help with new boot fit issues

[claynpendleton]

Hello all,
As you might have read in my other posts I bought a new pair of 12" high civilian boots from Dirty Billy. Good boots but some fit issues. I was going to return them but I thought it might be just a "breaking in" issue, do not know for sure as this is my first pair of this type of boot.

What I've already done:
Soaked boots in water, let dry; left boot fits like a glove now but the right slips a good deal in the heel (vertical heel lift when walking). I have read that some slip is desirable at first but this is enough to be annoying. Put orthotics in already which helps some for the heel control (farby I know, but what the hey)

My question:
I am wondering if the "slip" will get better after a few hard marches(as the sole flexes)? Any other suggestions/personal experiences?

My feet thank you in advance,
Clay Pendleton

[J.H.Berger]

Re: help with new boot fit issues

Clay, if your heel is slipping you can only try to get "the foot thicker" you said you have already put in insoles? Are you wearing thick woolen socks?
If the boot fits tightly enough at the instep the boot should not slip .

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: help with new boot fit issues

Hallo!

Ah, the advantages of lace-up shoes... ;) :)

Boots are often tricky, even when custom-made to the dimensions of both your left and right feet, and the way you walk.

IMHO, there are a number of variables at work here we have to guess on beginning with how the boots were made and ending with the size and shape of your feet (which for most people do not match 100% left and right, and for some may be a size or more larger than the other.)

I would suggest, as guessswork, trying resoaking the boots for a few hours, then putting plastic bags over your socked feet, and WEARING the boots for several hours on a hot day while doing chores or walking or something to mold them closer to your feet when moving.

Boots like shoes, will eventually, NUG, over time start to conform to one's feet (within limits). Or not.

Having already soaked them, and used then, it is not likely, IMHO, that the vendor will take "used" boots in return.

Failing success, IMHO, sell the boots for what you can and invest the money in a quality pair of shoes. Your feet will thank you.

Others' mileage will vary...

Curt
Biped Mess

(An unrelated aside, the German M1866 marching boot had a reputation for a similar problem, and "boot tighteners" that are strapped across the instep are sometimes seen in WWI era images.)