I had similar issues and I will say Crispi Guides ZERO ISSUES with my bony heels. But they have a narrow toe box which is not good for my hallux rigidus. Just can win. Currently wearing Kenetrek ME, went up a size due to my toe issue, so far so good. Looking back, I tried to fit my mountain/hunting boots too tight. I was really fixated on heel lock which likely contributed to my toe issues. KT tape, properly applied, has been a godsend.
I’m a bit worried about the durability and waterproofness of the Quests. I’m going to check out those and Lowas. I want to get an REI boot for the return policy and the fact that I can try them for a period of time and still return them if they don’t work. I may just stick those engo patches on and try them out
Of those, I’d be surprised if Quests weren’t the best fit for what you’ve described. I was very close to keeping them. They were kind of shocking in a way, just how comfy they were out of the box. They have some secret sauce for how they shape/last that boot for sure.
You try those Engo patches on a hike yet? I just ordered some. Want to try and keep these boots if I can.
I can only surmise that they work to reduce the shear associated with heel blisters. It’s one thing to lock a heel down so it can’t move even one millimeter via lacing techniques. That reduces abrasion and probably helps reduce blisters to a degree. But I think it’s totally another thing to have a locked in heel with the heel bone moving and the outer skin “locked” into the heel pocket and the only movement is the skin between the bone and the sock/boot. That’s where deep and debilitating blisters come from.
Hahahaha love it. If insoles and patches don’t work they’re going back to REI and I’m getting Lowas.
Schnees, brother. Best things I've ever put on my feet. I wear a size 13, have high arches and narrow heels. I wear tge testrel pair daily right out of box. The timberline had zero break in. Right out of box I tried hard to mess my feet up. Spent a week in hills traveling around with 75 pounds. Not even a hot spot
I fixed the heel lock but now my toe box is too tight- I might go up half a size, and keep the insole I put in and engo patches. Going to try that before I get rid of the boots entirely and start from scratch. This is so frustrating.
Hahahahaha dude you got me weak.... I want to love her! Lord!.....For the love of God get different boots.
This is like watching someone date a stripper and think it's the love of his life...
