I can’t get new boots because they all hurt!

[NewyearNewyear2024]

This is the second winter I have tried to get a pair of normal black boots. There are hundreds in the shops/online and I keep ordering them and find they really hurt on the front of the shin. (That’s if they even fit on the toe.) If I try them on and walk around in them, I’m literally saying ‘ow’ as they hurt so much. It would be impossible to walk downstairs in them.

These are not boots that are particularly high on the shin, they’re just ankle boots like everyone is wearing, and I am small anyway so I don’t think it’s a case of big legs so what is the problem?!

Is that really weird and is it just me?

Are you going for leather? German footwear brands are v good.

They aren't the most fashion forward but I love Skechers for comfort. They have a decent range of boots so if you have a shop nearby that stocks them it would be worth trying some on.

www.skechers.co.uk/women/shoes/boots/

Usually leather yes. I have also tried walking style canvas boots with laces but they kill too.

I have awkward feet - arthritis and wear orthotics. I cannot buy footwear online, so I go to our nearest shopping mall that has plenty of shoe shops.

I managed to find the holy grail of boots recently at Clinkards, and have worn them a lot this winter.

I think you need to go to actual shops to try several pairs on. Buying footwear (and jeans) online doesn't work for me.

I have a pair of skechers that looks like Timberland boots, brown suede. Super comfortable and on their 2nd winter, still good.

I will definitely have to try some on in shops as I am wasting my time ordering them online and sending them back. I will look at Skechers although I didn't know they did boots. I thought it was more the comfortable slip on trainer. I don’t know why I just can’t buy an average black ankle boot which the average person can wear!

Try GEOX or ECCO, I always find these the most comfortable and they are waterproof. Some of them are very ugly but plenty are not. Lots in the sales atm too. Good luck.

Do you need thicker socks with a wider boot? It sounds like you're struggling with them digging in when you bend your ankles. You might also need to work on ankle stability or gait if you're over-bending your ankles while walking (which could be making the boots dig in too much) as this can lead to joint issues - you might need to build your leg muscles higher up to make moving easier.

I can’t find any that I like and also fit, op. I’ve always worn a 3 or 4 shoe, but don’t even bother asking for 4s any longer as I haven’t tried a single size 3 ankle boot this year that wasn’t far too big. I’m stuck wearing trainers (which weirdly I’m still generally a 4 for) and battered old boots.

Several shop assistants have said their sizes come up big. Vanity sizing for shoes? If so, where are the size 2s? Baffling.

@NewyearNewyear2024 I find Rieker brands comfortable as well as Skechers. If you have a Boundary Outlet or other shopping area with a Pavers concession it is worth looking there. I have a pair of Pavers boots with a small heel and they are unbelievable comfortable.

I find it hard too with wide, arthritic feet. I am happy with my Fit Flop Chelsea boots though, they're soft and bouncy. I do need a shoe horn to put them on.

I have these and very comfortable and supportive, especially as prone to foot pain. I like them so much I have the blue and green! https://www.charlesclinkard.co.uk/women-c1/boots-c3/ankle-boots-c100/zumba-womens-ankle-boots-p49284/s702555?cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj5Ph-bbEgwMVTJpQBh3xqAB0EAQYAiABEgLRlPD_BwE

Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve been googling and I think I might get on with some of the boots suggested especially the ones with fur around the top or the lower cut ones.

These are my boots. I have them in black.

https://www.charlesclinkard.co.uk/women-c1/boots-c3/heather-womens-ankle-boots-p48966#attribute%5B1%5D=36805