Heel Slip/ Rub issues

[Samee0621]

So idk if anyone else has this issue but I ALWAYS have a problem with my heel slipping in the back of the boot and rubbing. It’s drives me crazy. I’ve tried on so many different boots and I have the same issue with all of them.

I’ll find a boot that fits the rest of my foot PERFECTLY but there’s always the heel rub!!

Has anyone else had this problem? What was your solution? I’m still yet to find a good fitting boot and I don’t think there’s enough time to try L&S custom fitted boots in time for first rifle elk so I feel doomed toHunt in ill fitting boots with painful feet

Any advice is welcomed!

Sam

 

[PMcGee]

Did you try different lacing techniques?


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[Quicksilver]

I have tried a few lacing techniques. My right foot is a touch longer than my left so I feel the heel hot spot only on that one. I have since used Hiker's Goo and apply that under my slick sock when I lace up for the day. That has helped prolong the hot spot but has not eliminated it completely. Seasoning my feet help as well, as in the more hikes I go on the tougher my heel/feet get. I currently wearing scarpas so not a cheap boot. I love them but still get the hot spot on the right heel. There are ways to reduce the hot spot but I'm with you, can it be eliminated?

 

[Samee0621]

Did you try different lacing techniques?


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Yeah I’ve tried one or two they didn’t really fix it

 

[Samee0621]

I have tried a few lacing techniques. My right foot is a touch longer than my left so I feel the heel hot spot only on that one. I have since used Hiker's Goo and apply that under my slick sock when I lace up for the day. That has helped prolong the hot spot but has not eliminated it completely. Seasoning my feet help as well, as in the more hikes I go on the tougher my heel/feet get. I currently wearing scarpas so not a cheap boot. I love them but still get the hot spot on the right heel. There are ways to reduce the hot spot but I'm with you, can it be eliminated?

My left foot is the bigger foot. I still tend to get the rubbing on both feet though. I’ve never heard of hikers goo does that just slick up the skin?

I’ve been wearing two pairs of socks to take up more space in the boot and it helps but it makes my foot feel more crammed which I don’t like. I’ve never tried wearing a sock liner which I’ve heard helps. I’ve also heard people talk about leukotape too.

They all sound like band aids honestly but I think this elk season I’ll just have to try out the different products with thick socks and lacing techniques and suffer through the 5 days

 

[Quicksilver]

My left foot is the bigger foot. I still tend to get the rubbing on both feet though. I’ve never heard of hikers goo does that just slick up the skin?

I’ve been wearing two pairs of socks to take up more space in the boot and it helps but it makes my foot feel more crammed which I don’t like. I’ve never tried wearing a sock liner which I’ve heard helps. I’ve also heard people talk about leukotape too.

They all sound like band aids honestly but I think this elk season I’ll just have to try out the different products with thick socks and lacing techniques and suffer through the 5 days

It's basically a cream you apply and is supposed to last most of the day. I haven't had the need to reapply it but have only used it on day hunts. I would try a slick sock inside your hiking sock along with leukotape or something like hikers goo. I used to wear the different weight hiking socks from REI but last year bought the socks from KUIU and really made a difference. They have padding strategically sewn in and it helps guard your foot in specific areas.

 

[Samee0621]

It's basically a cream you apply and is supposed to last most of the day. I haven't had the need to reapply it but have only used it on day hunts. I would try a slick sock inside your hiking sock along with leukotape or something like hikers goo. I used to wear the different weight hiking socks from REI but last year bought the socks from KUIU and really made a difference. They have padding strategically sewn in and it helps guard your foot in specific areas.

Ultra Merino Crew Socks: Merino Wool Hunting Socks | KUIU

Ultra Merino Wool Crew Hunting Sock: A lightweight sock designed with advanced merino wool. Shop merino wool socks at KUIU.

www.kuiu.com

Those socks? Are they thick? Ive been using a pair of thick socks over or under a pair of thinner socks to eat up extra space in my boots and help with the fit.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Leukotape, rei merino liner sock and a merino outer sock of choice.

 

[Backwoods89]

Got a new pair of boots this summer and am getting heal blisters for the first time ever. Tried different lacing techniques, different socks with liners, and new inserts. Only thing that has worked for me is Leukotape! That stuff really makes a difference. Hard to find locally for me so had to order it online. Give it a try, pretty sure it will work for you also.

 

[idig4au]

I eliminated heel slip by switching to boots with a narrow heel and using an aftermarket insole to take up volume in the boot. I also switched to a mid weight/cushion single pair of socks. I still put on Leukotape as a preventive measure.

Don’t underestimate the importance of boot fit. If you have significant heel slip, then your boots don’t likely fit your type of foot.

 

[Conrad101st]

I found that I can’t use thick insoles in my boots. I wear lowa Tibet’s on elk hunts and Danner combat hikers on the farm.

Basically I just go with fairly thin wool socks and no inserts. Seems to keep my heel down in the pocket better. On stiff boots like the Lowas you don’t really need insoles anyway as far as I can tell.

 

[xcutter]

I eliminated heel slip by switching to boots with a narrow heel and using an aftermarket insole to take up volume in the boot. I also switched to a mid weight/cushion single pair of socks. I still put on Leukotape as a preventive measure.

Don’t underestimate the importance of boot fit. If you have significant heel slip, then your boots don’t likely fit your type of foot.

What boot did you go with that has a narrow heel?

 

[idig4au]

Xcutter - I prefer very stiff mountaineering boots for my hunting style and where I hunt. For boots with a narrow heel fit, I've great luck with Zamberland Mountain Trek GTX and the Asolo Piolet GV's. La Sportiva's Nepals are another boot that really hugs the heels. These boots are not for everyone though....

 

[Samee0621]

Xcutter - I prefer very stiff mountaineering boots for my hunting style and where I hunt. For boots with a narrow heel fit, I've great luck with Zamberland Mountain Trek GTX and the Asolo Piolet GV's. La Sportiva's Nepals are another boot that really hugs the heels. These boots are not for everyone though....

I’ll have to check out those brands. I really wish more stores carried zamberlans! Only place I kmow
of that had any in store is rei and its not the particular boot that I’d want to buy

 

[kad11]

So idk if anyone else has this issue but I ALWAYS have a problem with my heel slipping in the back of the boot and rubbing. It’s drives me crazy. I’ve tried on so many different boots and I have the same issue with all of them.

I’ll find a boot that fits the rest of my foot PERFECTLY but there’s always the heel rub!!

Has anyone else had this problem? What was your solution? I’m still yet to find a good fitting boot and I don’t think there’s enough time to try L&S custom fitted boots in time for first rifle elk so I feel doomed toHunt in ill fitting boots with painful feet

Any advice is welcomed!

Sam

Yep, I tried 5 or 6 different pairs this past year in transitioning from hikers to stiff mountain boots. My foot fit the last of some better than others, but I had varying degrees of heel lift in them all (unless I tied them so tight I was cutting off circulation, etc). I decided to buck conventional advice and go with the best fitting last, even though I got quite a bit of lift too.

I'm now at about 60 mi and 15k ft gain/loss and couldn't be happier. These boots are clearing up ankle impingement issues I've had in the past and zero major heel blisters. Leukotape, liner, and darn tough Merino socks have been the ticket for mitigating issues associated with heel lift.

Everyone's slightly different, but I have found some heel lift to be harmless if leukotape and/or liner socks are used.

 

[gumbl3]

If it don't fit, it don't fit .. Lost plenty of skin learning that one the hard way

 

[Extrapale]

Leukotape.

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[Danny Hoey]

Moleskin the night before.

 

[IAbowhntr]

Leukotape is a lifesaver. And agreed socks are almost as important as the boots themselves for fit and comfort.

 

[Laelkhunter]

It needs to be said again. Leukotape. But, don't put Leukotape over any blisters. If you have a blister forming, put a piece of gauze over it before putting the Leukotape on.