Boots slipping and heel blisters

[themissmiss]

Hi everyone

I have some Doc Marten boots in the soft leather (so they don't need breaking in in the usual way) but they slip a bit and blister my heels. I can't size down as would be too small. Can anyone please recommend one of those silicone heel protectors (or similar) and also, should I wear them over or under my socks?

I've tried wearing 2 pairs of socks but it didn't help.

Thanks

Moleskin is the answer

thanks for replying...is that a brand?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BZYNN2XS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I imagine they are much of a muchness but I have these.

I've just broken in a new pair of Solovairs. The trick is to wear two thin pairs of socks in a sandwich, so sock - heel protector - sock. If your foot is moving a lot inside the boot you might also consider an insole.

thanks! I will order those :-)

edited to add : the above poster linked the same item I was trying to describe!

I wear silicone heel cups that have a strap over the top (I think they’re for plantar fasciitis) with mine. They stop all rubbing.

My boots are slowly getting better, but I don’t wear docs frequently.

@themissmiss , I gave upon DMs because of the (poor quality and) lack of half-sizes.
If they are lace-ups, wear thicker socks and lace them up tightly. If they are chelsea boots, sell them.

I totally agree on the sizing. On me a five is too small to wear more than once in a while as my toes get a bit bruised - but there’s such a massive difference between sizes that a six is impossibly large.

Thicker or two pairs of socks and tying them tighter doesn’t work for me, I just get horrendous blisters.

@BankfieldForever , I got some DM Chelsea boots. Size 5 had my feet slopping around even with insoles and 2 pairs of socks. Size 4 were too small to wear. Bought Solovairs.

Solovair do half-sizes!

thanks all. I'll try the silicone things and, failing that, sell them!

Tried Solovairs. Hated them, with a passion. Sold them on ebay.

Decided I’ll stick with my slightly too small docs.

I’ve got some Sturlini shoes, which I love, but the toes on their boots are too ‘almond’ shaped and look a bit old fashioned to me.

I’d like to try Sort Aarhus boots as I love a high platform, but they’re so expensive.

@BankfieldForever , I love mine, but I don't like all the styles or the vegan ones. The Sturlini ones are not sparking joy for me but they're nice.
I think I might like these in brown Sturlini Leather Lace Up Boots | Black | TOAST and the Panama shoes, but they are giving me a 1990s vibe.

Lofina - Footwear Sort Aarhus.

Aaagh, yes. When I said old fashioned I meant 1990’s. I was in my twenties in the 90’s and most Sturlini boots are a style that I wore then.

I like to move with the times, don’ cha know 😉 (and wear modern, age appropriate clothing, so no almond toes, no pale denim, no black trousers or slides and no slim/fishtail skirts or leggings.

Weirdly I didn’t wear Docs in the eighties/nineties so they’re fine!

so no almond toes, no pale denim, no black trousers or slides and no slim/fishtail skirts or leggings

I haven't worn almond toes for a long time. I still like them. I don't like round or square toes.
Denim - prefer dark for jeans. I have stonewash shirts and jackets. The very pale denim is not for me.
Have black trousers but don't do the blouse and black trousers look.
Slides and leggings - fine for WFH.
Have a couple of fishtail skirts - one vintage (late 1980s) and packed away, one in a fabric I love and not dressy.

Have you tried an insole or half insole in the toe area to push your foot back more? I’ve done this and it worked really well.

I also thought you could get self adhesive heel pads that stick into the boot, but reading this thread it sounds like other people put them on their actual heel, or sandwiched between socks? Sold in Boots and places like that alongside the insoles.

@BankfieldForever , I have a feeling that almond toes will be back soon.
@IsThisTheWaytoSlamMyPillow , you can get them, but you need good ones or they move about.

I put sheepskin insoles in mine.

@UpMyself “I have a feeling that almond toes will be back soon”

Not with me they won’t.

I have M&S boots that rub. I'm trying out some boot oil which is supposed to soften the leather.

I love almond toes in footwear as its closest to my foot shape. Pointy toes are the work of the devil.⁶