Zamberlan 1110 Baltoro Lite - killing my heels!

[RAG]

I picked up a pair of Zamberlan Baltoro rotation to add to my rotation of hunting boots. I was looking for some fast and light chukar hunting boots with decent ankle support...these seemed to fit the bill of everything I was looking for, including shank stiffness. Tried them on and they fit pretty good...8 or 9 out of 10,,,docked a a touch due to tip of the toe box being a bit narrow for my foot, but not terrible. Walked around in store, all-good. Purchased! But then I took them out for a maiden voyage in the steeps, and my gawd, the heel cups killed my heels; not blister type rubbing, but too locked down with too much pressure on my bone, like my heel was in a vice. After thorough break-in, this issue has persisted. But it only happens when I'm walking up a steeeep incline, so I can use them for flatland hunting.

Anyhow, I'm wondering if this hard, pronounced heel cup bothers anybody else?

 

[Conrad]

Yes, I have the same problem with mine, to the extent that I have to pre-tape and wear liner socks and that mostly takes care of it--however, not my preference and has me considering something different for this year. It sucks though because everything else about the boots feel good and I like them. Proper lacing to lock the heel in does seem to help some too.

This is a thread that discusses some of the same. Zamberland says if we have this issue we need to size up. So maybe need to try that. https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/zamberlans-tearing-up-heels.280444/

Would like to hear others thoughts.