Any recommendations for socks that will make these boots wearable?

[Grapefruitcauliflower]

I recently bought a pair of overpriced Russell and bastard Bromley boots after coveting them for weeks. Needed insoles and thick socks as between sizes, but the first few wears were fine. However, after a mile or so in them yesterday they suddenly started rubbing horribly, to the point where I had to walk home in socks, but not before developing a massive blister just above each heel 🤦‍♀️ I’m wondering whether to try cushioned hiking socks but there are so many on the market I don’t know where to start... can anyone recommend a particular type/brand that might solve the problem? I’ve since realised there’s a big rough seam inside the back of each boot, which I think is the problem, but I blew my entire year’s shoe budget on the stupid things (plus I love how they look) so can’t bear to get rid of them!

[JaceLancs]

Mountain Warehouse Double Layer Womens Winter Walking Socks - Lightweight, Breathable, Warm Hiking Socks, Antibacterial Long Socks - Ideal for Trekking & Camping www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076Q1NMHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BJiMFbW1QKNXN?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[JaceLancs]

Look for double layer blister socks

[hammeringinmyhead]

I really like Dr Martens socks - they're made to wear while breaking those in!

[MustDust]

Tape a couple of layers of duct tape down the seam first. All rounder go to are bridgedale hiker socks here.

[Grapefruitcauliflower]

Excellent ideas, thank you all 🙏 Duct tape hadn’t occurred to me but will definitely try that too!

[desperatehousewife2]

Sorry I don’t really have any specific suggestions but I’d love to see the boots in question OP!

[Grapefruitcauliflower]

@desperatehousewife2 These are the offending items: www.russellandbromley.co.uk/company/373374

They look lovely on but I do wish I’d bought a cheaper lookalike now, seeing as that style is everywhere atm. Thought they’d be worth investing in but definitely regretting that decision!

[MyNameForToday1980]

I cannot recommend Compeed plasters highly enough. They've seen me through many 'wearing ins' of shoes/boots. I'd preemptively Compeed your heels as well as wearing whichever socks people recommend.

Pharmacy own brands are no where near as good.

I do not work for Compeed :-)

[Tickly]

Rather than duct tape toy can get these padded sticker things from most cobblers. Like a foam sticker. The stick on the shoe and protect your heels with cushioning. Not expensive to try and I've found they last ok. Sorry that's a bit of a vague description!

[TryingnottobeWaynettaSlob]

I’m sorry OP but give in and re sell them. Buy something more comfortable. No boot is worth that much effort to make it work for you.

[Grapefruitcauliflower]

Ah yes, Compeed! Hadn’t occurred to me to wear them pre-emptively but will do so in future... Currently only have DC’s peppa pig plasters on my poor shredded ankles! I’ll try and find some of those sticky pad things too... the more padding the better!

[NotMeNoNo]

Bridgedale are the best socks. Running means your foot is maybe moving around? Thicker insole/volume adjuster? Also sold in walking shops.
As well as compeed blister plasters you could try sports tape/kinesiology tape (blue stuff from running shops), I used it to stop walking boots rubbing.

[Grapefruitcauliflower]

Waynetta I fear you may be right 😭 I’d feel guilty for passing the pain on to some poor unsuspecting person who thought they’d grabbed a bargain on eBay though - feel like they should come with a warning! Maybe I could throw in a pack of Compeed...

[sparklefarts]

How long have oh had them? Can't you return them? For that price I wouldn't bat an eyelid at returning them stating they are unbearably uncomfortable

[GVmama]

I would return them, they shouldn’t have a seam at the back which could rub, especially at that price (even if they are beautiful). I would return them and get some others, in my experience boots should be comfortable out of the box.

[CMOTDibbler]

Thousand mile fusion socks are what you need - the two layers mean they rub on each other, not you. And compeed plasters to protect your sore bits, then once healed, put Boots blister stick or Bodyglide on the bit that gets rubbed

[homemadecommunistrussia]

Those boots look amazing. But yes to compeed. They really are the business and a necessary companion purchase to new boots. (A relative did used to work for them- they were even better when they were free! )
Also one thin sock and one thick sock plus wear them around the house every evening for a week before venturing outside for short trips
It will be worth it.

[MikeUniformMike]

I've had problems with chelsea boots. Like you I'm between sizes.
They never feel right with insoles and my feet were either squeezed into ones that were too small or slopping around in too large with insoles.

You only have one pair of feet and they have to last you a lifetime.
There are lots and lots of lovely shoes and boots.

Sell them and let someone who they fit wear them.

[MikeUniformMike]

Heel protectors - you know those suede strip things - might help.

[CatherineTheNotSoGreat]

Compeed are the dogs. I am never without, for all sorts of cuts and grazes.

But I agree with @GVmama, they shouldn't have a what sounds like a 'wrong' seam on the inside of the shoe. It makes them unwearbale.

[afaloren]

A panty liner stuck on the back of your foot can help while wearing in boots! I’ve used that trick for DMs and Sorrells.

Lovely boots btw

[Grapefruitcauliflower]

Thank you all! I agree it’s pretty crap that they have such a rough seam at the back at that price, but I’ve googled Russell & Bromley returns and they seem to be notoriously awful at resolving stuff like this, so I’m inclined not to bother (and to avoid buying from them again!) I’m going to try all these wonderful suggestions and if all else fails I’ll flog them on eBay... feeling a bit more hopeful I can make it work with Compeed/gel pads/hiking socks. The pantyliner idea is also genius

[Tweetypietwo]

The Scholl blister sheild plasters work very well. I bought some chelsea boots recently which gave me blisters, tried the scholl sheild plasters and no more rubbing!

[Midlifemission]

Hi OP love the boots and admired them the other day myself.
Just chipping in to say I would definitely have a go at returning them.
I returned some trainers last year and was given a no quibbles refund - they were too uncomfortable to leave the house in so I guess I hadn’t worn them like you have but even so! I would just say that’s what you expect - don’t ask .
As you sat you can probably get something far cheaper and more comfortable!

[Lucked]

Maybe it was just too much to soon, I find most heavy boots need quite a bit of breaking in although it is concerning you couldn’t get a great fit. Still they may still turn out to be the best boots you have bought.

Any double layer sock ( I think mine are hi-gear) will do but you will have to leave off for a while.