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?
Yes
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.
I do not.
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.
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.
To add to this, you might be able to find a store that analyses gait. Usually it’s on treadmills or a machine you stand on.
My final advice is inserts. You might find your most comfortable boot is actually a boot + insert. Orthopedic stores can make custom inserts, too.
I had some waterproof snow boots that were perfectly comfortable once. They were waterproof all the way up to their high top. Nicely cushioned, no breaking in required.
I wish I could remember the brand. It was a long time ago.
I’ve always had Doc Martens boots for casual wear in the winter. They’re really comfortable as long as you break them in by wearing them around the house for half an hour a day for a week or two before going outdoors with them.
Getting cushioned insoles might help?
I wear Doc’s a lot but never in winter! They’re just ice skates in disguise.
I’ve only slipped over in my current pair once in 4 years or so - but I’m in the UK so winter boots for me are more about warmth and rain resistance than snow!
Ah! Makes sense. Here we get snow by the meter. Even in the city on plowed sidewalks Doc’s just don’t cut it unfortunately.
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…
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.
Danners bull run chelsea boot
I dont fuck with laces First boot I’ve ever put on that I had no complaints out of the box. Perfectly comfortable and good all day. I got them because I was looking for a laceless work boot that I could get re-soled as I kept wearing through the soles of my old boots while the leather was still in good shape. I’ve only had them for about 6 months and so far so good. We’ll see how the leather holds up.
My Demonia boots HURT after a few hours. They look so cool though. My husband says his Docs are comfy though.
sounds like you’ve just not found boots that fit you right, I’ve had pain wearing many types of shoes untile I’ve found the size that works be for me,
I got a pair of timberlands that are quite comfortable tho they don’t last very long
Every pair of boots I’ve owned have needed breaking in before becoming comfortable, and then they remained comfortable for the duration of their life.
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.
Timberland, classic for a reason. I originally got them for doing DIY work around the house (and they have saved me from a nail in the foot at least twice so far) but now I legit pick these over my sneakers just for going out for a walk sometimes because they are comfier.
If you don’t mind heavy-as-f***, Carolinas. Insulated, composite toe, waterproof to a foot and change deep. I learned about these from a guy who wears them to fight forest fires in the dead of winter. They’re very comfy and put in a lot of work but holy gods are they heavy.
