You Can Teach Your Feet

So you've bought a new pair of work boots, but are worried that they'll give you blisters like your last pair. You need to listen to your podiatrist and only buy boots that fit properly! Thankfully, the following tips will help you get boots that are comfortable and which won't give you blisters.

Take Time To Properly Fit Them

Don't just buy the first pair of work boots that are your size. The exact fit of an individual boot will vary wildly depending on the brand and the type of boot you buy. That's why you need to carefully fit your feet into the right boot before buying. Start by always trying it on your biggest foot (usually the right) to ensure it's comfortable.

It's surprising how many people don't understand this basic process. Start by putting on a boot you're interested in buying, lace them up, and stand with your toes spread widely. Do you feel any pinches? Immediately take the boot off and try a larger size.

A properly fitting boot should give you enough room to wiggle your toes and enough room at your heel so you can move your foot forward and backward slightly. But if your toe is more than an inch away from the tip of the boot, it's much too large. Remember: you'll be wearing that for eight-plus hours on site at work, so you need to keep trying until you get it right.

Break Them In...But Take A Break

After you've brought your boots home, it's important to break them in properly. The first step is to wear them around the house for about 10 minutes a day. Make sure to take a break or else your feet might develop blisters in your new boots. You can also take them to work and wear them on the job site during breaks, to ensure your feet get used to how they feel in the boots while on site.

Slowly increase the amount of time you spend in your boots until you can handle them for an hour at a time. At that point, they are likely broken in and ready to get heavy-duty time at work. Just make sure to avoid putting them in water or exposing them to heat: these old wives tale remedies don't help!

What To Do If They Still Bring Blisters

What happens if you've properly fit your work boots, worn them in, and you still suffer from blisters? There are a few options. The most obvious is taking them to a shoe shop and getting them adjusted. If that doesn't help, you could always just replace the boot with a larger size. But what if you don't have money to buy a new pair?

Invest in anti-blister gear. Runners often utilize anti-blister socks to help eliminate wear and tear on their feet. This may be adaptable for your boots. Other anti-blister items, such as foot sheaths, may also help you avoid investing in new boots.

However, if you're still having trouble with your boots, make sure to contact your podiatrist right away. They can help measure your feet and find out why your boots are giving you so much problem. You may have a high instep, fallen arches, or another problem that makes it harder for your boots to fit properly.