Boots chewing back of heels

krojemann

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Oct 12, 2015
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315
If my boots are rubbing/hurting the back of my heels when climbing up hill, is that an issue of 1) the boot style, 2) the size being too small, or 3) my foot just needs to be conditioned/calloused.

I'm trying my second pair of Crispi boots. The first ones hurt the back of my heels, so I'm trying their more flexible Laponia, but it seems to be hurting as well. I don't recall this with my last pair of Salomons or Keens... but of course, my feet didn't stay dry with those either, so I'm ruling those out. Any thoughts?

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jmez

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Jun 12, 2012
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Piedmont, SD
I'm with gumbl3, they don't fit your foot. You need to find a brand that does. Been through the same thing. Leukotape works well. You find a pair that fits you correctly you can leave it at home.

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krojemann

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Thanks for the replies, that's kinda what I assumed and was afraid of too because I really like the lightweight & flex of these. Does anyone have a recommendation of boots to start checking out that are a similar feel to the Salomons and Laponias?

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westdraw

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May 10, 2015
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Omaha, NE
I have the same issue as you. I have haglunds deformity typically noted with a bump on the back of heel. Not saying you have this by any means, but my foot only works with a more flexible or soft heel counter. Maybe this helps maybe not!
 
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krojemann

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I have the same issue as you. I have haglunds deformity typically noted with a bump on the back of heel. Not saying you have this by any means, but my foot only works with a more flexible or soft heel counter. Maybe this helps maybe not!
Interesting, so out of curiosity, what boots do you find work for you. The back of my heel is pretty boney & kinda pointy.

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westdraw

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Interesting, so out of curiosity, what boots do you find work for you. The back of my heel is pretty boney & kinda pointy.

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Well, unfortunately Salomon has been the best boot for me. I only say this because they just weren't waterproof at all. They were quite comfortable otherwise. I am going to give Lowa Irox GTX a go this spring/summer and see how they go. I will update once I get those in. Crispi didn't work for my heel. For me, I don't think I can go with a true stiff mountain boot.
 
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krojemann

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Well, unfortunately Salomon has been the best boot for me. I only say this because they just weren't waterproof at all. They were quite comfortable otherwise. I am going to give Lowa Irox GTX a go this spring/summer and see how they go. I will update once I get those in. Crispi didn't work for my heel. For me, I don't think I can go with a true stiff mountain boot.
I feel about the same way. Loved the comfort of Salomon, hated they weren't waterproof. 2 pairs of Crispi aren't working. I've been looking at the Lowa Renegades or the Lowa Caminos. I'll look closer at the Irox, but I thought I read they leaked too.

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westdraw

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May 10, 2015
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I feel about the same way. Loved the comfort of Salomon, hated they weren't waterproof. 2 pairs of Crispi aren't working. I've been looking at the Lowa Renegades or the Lowa Caminos. I'll look closer at the Irox, but I thought I read they leaked too.

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The only review I found on those was on this site. From his update, it was one boot that leaked. This was replaced by Lowa no questions asked. I don't know about any further updates. I am still considering it. I think a full leather shoe would likely be more waterproof but I will likely have to sacrifice and go synthetic uppers. I like the reviews on renegades as well. Not an easy or cheap decision!
 
Joined
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Meindl Perfekt Hunter and Hiker boots (Cabelas) have a heel pocket that works perfectly for my bony heels....that sound like the original poster's. The boots are fairly narrow in the heel and wider in the toe box. They don't give me heel blisters, but other Meindl boots like the Islander (has another name outside of Canada, maybe Alaskan) give me blisters as soon as I start climbing. I've relegated to wearing the Canadians around town and likely won't wear them out in 20 years. Meanwhile my feet have been happy for 20 years in the Perfekt Hunters and Hikers. Good luck, and don't put up with heel blisters...find a boot that works for your foot.
 
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Look at Schnees boots. I’ve tried a lot of boots with similar heel problems. Salomons are fantastic until it rains, snows or you need to cross a shallow creek. Cabelas by Meindl is another option either the Denali, western slope or backpacker.
 

j33

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Jun 11, 2020
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Calgary, AB
Kicking back this old thread as I have same issues with Crispi Colorado’s hurting my left ankle. Gonna try thick insoles first before looking for an alternative. It’s only my left foot not my right. What boot worked for you?
 

oldillini

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Feb 13, 2015
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Indiana
I have had similar issues over the years. Sometimes even with some running shoes. So a few years ago I went to Lathrop & Sons (luckily they are only 30 miles away) to purchase a pair of Zamberlan's. Even after sizing the boots properly, I was started getting blisters on the outside of my heels. A few "tweeks" were made to the boot heel cups to fit my heels better and it improved my condition 100%. Boots are made to fit the majority of people but sometimes we just don't have the "average" foot.

Might try to find a shop that specializes in fitting boots or shoes. There are a few things they can do that might help.

Having said that, Stephen at L&S, recommended adding the Leukotape as a barrier. Fantastic stuff. I will not leave the house in any of my boots without putting a couple of strips of Leukotape on the heals.
 
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mmac

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Mar 30, 2017
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AZ
I have had boots that did this and before you give up try some heel inserts. The position of the rub can be eliminated by raising your foot sometimes. Has worked for me . Try a pair of superfeet insoles.
 

j33

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Jun 11, 2020
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Calgary, AB
What’s weird with me is that I didn’t have this issue until a few days using them so I think maybe my aftermarket insoles maybe worn in a bit. Got a few insoles on order and will also toss in my thicker insoles to try those first also have a few green super feet kicking around to toss in.

Good point on trying a boot store, probably worth doing before selling these.
 
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Feb 3, 2014
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Boundary Co. Idaho
Finding this ironic as I just spent quite a bit of time trying on boots and was so confident I found perfect…Crispi Guides. No issues in the store

walking up a steep hillside on day 1…..heel slip on right boot only.

After a few miles and leather was wet I re adjusted and tightened laces. Better but still same thing. Up hill only. Very disappointed.
 
Joined
Jan 19, 2019
Messages
345
A small amount of heel slip is normal for many boots, but obviously they shouldn't be chewing you up.

I've never had success with alternative lacing strategies. I recently made a pair of boots work by replacing the insoles with some thicker Spenco cross trainer insoles that raised my heel a little bit and took up some width in the boot, which was likely too wide.

Leukotape is good as a last resort but I much prefer not needing it. You gotta do what you gotta do to make things work, though.
 

Whisky

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Dec 25, 2012
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Before every hunt where hiking is involved, I put moleskin on my heels and then cover it up with Leukotape. I came to the conclusion I would never find a boot that does not tear up my heels. I tried many. I learned Leukotape is cheaper than new boots.
 
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