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!

I agree that heavy good quality boots can need a lot of wearing in, so it may have been too much too soon. Try wearing them round the house, too, so the leather softens, and build up to a mile really gradually. I had a similar experience with some Timberlands that are now my favourite footwear. Compeed blister plasters are brilliant.

If all else fails, give it a go returning them.

In my experience R&B are very good at dealing with faulty goods. I had a pair of R&B shoes for years and the heel came off on my way to a meeting. I popped into a R&B shop to get a replacement, not to complain and they insisted on refunding my money. Fortunately mrSeaRabbit had kept the receipt.

Wear two pairs of socks. Always works for me.

@Grapefruitcauliflower
@Grapefruitcauliflower how are you getting on breaking these boots in ?
I feel like a hypocrite as having told you to try returning them I tried them on insteps before they closed and am very tempted to order them !
What do you think yeay or nay ??

Another vote for compeed. Did a charity run with them after a pair of boots rubbed my heels bloody - couldn't feel a thing.

The thing is, proper boots need proper socks. However they are modelled in photo shoots. Same as for wellies.

I can second the Mountain Warehouse ones - very good.

Instead of comseed you could try moleskin. It's a sticky back fabric that you put on in advance and works miracles. In my experience it's more robust than any kind of plasters and as you just cut off what you need it's more economical.

Layering a slightly thicker sock over a thin one is a great blister prevention measure. I often do pop socks with a woolly sock over the top of that.

Chiropody Foam. It's slightly padded and sticky on one side. You can stick it to your body under ordinary socks or on the seam. Duct tape is thinner and allows your sock to slide past. Definitely put a Competed plaster on to speed up the healing.
You could also beat the shit out of it with a rolling pin, would make you feel better and might soften it up.