Tuff start but with it
I bought these boot 4 month’s ago. Having always had 6” lace-up work boots I was skeptical but wanted to give these a try. I usually wear a size 11, which is what I ordered without trying these on 1st. Initially, when I tried them on I was very concerned. They were extremely tight fitting on the top of my foot, to the point where I almost gave up on them. When I say tight on the top, I mean really tight, although I could still wiggle my toes. I tried thinner socks, which helped the top of my foot pain, but this made my heal slip a little. I then added an arch support in-sole underneath the stock in-sole which seemed to help the heal-slip. After about 3-4 weeks the top of my foot started to feel better as the boots began to get broken in and the leather loosened up a bit. I then was able to go back to a thicker sock, which is what I prefer. One thing worth noting about my experience is the top of foot pain was more pronounced when sitting, when there was hardly any weight on the amply cushioned stock in-sole. I usually spend about 1/2 my day sitting and 1/2 in the field so that probably prolonged the break-in period a bit. Now that I’m 4-months in I couldn’t be happier with these boots, they are very comfortable. They seem durable too, the leather has been slashed by sharp objects a few times and they still stay dry in wet weather. I do enjoy being able to slip them on in a few seconds rather then going through the whole lace-up routine, ain’t nobody got time for that! Also worth noting, I’m not sure of the cause but I never experienced any foot odor issues until wearing these boots. It’s not outrageous or anything (I think) but is something to be aware of. Overall, a great work boot I would recommend to others, just don’t get discouraged while you’re breaking them in, it will be worth it in the end.
