What can I do about this? I need boots. But I only know if they are ok once I've worn them for a 1/2 hour brisk walk. Argh!

[SorreeState]

So, I have awkward feet it seems. Shoes and boots give me blisters - on ankles, backs of heels, soles of the feet, toes - you name it, I've blistered it.

I have spent so much money in the past on boots that have fitted beautifully in the shop, felt so comfy, only to go for a proper walk in them the next day for them to tear my feet to shreds. It isn't a question of wearing them in, trust me, I've tried. I've tried short walks, interspersed with different shoes, plasters, insoles etc etc. But ended up with a pile of lovely boots that I can't wear without tears.

So, what to do? I need some decent boots this winter as I am now walking to work instead of driving. I can't face spending £100 AGAIN only to rip my feet to shreds.

Any suggestions? I have boots from M&S, Jones, MBT, Fitflop, Clarks, FlyLondon. The FlyLondon were the best (minimal blisters), but they leaked.

Please help!

[ByTheNine]

Clarks sell some lines through QVC, who have a completely no-quibble 30 day refund policy. Could try them, then return if they're no good? They do other footwear brands too.

[SorreeState]

QVC? Not heard of them. Are they online? 30 day refund sounds flipping ideal! Ta

[MumOfTheMoment]

Could you try good quality walking/boot socks? Like these

[SorreeState]

Thanks Mum. I've tried merino, 1000 miles socks and other dual layered socks, bamboo socks, silk socks... I just have very sensitive feet (and they are narrow too, so move around a lot, causing the blisters). Sigh. Thanks for your suggestion.

[Orangesarenot]

Timberland. I'm like you, I've got sensitive feet. I also liked FlyLondon for comfort, but found they stretched and leaked. I got Timberland Earthkeepers Stoddard women's flat lace up mid calf boots last January (so I can lace them snugly to my feet and legs) and I have walked miles in them on pavements, across fields, and through puddles. They are warm, they aren't sweaty, they are waterproof. They were about £120 (I think reduced from £140) but they are awesome. They are (just) about smart enough for work, though I keep a smarter pair at work in case I get called in to a meeting with important people. HTH!

[SorreeState]

Oranges I'm off to Google!

[Judydreamsofhorses]

I have a similar issue, but my feet are very wide and I get horrible pressure on my little toe which is agony. My DP jokes that he is returning a pair iof boots every week (buying online and easier for him to drop off with click and collect) now I have learned my lesson about wearing them out. V interested in QVC's returns policy! No advice, just that I feel your pain. (All over my feet!)

[mysteryfairy]

i bought some of these ugly Chelsea boots a couple of weeks ago. They are not the most beautiful, but they are so ludicrously comfortable. I got some Jimmy choo bikers for my recent birthday (not v comfy) and own lots of other nice boots including some grey shearling lined pistols but I basically haven't worn anything else since I acquired these. They are great to drive in and for walking round town.

[mysteryfairy]

I'm relatively narrow of foot and the shearling is definitely cushioning.

[SunsetDream]

Ugg grandle or Thomsen - really comfortable.

[ShotgunNotDoingThePans]

Have you tried thick socks and a hairdryer? I'm currently mostly wearing Timberlands as everything else is too lightweight/slender and either pinches my toes or gjves them cramp when I'm driving.
However, while the Timberlands have never rubbed or left me blistered, they do feel stiff and unwieldy on my feet, a bit like wearing ski boots.
Not v. helpful, sorry.
There!s a company called Drifter Leather who make bespoke dhoes which are not too spendy. They're the 'barefoot/zero drop' style but I've never tried them. They do get good reviews though despite being ugly.

[CakeInMyFace]

Celtic sheepskin boots are amazing. Probably not smart enough for work but they are like wearing slippers. Im on my third year with the same pair too. So comfy and warm.

[DoreenLethal]

I've had this problem for years.

I recently measured my feet and they have grown a size since I last had them measured around 30 years ago. I have also recently bought a 7 not a six and most of my foot related issues are rapidly going away. By recently I mean since the summer.

[Twinklestein]

Sounds like they're too small. If I buy shoes that I'm going walk about a lot in I buy half a size up. I refuse to have blisters or have to wear shoes in.

These sheepskin-lined Shepherd boots are ultra warm and comfortable.

[SorreeState]

Lots more ideas, thank you. What I would really like is a pair of biker-type boots, so leather, black, mid calf. I will take a look around QVC though, as the idea of being able to return boots once worn sounds perfect.

I have shoes from 5 to a 6.5 (I am a 5.5 as standard (and no, my feet didn't grow or shrink in pregnancy), but different boots have slightly different sizing I find) - however, I get the blisters problem with everything. All shoes. All boots. All wellies. Crocs are fine. But I get blisters on my soles with flip flops ffs!

I guess what I need is tougher skin .

[Corygal]

Get bigger shoes, to be honest. Always shop for them at the end of the day after you have been for a long walk. Shearling works for me.

[AlwaysBeYourself]

You can try all shoes and boots out on your carpet for the morning. Would that not help you decide

[SorreeState]

I definitely don't need bigger boots. My feet slide around and blister if I do wear larger ones. Even with insoles.

Trying new boots out at home on carpet doesn't work either. I've never got blisters at home, despite wearing new boots for a whole day. It's only when I'm out, walking briskly for 2+ miles that the blisters come. However, that is the kind of walk I do every day. I've tried persevering with boots in the hope my feet will toughen up. They don't. I just get blisters which don't heal...

I've looked on QVC - they don't have the kind of boots I need. Sob.

I do appreciate all the help on this thread though.

[AlwaysBeYourself]

It unfortunately does seem that you have very sensitive feet. What have you been wearing to do this walk each day up till now?
What about sheepskin insoles

[SorreeState]

I've been wearing trainers, and boots have been fine for the school run (1.5 miles round trip leisurely pace). However, I now need to walk 2 miles, quickly, to get to work (work has relocated and I can't park at the new site), so this is a new challenge for my footwear!

I don't have anywhere to store boots at my work, so can't even wear trainers to walk in and then change. Argh! I just want some boots that are kind to my feet!

[LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett]

Try an Ugg with an otrthotic (sp?) insole? The insole will give you the support you need (Uggs aren't supportive) and the tight boot/sheepskin lining should be gentle enough on your feet?

I'd even be tempted to try that combo barefoot as if it's rubbing that's causing the problem, a sock layer will make it worse.

[amarmai]

try them out with some brisk mall walking, op.

[SunsetDream]

Comfortable biker boots = Ugg Grandle

[ShotgunNotDoingThePans]

There's a whole barefoot movement with blogs etc. suggesting suitable shoes/boots. The aim is to emulate being barefoot (and actally being barefoot) as much as you can, avoiding heels, foot restriction and orthotics.
Haven't tried any myself, but the Katy Bowman website has a list of approved shoes. Might be worth looking into.
Sheepskin inner soles are lovely, but you'd probably have to size up. You can also use sheeps' fleece as wadding where it rubs.

[travailtotravel]

Have you found a brand that works for you? If so that might be a start - narrow it down to a brand. Different brands will make shoes using different models (are they called lathes?) - I am wide feet, low arch and narrow heel and I found - after many years and ££ - that the brand Scarpa totally fits me. And Gabor for comfortable shoes.