Beautiful Dubarry boots. Can't get them on/off!

[stayathomegardener]

DH gave me a pair of Dubarry Longford boots for Christmas.
Absolutely love them, fit is reasonably good when on and I assume they will give a bit as leather but dear God, getting them on and off!
Is this normal?
I think I would be classed as having slim calves and ankles so cannot just be me.
Anyone else struggle?

Love the pic 😂😂😂

Mine were really hard to get on and off for a while. I persevered and they are fine now.

Yes was wearing DH's extra thick socks yesterday, today I have DD's very thin socks on and no easier.
I'm a size 8, the uppers are big on my calves and the foot a good fit.
It's just the one small (but clearly vital) point at the ankle / heel junction so wonder if the high arches point raised earlier may be key.
Dd suggested it may be a flexibility issue...
Contemplates feet, flexes ankle, sips Gin and Tonic.

Appreciate all advice although it appears split on returning/persevering.
Interestingly there is a company online that specialises in stretching Dubarry boots but mainly the feet I think.

I'd say it was your instep rather than ankles and calves, especially if they feel ok on.

I have a high instep, wide feet and candles. Even wide fit boots won't go on. It's saved me a fortune

Yes the photo, not only was I stuck in my boots but was wearing new Christmas Eve rabbit pyjamas which I couldn't get off over the top so would have been stuck in those too, no hope of trying to style it out for the day.

What the hell are candles @RainbowDashed ?

Exactly the same problem here so watching with interest !

Cankles! Sorry autocorrect fail.

I first put mine on with my foot in a binbag. Feet slide in and out better.

I have the same problem with my sheepskin lined hunters. I can only wear them when my husband is around to pull them off while I brace myself in a doorway!

found the dubarry galway quite snug on the calf
Really? I've always found them huge on the calf

But Galway comes in slim fit, regular fit and extra fit so maybe that explains it? Do Longford?

Perhaps it's a different pair of legs you need? I'd be willing to swap mine for yours if you would like? I operate a strict no returns policy though

Right off to source bin bags and a shallow tray/cardboard sheet to do the insoles Wet Test.

I had the same problem. They weren’t tight on my calves once I had them on, but it seemed to be difficult to get my foot in and out around the ankle junction part. I returned them in the end. I do believe they stretch in time though.

Veteran high arch, high instep, skinny leg owner, here.

Do you have any nappy sacks - the ones with that fine smelly powder stuff on? Put one on your foot, slide it in and rip the bag off.

As for taking them off, I'm still going through the red, sweaty faced grunting performance 4 YEARS in, with my Frye engineer boots. Any children around? DS, 7 wil happilyl pull mine off for a small fee.

Skinny calfed super high instepped person here.

I have some fabulous boots (aigle and others) and I cant get my bloody feet in. They can't get round the corner iyswim. Gutted. Have gone back to my baggy hunters.

It's a revelation!
Am making turkey sandwiches wearing beautiful new boots.

I do have two huge bin bags overflowing from the top of each one like a fetish inspired Dick Whittington but they went on easily.
Do not feel this is a long term solution as feet are starting to become a tad sweaty but it is a step forward.

Get yourself boot jack too. My boots are fairly well worn now so are softer on the ankle.

If you’ve still got them on go to the bottom of your stairs (assuming you have stairs) and stand with half feet on bottom step. Lower your heels to stretch calves.this will also help “supple” the leather. Mine are worn riding and “heels down toes up” is a riding rule.

Was coming on to say when I worked in a shoe shop we used to get people to put carrier bags over their feet if they couldn't get them into boots. It almost always worked!

If you're brave, you can try the bathtub method of breaking them in.

Why don't you get the next size up? I had some ugg noira once I had to sell because I couldn't get them on .

I use boot books to get my riding boots on. Sorry can't do clucky link but Amazon search will give you several options ( you put them in the loops in your boots to pull them on)

• clicky link even

I’ve been looking at getting a pair of Dubarry boots, are they worth the cost? Want a pair of boots that will last me a few years as sick of buying cheaper ones that only last one winter. Loving the look of dubarry boots. Bit concerned now after reading how hard they are to get off!!

Seconded with the plastic bag thing.... OMG they just slipped on and off. Can’t say it looks too good with bags hanging out the top but it works! Thank you