Feels like a dumb question, but I haven’t ever worn a pair of boots that didn’t hurt in some way. Is this just a feature of boots, or am I doing something wrong?

  • ATQ@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    All my boots are made for walking. And that’s just what they do.

  • ClockworkOtter@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Find a well -rated outdoor store nearby, and go in and ask them to help you find a good pair. Be completely open about having no idea how to fit boots, and try to be as descriptive about the most common issues you’ve experienced. You can usually get free return if you wear them inside the house for a day or two to check fit.

    It can be time consuming to find the right pair, but once you find a good pair it’ll make a huge difference and give you somewhere to go from one they eventually wear out.

    Don’t take specific brand advice from the internet because everyone’s feet are different shapes. It’s a very individual thing.

  • FireTower@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Either you’re buying bad boots, the wrong size boots, or not breaking in your boots.

    Hiking boots tend to offer the best comfort IMO.

  • vivavideri@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Surprised nobody’s mentioned this yet– What kind of socks are you wearing?

    Boots used to always suck for me. Double check your sizing, and I recommend mid to heavyweight socks. Quality insoles help a lot, too. (Darn tough socks have been a game changer for me)

  • Adverb@lemmynsfw.com
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    1 year ago

    Go try on more boots… there are hundreds of styles. Go to a place that has lots and knowledgeable people to help you. And don’t tie them so tightly.

  • Takatakatakatakatak@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    1 year ago

    Boot weirdo reporting in. I wear boots pretty much all day every day.

    My current favourite are “Steel Blue” brand, model: Argyle.

    They’ve been around for years now and each iteration has actually been an improvement.

    These things are so god damn comfortable, which is quite rare in a boot with such protection and a 300C sole.

    Can’t recommend them highly enough.

    I bought a ridiculously expensive pair of hiking boots and ended up going back to my steel blues because they just fit me so well.

  • Kecessa@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    You might have flat feet or need more arch support, go to a place where they’re specialized in selling shoes and boots and tell them you’re always uncomfortable.

    Also, cute looking shoes are more often than not not built to be good for your feet, I can’t believe the number of girls/women I’ve met that freeze all winter because they refuse to wear actual winter boots because they’re ugly…

  • darganon@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I have iron rangers that took about two weeks to break in, and now they’re like an extension of me. So comfortable. But the break in period was…trying.

  • meatand2veg@lemmynsfw.com
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    1 year ago

    Work boots? Try Thorogoods, redwings, even a few of the Wolverines brands like Bates are awesome.

    Casual wear boots are somewhat trickier. Gotta just try em on in person see which ones fit to you correctly.

    There is a “break in” period for all leather boots though, where the leather softens at the natural bends when you walk. Takes only a few days if you treat the leather right and keep it clean and moisturized.

  • Usernameblankface@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Redbacks are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever tried yet.

    I always go for the wide shoes whenever I can, because I know my feet are wider than average, and arch supports because I know I have flat feet. You might want to find an expert who can show you many different shapes of shoes or a foot and ankle specialist who can diagnose if you need extra support or anything.

  • indetermin8@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I don’t know if you have this in your town, but there’s an old school shoe store near me that has actual sales people who know their stuff. They’ve never led me astray.

    My current ones are Ecco boots, but I credit the store more than the boots.

  • Buck Fucket@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I’m ready to go to a foot dr whenever I can find the time. I work 10 hr days (sometimes 12-14 hrs when I’m on the road for work). Most if not all on concrete. I’ve tried Keen boots, Sketches, Timberland Pros, etc. Different insoles as well. They all fail way too quickly. I think it’s my feet. I’ve spent well over $400 this year on boots and insoles alone. I’m thinking of trying the Timberland Pro Mudsill boots as my last resort since they have built-in arch support, which is what I think I need. I feel a tearing on the middle of my feet after a long day’s work, which I believe is the plantar fascitis thing.

    • Kecessa@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      You might need custom orthotics but you can’t expect your boots to last if they’re your work boots and you walk on concrete all day. I would go through 3 pairs of shoes/boots a year as a valet.

      • Buck Fucket@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        My employer gives a $75 voucher for boots per year. Would be great if I could find a solution to make them last that long. I should probably invest in an anti-static mat I can put at my US general box since it’s my desk/standing desk lol.

        • Kecessa@sh.itjust.works
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          1 year ago

          Not to be a downer but you’ll never make 75$ last a year. We had a 300$ budget and that didn’t last. No matter the quality our shoes/boots would be ok to wear outside of work after six months, but not to wear all day at work. Shit sucks but just like anything, if it’s used 40h+/week then it will need maintenance, shoes can’t be maintained so they need to be replaced 🤷

  • Crackhappy@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I have some absolutely amazing work boots with steel toe, shank and heel that are very comfortable, but they’re goddamned heavy.

    I also have kinky boots that are not comfortable but very stylish.

  • CapitalismsRefugee@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I love my Thursday boots. I do a fair amount of standing and walking in them and wear them all the time and they’ve always been comfortable for me.