convinced me to take a hammer to the shoes. They fit great now... but I wouldn't recommend it if your boots are very expensive!!

Arwwwh. Sorry

Yup. That's exactly where I thought your wounds were. Maya, use glide in the meantime and wear those boots in a little more. Hammering is a great idea too.

I have to confess I'm a little scared of hammering them. Well, I guess they're distressed anyway...

sarah

Have you tried those gel pillows? (Hue makes them - they're sold in the hosiery department). I swear by them for my heels - I have them in all of my flats because otherwise I get blisters. They come in lots of shapes. Eventually the sticky stuff that holds them in place sort of oozes around, but you can easily rub it off and replace them.

http://www.hue.com/socks/fabul.....llows.aspx

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