Breaking in engineers… blisters and heartbreak

[Leilah RW]

I'll echo @Carlos840 on both points - Get footwear by a brand that's actually renowned for making footwear because chance that any of these "heritage workwear" bozos know how make a boot are not worth the risk.

If your boots are forcing you to endure over 10 minutes of discomfort, let alone pain, you're either gotten ****med or the maker is fundamentally incompatible with you (which is rarely ever the case).

You have boots that **** ***. They shouldn't be uncomfortable and they shouldn't hurt your feet and you are absolutely NOT supposed to be breaking them in. That you have to "break in" your leather boots is the vilest thing the internet experts made me believe.

You don't break in anything - It's the ****ty boots that literally breaks in your feet. And your spirit.
Brain is good at tuning out incessant discomfort and even pain which will make us think that our new ****ty boots are becoming broken in.

I can with absolute certainty tell you to give Red Wings Iron Rangers a chance. They're the only one of these old looking leather boots that didn't make me feel like I'm wearing old looking leather boots. I didn't try their engineers but if you're dead set on them, give RW's version a chance as well because if they're anything like Rangers, you've nothing to worry about.

Well - looks like they’ll be an eBay job!
Or perhaps some nice shelf decor for the studio ha.

I have a few pairs of Iron Rangers - super comfortable from the get go. Tbf, every pair of Red Wings I’ve ever owned have been comfortable straight out of the box. There you go!

 

[MrProper]

Well - looks like they’ll be an eBay job!
Or perhaps some nice shelf decor for the studio ha.

I have a few pairs of Iron Rangers - super comfortable from the get go. Tbf, every pair of Red Wings I’ve ever owned have been comfortable straight out of the box. There you go!

Lucky you. I really like Red Wing boots, but unfortunately they don't fit my foot shape. I would need half sizes, but they don't exist for me. So I sold almost all of them again. They were never so comfortable that I wanted to wear them for more than a few hours.
My current boots are different. Wore them for a day at home, a 5km walk in the rain and I could wear them for several days in a row and they are super comfortable. I'm now too old for uncomfortable shoes lol

 

[pillepalle123]

2 pairs of socks are effective at preventing blisters. One thin synthetic one and a (usually thicker) wool or cotton sock over that.

Leather grease. Inside and outside of areas that cause blisters.

Kneading/Hitting with a glass bottle the areas that are causing blisters.

That is how the military used to do it when they still had real footwear.

Soaking in warm water then wearing might help some as well, but not a big fan of that.

 

[Fiedi]

Hi, I had engineerboots of Chippewa, Viberg, Attractions and Clinch so far but non of them had a leatherlining as you write - if you get warm feet in the boots which have a bit heelslip and the leatherlining is just a bit loose I think this could cause blisters. According to my experience it is not an advantage to have a lining in snug leatherboots but better a thick upperleather without lining

 

[Edward]

Cure for blisters:

Blisters are basically the top layer of the skin separating from the deeper layers due to constant friction. So you have to elimnate the friction:

First open the blisters and remove any moisture.

Buy some medical tape (at least two inches in widhth) and cover the blistered area. Then secure the tape with two more strips placed above and under the first one.
Just make sure you pull the tape off in the evening and use disinfectant.

All these worked during my army days when we had to sometimes hike for days in uneven terrain in inappropriate footwear.

In my hiking days at school, I remember gonig out into the Mournes for four days and being the only one who didn't blister. What I did was something my grandmother professed to have seen in some documentary about the army... coated my feet in vaseline every morning before putting the socks on. Felt a bit weird initially, but sure did the job. No idea how it worked. Weirdly, I'd had a verruca on one foot before I went out. Totally gone when I got home...


Engineer boots are a tricky beast to size. I've always gotten on best with some that feel a little loose and adding a thick foam insole. My short (7" shaft) Chippewas were the hardest to break in. At first I could only get into them with no socks, then on/off was a challenge. After a month to six weeks, a total non-issue. The only pair that really blistered me though were my first - a pair of Grinders (Wild One model, with the deep-traction commando style sole). They were a bit too loose, felt like maybe half a size big (though they only came in full sizes, and a size down was definitely too small). That's when I learned how a thick memory foam insole made all the difference in the world.

It's a rare new boot that doesn't rub me the first few wears, though. I tend to avoid the blistering by only wearing them for limited periods and round the house until the rubbing stops, then alternating them with other footwear for a bit. My Iron Rangers responded very well to this about thirteen years ago, and were probably the most comfortable boots I've ever had thereafter, until now needing a new sole after so long of heavy wear. (At that I might even get away with just a heel swap, but given the cost / hassle of doing it by mail, it seems to make more sense to to the whole lot at once.)

 

[Pandemic]

For me, the only issue I’ve had breaking in engineer boots has been with the top lip biting into my calf. Pulling the sock up and rolling it over the top helps a bit, but it’s not until the shaft starts to collapse that it really gets comfortable

 

[Edward]

For me, the only issue I’ve had breaking in engineer boots has been with the top lip biting into my calf. Pulling the sock up and rolling it over the top helps a bit, but it’s not until the shaft starts to collapse that it really gets comfortable

Oddly, I've only experienced that with much shorter boots. Weather seems to affect it, though. I wore a pair of Clarks Bushacre 3s in Beijing last month at below freezing. Though I'd bought them for Summer wear, they proved to cope just fine with the cold.... except that on the first day out at below freezing they must have stiffened, and they rubbed a small raw spot above my ankle where the lip of the top sat. Never happened from new before. A day off in lower shoes, and it didn't repeat when I went back to them. Odd.

 

[Jon Crow]

Oddly, I've only experienced that with much shorter boots. Weather seems to affect it, though. I wore a pair of Clarks Bushacre 3s in Beijing last month at below freezing. Though I'd bought them for Summer wear, they proved to cope just fine with the cold.... except that on the first day out at below freezing they must have stiffened, and they rubbed a small raw spot above my ankle where the lip of the top sat. Never happened from new before. A day off in lower shoes, and it didn't repeat when I went back to them. Odd.

I have Clarke's slip on leather shoes Edward, with thick rubber soles, I love walking in them, I hate when boots rub my feet though as I have broad feet, hence the Clarks

 

[Tom71]

For me, the only issue I’ve had breaking in engineer boots has been with the top lip biting into my calf. Pulling the sock up and rolling it over the top helps a bit, but it’s not until the shaft starts to collapse that it really gets comfortable

I have had that only once, with my new pair of WesCo Morrison boots. They fit well, so I kind of naively put them on and went out and about. I was only able to get them off again after hours of wear and had blöody calfs/shins with the skin torn over 2-3 inches on both legs.
I finally broke them in, using tape over the affected areas and now, after half a year of wear, they´re fine. I rarely have blisters and sores, but tghat was an experience not to be repeated.

 

[Edward]

I have Clarke's slip on leather shoes Edward, with thick rubber soles, I love walking in them, I hate when boots rub my feet though as I have broad feet, hence the Clarks

I'm a fan of Clarks, it has to be said. They deserve a lot more credit than they get, even discounting nostalgia. I wore them to school for years as a kid. My first pair of "dressy" shoes, worn as an only pair of dress shoes for well over a decade (still got them; a split in the ankle now means thy aren't worth another heeling, but even so there's plenty of life left in them as a stay at my parents for an 'in case' pair when I'm there) was a pair of Clarks my dad bought for med on Regent Street. £32 in a half price sale in January 1999, just when I first got the job in London...

My latest footwear purchase is waiting for me the next time I go into the office. A pair of smooth leather desert boots, with a goodyear welted leather sole. Chanced across a NOS pair on eBay; I think Clarks only did them for a short while a few years ago. That's a model I wish they'd bring back. I adore my Bushacres, but I don't know if they'll ever support a resoling. If they would, I'd be tempted to get leather or Dainite on them.... hopefully won't need to look into that for a few years yet.

 

[Jon Crow]

I'm a fan of Clarks, it has to be said. They deserve a lot more credit than they get, even discounting nostalgia. I wore them to school for years as a kid. My first pair of "dressy" shoes, worn as an only pair of dress shoes for well over a decade (still got them; a split in the ankle now means thy aren't worth another heeling, but even so there's plenty of life left in them as a stay at my parents for an 'in case' pair when I'm there) was a pair of Clarks my dad bought for med on Regent Street. £32 in a half price sale in January 1999, just when I first got the job in London...

My latest footwear purchase is waiting for me the next time I go into the office. A pair of smooth leather desert boots, with a goodyear welted leather sole. Chanced across a NOS pair on eBay; I think Clarks only did them for a short while a few years ago. That's a model I wish they'd bring back. I adore my Bushacres, but I don't know if they'll ever support a resoling. If they would, I'd be tempted to get leather or Dainite on them.... hopefully won't need to look into that for a few years yet.

I actually bought my wife a pair of Clarks hiking boots today while on offer, she's another Clarks fan haha she wears her Clarks soft leather ankle boots to go to the office the desert boots sound nice

 

[jchance]

Clarks belongs to some of the few quality mall brands I still buy. Otherwise I can’t find what I want to wear in the mall.

 

[barnabus]

I'm a fan of Clarks, it has to be said. They deserve a lot more credit than they get, even discounting nostalgia. I wore them to school for years as a kid. My first pair of "dressy" shoes, worn as an only pair of dress shoes for well over a decade (still got them; a split in the ankle now means thy aren't worth another heeling, but even so there's plenty of life left in them as a stay at my parents for an 'in case' pair when I'm there) was a pair of Clarks my dad bought for med on Regent Street. £32 in a half price sale in January 1999, just when I first got the job in London...

My latest footwear purchase is waiting for me the next time I go into the office. A pair of smooth leather desert boots, with a goodyear welted leather sole. Chanced across a NOS pair on eBay; I think Clarks only did them for a short while a few years ago. That's a model I wish they'd bring back. I adore my Bushacres, but I don't know if they'll ever support a resoling. If they would, I'd be tempted to get leather or Dainite on them.... hopefully won't need to look into that for a few years yet.

My everyday boots for all purposes and situations are Clarks. Clarkridge Top suede Chelseas. I have black and brown pairs and they are literally the best.

 

[Jon Crow]

My everyday boots for all purposes and situations are Clarks. Clarkridge Top suede Chelseas. I have black and brown pairs and they are literally the best.

They sell those here in Madrid, nice boots

 

[MrCC]

Hi folks,

I’m hoping for some guidance, or perhaps some emotional support from the seasoned engineer boot wearers here.

A few months ago, I finally took the plunge and had a pair of custom engineer boots made by Prof Barnets. They’re made out of Maryam horsehide and lined in lambskin. They’re absolutely gorgeous. They feel like s*** brick houses on my little lady feet but I expected nothing less. Impeccable craftsmanship - I cannot praise these guys enough.

However, here’s what I’m dealing with:
When they first arrived, they were incredibly hard to get on, but once I managed it, my feet kind of locked in nicely. The toe box felt good, the length perfect, but the instep on one was noticeably tighter than the other. Now, after half a dozen wears (maybe six or seven short outings), I’ve broken them in just enough that they’re easier to get on - but still much, much harder to get off.

The main issue is that every time I wear them, I end up with nasty blisters on my heels so bad I can barely walk. Today was the worst yet - I ended up tiptoeing back to the car, walking like my feet were on the wrong ankles because the pain was so bad. I’ve worn them with thick sports socks which I now realise may have been a mistake, and a friend has since suggested I try merino wool boot socks, which I’ve now ordered. But still… I’m concerned this is more than just a “wrong socks” issue.

I don’t think it’s a length or width problem - the fit itself feels perfect once I’m in. There’s moderate heel slip but I’ve had worse with my RW’s and that was very temporary.

I’m going to Japan in a few months, and I’d planned to take these boots with me, but there’s no way I could walk around the city in them as things stand. I’m gutted, especially because cool engineer boots in women’s sizing are practically non-existent, which is why I went custom in the first place.

So I guess I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Or if anyone might have a few tips and tricks to fix the heel issue/speed up the break in?

Thanks in advance. I’d really love to make these boots work.

Leilah, just stumbled across this old thread if yours
Just on the "taking them off", use this thing
I never thought about it (DHO) until your mate Max at the Red Wing store in Carnaby Street produced it to get my newly acquired 2966 off my feet few months ago!
Game changer

 

[MrCC]

Leilah, just stumbled across this old thread if yours
Just on the "taking them off", use this thing
I never thought about it (DHO) until your mate Max at the Red Wing store in Carnaby Street produced it to get my newly acquired 2966 off my feet few months ago!
Game changer

This

 

[01flhr]

This

Thats called a boot jack. Its so you dont have to scuff up your heels with your opposite toe to get your boots off, so i was told ages ago.

 

[hardlyworkingman]

Thats called a boot jack. Its so you dont have to scuff up your heels with your opposite toe to get your boots off, so i was told ages ago.

i bought one with leather, it is less abrasive on boots.

Wood Boot Jack with Leather

 

[Boulderunner]

Maybe get a boot stretcher and a boot jack for getting them off. Also my first pair of clinch boots were clearly too small for me and I’m also a EE width on right and F width on left and honestly I get zero heel slip but have never gotten blisters. I bought a boot stretcher and mostly widened the front of the boot I also wore them In a bunch of snow and kneeled down and stretched them to accommodate my feet and now the fit like a glove.

My opinion on why you have blisters is that professor barnett makes super stiff boots with massive midsole and thick sole leather that is incredibly rigid and may never loosen up. If you want a pair of engineers that will be comfortable I recommend 1) Role clubs: he will build them to your foot and unless you specify the soles aren’t so thick to be painful. My role clubs are my most comfy pair.
2) avoid clinch, Barnetts for sure unless you want pain

Buy a boot stretcher to give you more space
But a boot jack to get the boots off very quickly.
Wear the boots for half hour at a time at first. Bend down and walk in snow or up hills really try and bend the leather, especially the soles and footbox.
Lofgren and Wesco I find to be more comfortable and not quite so stiff
Lastly, consider a used pair for your first. Let somebody else take the pain.

Engineer boots, and any boots that are heavy and have thick heels are going to be, all things considered, pretty uncomfortable. I walk 10-12 thousand steps a day at work. When I wear my engineers to work it’s a special occasion because I get super sore low back and hip flexors now from lugging 8 pound boots with 3 inch dogger heels around for 6 miles at work. Bad idea….

 

[Monitor]

Engineer boots, and any boots that are heavy and have thick heels are going to be, all things considered, pretty uncomfortable. I walk 10-12 thousand steps a day at work.

That's just... No.

No matter what type of boots they are or what kind of leather they're made of, quality pair of boots must and in my experience, will be comfortable right out of the box. Reasonably wearying, at the very worst but straight up discomfortable, not to mention painful - Never.

I've been through uncomfortable and painful boots but the blame was, without exception, either my own (wrong size) or the maker was trash.