Boot issues

[jackelope]

Been wearing the same Meindl Perfekt Hunters for the last 5-6(maybe more) years. Love them...they're like slippers. Decided to try some new boots that I picked up from a friend...never worn, still had tags on them La Sportiva Trango Trek's. Right foot is amazingly comfortable. No heel lift, no issues at all. Left foot hurts like mad on the instep when I step and the boot flexes. Sort of the bridge of my left foot, just back from my big toe. The boot flexes/folds and drives itself into the top of my foot. Was thinking maybe there was too much room in there so maybe I'll try a different footbed but I'm also wondering if it's even worth it. Any thoughts? Maybe just need to get them broken in and it will soften up? It's kind of like there's too much room in there allowing the leather to flex. I've not had this issue with any other shoes or boots.

[JimmyHoffa]

Could try a softening preservative.  I have that issue with most any boot or shoe.  I just wear sparingly at first until finally it works itself out.  Worst is for cowboy boots, but warm water usually takes care of them.

[jackelope]

Could try a softening preservative.  I have that issue with most any boot or shoe.  I just wear sparingly at first until finally it works itself out.  Worst is for cowboy boots, but warm water usually takes care of them.

Get them wet and wear them till they dry?

[pd]

Could try a softening preservative.  I have that issue with most any boot or shoe.  I just wear sparingly at first until finally it works itself out.  Worst is for cowboy boots, but warm water usually takes care of them.

Get them wet and wear them till they dry?

Yep. I know it sounds strange. Lace up your new boots, step in the shower, spray the lower 2/3 with warm water (no water on your socks!). Pat dry, and wear indoors for several hours. Done.

[UBA]

Boot grease everywhere. Hit it witha hair dryer......repeat. Makes the boot soften right up

[jackelope]

I have Obenauf's... I'll give that a go first.

Thanks fellas.

[Timberstalker]

Or boot grease and put them in the oven
Not too long though, like medium rare.

[jackelope]

Or boot grease and put them in the oven
Not too long though, like medium rare.

I greased my Meindl's and put them in the dryer once.
I have a little rack that sits in the dryer that I put them on so they weren't flopping around like crazy. It worked well, but I heard  after I did it that excessive heat could damage leather so I never did that again.

[Chesapeake]

I borrow the wives hair dryer to penetrate the oils into the leather.

I've had a few pairs of boots flex and pinch down on the top of my toes, or just back of my toes, often on the big toe side. I've had mixed results with softening the leather, soaking and wearing dry, and just trying to break them in a little at a time. Most boots pull through, but some never did come around.

I've had the best luck with using Lexol Tack conditioner for break in. But I use it cause my wife has it, not cause I tried lots and that was the best.

I'll put a few layers of 100 mile an hour tape (gorilla tape) over my toes and then go climb some hills so lots of toe bend.

I like the start wet and wear dry method, but it really seems to accelerate the wear on a boot. Wearing them soaked seems to double or triple the miles on them.

[BULLBLASTER]

Depending on the boot and how its held together obenaufs may be a bad idea. I was told to throw it away and not let it near my lowa boots from lathrop and sons. They said it will eat away at certain thread materials and adhesives.

[Alchase]

I have a couple rules I have come to with new boots,

Toe blisters on bottom, adjust socks.
Toe blisters or hotspots on the tips, boots are to loose, try different lacing or to small, return boots.
Hot spot pain in the heal, try a large bandaid for the first couple of days, if that works I keep them them but make adjustments in socks, lacing or toughen my feet wearing them more often.
Pain on top of the foot, adjust lacing, if that does not work immediately, I take them back.
I have yet to break in a boot to the point where top of the foot pain goes away.

[RadSav]

Did you ever try the golf ball?  Or was that another of my PM's that never made it to the recipient

In my La Sportiva's that toe box is some sort of polymer I think.  I once left a Trango Alp in the truck on a hot day with a bunch of gear on top of it.  Had the same problem though it doesn't sound like it is as bad.  Crammed a golf ball in there and ran it under as hot of water as the faucet would go for about ten minutes.  Problem solved.

I would assume a Mall Cobbler could fix it up too.  If you can find one anymore.

[coachcw]

I'd go right back and try a different left boot

[RadSav]

I'd go right back and try a different left boot

They are never worn second hand boots and this model is no longer distributed in the USA.

[coachcw]

So the left didn't fit the other guy either ?

[RadSav]

So the left didn't fit the other guy either ?

  My thinking too!

[Alchase]

Or like mine, my right foot is 1/2 a size longer then my left and my left is 1/2 a size wider then my right, 

 LOL

[JimmyHoffa]

Or like mine, my right foot is 1/2 a size longer then my left and my left is 1/2 a size wider then my right, 

 LOL

You might be an easy one to track. 

[coachcw]

Or like mine, my right foot is 1/2 a size longer then my left and my left is 1/2 a size wider then my right, 

 LOL

that could get spend in less you find a weird buddy that oppo

[jackelope]

So the left didn't fit the other guy either ?

  My thinking too!

Never worn by anyone. Never had an issue with the left foot in any other boots.

[HawkCreek]

I like the start wet and wear dry method, but it really seems to accelerate the wear on a boot. Wearing them soaked seems to double or triple the miles on them.

Soaking leather lets it absorb so much water it expands. The leather expanding against the stitches causes the leather to be cut. It is not a good method for longterm leather care. Works well enough for sheaths and what not (known as wet forming) but you dont soak them only hold them under a facet for 10 seconds or so. I know other people still like and use the soak and wear dry but it's tearing up your boots for no reason.

[Alchase]

Or like mine, my right foot is 1/2 a size longer then my left and my left is 1/2 a size wider then my right, 

 LOL

You might be an easy one to track. 

I have a tendency to walk in circles when tired, LOL

[Labredog]

I had a similar pair of the sportiva's a few years back, kept thinking they would get along with my feet. They never did, the right foot always had to much pressure on the top of my foot right behind my toes. 150+ hiking and hunting miles later I returned to REI and upgraded to Zamberlain's my feet have never been happier. ...Happy feet=Happy hunting!

[Jonathan_S]

Depending on the boot and how its held together obenaufs may be a bad idea. I was told to throw it away and not let it near my lowa boots from lathrop and sons. They said it will eat away at certain thread materials and adhesives.

Yep.  I had two pairs of Wolverine work boots.  I sprayed the first pair down several times through a winter and they broke down while the sole was still brand new.  I mean they ruptured, every stitch just fell apart.

The second pair lasted a couple years without any problems...and without any Obenaufs.  I'm in agreement

[fillthefreezer]

Soaking leather lets it absorb so much water it expands. The leather expanding against the stitches causes the leather to be cut. It is not a good method for longterm leather care. Works well enough for sheaths and what not (known as wet forming) but you dont soak them only hold them under a facet for 10 seconds or so. I know other people still like and use the soak and wear dry but it's tearing up your boots for no reason.

ive gone away from typical leather boots because of this and the shrinking over time. nubuck rough out leather with triple stitch is the hope now

[RadSav]

I hunt the westside in October and November.  So if my boots can't take being soaked I guess I'm in serious trouble!

[jackelope]

So I did about a 4 miles RT hike with these boots on with about a 70 pound pack a few weeks ago, and then a 6 mile'r with a light pack last week and they're starting to feel better. I did skip the eyelets around the pinch point for the first hike. Not sure if that helped or it was just the walking but they're getting better.  I think these boots will work out fine in due time.

[C-Money]

I have Obenauf's... I'll give that a go first.

Thanks fellas.

Good stuff. I use it on my Whites/Nicks routinely.