Feet rubbing

[dirtytough]

I’m getting tired of my feet getting rubbed in hunting boots. Idk if it’s my boots, sizing, socks, lacework, etc. But it seems like it happens in most lace up hunting boots if I go up or down steep stuff. It doesn’t stop me but it’s annoying and not as enjoyable. Usually my two smallest toes get rubbed raw on the top and outside. My big toe gets rubbed raw on top. And around my heel about an inch up under the ankle bones from one side to the other.

I’ve used Meindl, Lowa, Zamberlan, Crispi, etc. Sometimes two pairs of socks helps. Sometimes it make it worse. I lace my boots just back and forth.

I’m assuming maybe it’s a sizing issue but maybe it’s my lacework or sock.

Who else has dealt with these types of issues and fixed them?

 

[gostovp]

Just a thought, have you been measured on a Brannock, and did they measure your arch length? Wondering if that’s different than your measured foot length. If it’s off you might have footwear that isn’t flexing in the right spot causing the rubbing, especially across multiple brands

 

[PoniBoy]

Have you looked into custom orthotics like Sheep Feet, etc? Might help

 

[voltage]

I’m getting tired of my feet getting rubbed in hunting boots.

I always take my boots off before I let my feet get rubbed. Hope that helps.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Leukotape?

Could be: sock issue, toe box is not appropriate volume. The only time I’ve gotten hotspots/rubbing on my toes was a toe box that was too shallow.

 

[lil' bear]

I have that issue from time to time, it depends on how i dry the boots after they get soaked. Leather will shrink if it gets wet then heated. Both my thorogoods and my zamberlans have had that issue.

Get yourself some boot stretchers off of Amazon. When I take off my zamberlans the stretchers go in. And I leave them in until I use them next. It helps to keep your leather oiled up. It keeps them soft. Mink oil. Beard oil. Even shaving cream works. That's what I used to use on all of my baseball gloves. But you can stretch the boots to fit your foot.

 

[dirtytough]

Have you looked into custom orthotics like Sheep Feet, etc? Might help

I’ve thought about it. I don’t see how those are going to help with the rubbing though. Since the rubbing is around the heels and top/outside of toes.

Leukotape?

Could be: sock issue, toe box is not appropriate volume. The only time I’ve gotten hotspots/rubbing on my toes was a toe box that was too shallow.

Might help. I would rather just get rid of the problem instead of putting a bandaid on it.

I have that issue from time to time, it depends on how i dry the boots after they get soaked. Leather will shrink if it gets wet then heated. Both my thorogoods and my zamberlans have had that issue.

Get yourself some boot stretchers off of Amazon. When I take off my zamberlans the stretchers go in. And I leave them in until I use them next. It helps to keep your leather oiled up. It keeps them soft. Mink oil. Beard oil. Even shaving cream works. That's what I used to use on all of my baseball gloves. But you can stretch the boots to fit your foot.

This pair of boots isn’t leather. They might shrink down but definitely not like leather does. I’ve dealt with boot shrinkage at work from salt water.

I’m not backpacking boot stretchers. No way.

Just a thought, have you been measured on a Brannock, and did they measure your arch length? Wondering if that’s different than your measured foot length. If it’s off you might have footwear that isn’t flexing in the right spot causing the rubbing, especially across multiple brands

I haven’t.

 

[TaperPin]

Of course I have no idea what your foot is shaped like, but they come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re able to use two thick pairs of socks the boots are too big. If your toes are getting crowded the boots are too small. Maybe your foot is slightly narrow and you’re a half size too small to make up for it?

I’m a C width so most regular width boots are too sloppy side to side and if there’s too much room your foot isn’t held correctly keeping the heal from coming off the insole. Some brands are a little narrow - I really like Asolo and they were the first boot that really fit my feet. Maybe there’s a brand that better fits your feet.

Good luck I can remember what a drag it was trying to find something that worked.