Blisters and Cowboy Boots

[Ash]

Ok, so I've actually got two questions. I've been going line dancing here lately, and Friday I picked up a new pair of boots. Well, broke them in and stuff, but they're cowboy boots, so they still rub a bit. What can I do to help with the rubbing and prevent blisters?

Also, how can I shrink the leather? They're a size 6 (I normally wear a size 6.5-7), but they're still big on me, which surprises me. So I need to tighten them up a bit more if possible. I'm definitely going to get inserts for them lol. But aside from wearing thick socks (cuz that'll just get nasty and sweaty), any suggestions?

 

[Ash]

Lol oh and before anyone asks the "duh" question, yes I tried them on at the store, but they didn't feel quite as big then. When I start walking isn't when they feel loose, it's when I'm dancing and moving around more in them. And it's not just on the calf, it's the foot part itself, too. They have a wide fit to them.

 

[Laurie]

Find yourself some moleskin or liquid skin and see if this helps Ashley. And seriously, I tried not to laugh when I saw this post, but you made it too easy LOL! Cowboy boots and blisters just sound like they go together! Whatever you do don't pop your blister. That is not a good thing to do. I don't know how to shrink them either, sorry! But I hope your feet feel better soon so you're back on you're dancing toes!

 

[Ash]

Lol I know they go together, but if I can prevent them, well...

And a friend said to a) wet them or b) just stuff tissue in the toe haha.

 

[Spoof]

Vet wrap for your feet, and oil for the leather. They're going to stretch, the only way to 'shrink' leather (if that is what they are) is to let it dry out, but you don't want to do that.

You can try a pair of smartwool running socks, they're big but meant to keep your feet dry. Short of standing in water they really do work.

Good luck!

 

[Ash]

They're real leather. They're Durango boots, which after reading a bit online, apparently seem to run big and 'wide' despite the sizes stated. Thanks for the advice on the socks! Now, anyone have tips how to get my thighs into decent shape so I can wear shorts with the things? You'd think going dancing every weekend and walking to work would do something! But of course not... lol

 

[Laurie]

Okay again I can't even comment on the shorts and cowboy boots Jessica Simpson LOL! I don't think tissue in the toe will work. I tried this once with some shoes and it just ended up hurting my toes. Maybe you could see if you have a cobbler in your area. I do know they still have some shoe repair places around.

 

[Ash]

Lol well my friend who suggested it wears cowboy boots (she rides Western barrels and stuff), and I guess because it's a different type of toe, it might work. And Laurie you're funny! Lol. Therese suggested wearing a skirt instead of shorts and I wanted to reach through the comp and smack her lol I just don't do skirts.

 

[Spoof]

Maybe you could see if you have a cobbler in your area

I haven't seen that word used outside of books - ever. I'm still laughing about it, I don't know why.

Riding boots have a longer, narrower toe for going in the stirrups. Tissue's neat stuff, you can stuff a little tissue in the top, and in the bottom... Padding all around.

 

[AlbertaGirl]

I would also recommend moleskin. I had to practically coat my feet in it before my old boots got properly broken in, but it did the job!

 

[Courtney]

Don't laugh, but what I found worked so, SO well for uncomfortable running shoes is simply lining the inside with duct tape. I have a pair of shoes that rub on my feet and take chunks of skin off... I put the tape on when I first got them, it solved the problem and has stood up to a year of use... running, walking through puddles, the works. It might work as a temporary fix until the leather softens around your foot and your feet toughen up a bit.

 

[tunes]

/mumbles......country wannabee..............

 

[Ash]

LOL Peggy, I'm gonna kick your butt! It's not something I do because I'm trying to be like other people and trying to fit in. Trust me, living in the city, it doesn't help! I've always liked it. JEEZE. Stop picking on me I got made fun of enough in school for it.

 

[tunes]

That's just too funny that we just talked about this in chat the other night. I couldn't resist posting that. <snort>

 

[Melissa]

I dont know anything about softening leather boots.. so forgive me if Im completely wrong here.. But can you try maybe like a leather glove oil? Like soemthing one would use for softball? We would take our new gloves and soak them in water and then slather it up in leather and put a ball in the glove and then put it in the oven.. Ill have to look up the temp as this was years ago. But I would think it might be worth a shot to just try the glove oil. And wear them around while they are oiled up. Do they make boot oil?

 

[Melissa]

LOL Peggy, I'm gonna kick your butt! It's not something I do because I'm trying to be like other people and trying to fit in. Trust me, living in the city, it doesn't help! I've always liked it. JEEZE. Stop picking on me I got made fun of enough in school for it.

You actually TOLD people about it?!

 

[Spoof]

Softening is anything you'd use on a saddle. Neatsfoot oil, murphy's oil (found in your grocery store cleaning section) any saddle oil... but they'll also allow it to stretch more.

 

[Ash]

You actually TOLD people about it?!

What the heck? LOL it was more along the lines of I just didn't fit in. Everyone was listening to Destiny's Child and I was jamming to Tim McGraw... Kinda easy to tell, no?

 

[alpayton]

Don't you let them get you girl...you come on down to my neck of the woods and you and I will go to some of the honkytonks in Nashville for some country girl fun! :thumbsup:

And about that getting the thighs in shape...stair climbing, squats, leg lifts, etc...that should do the trick.

 

[Ash]

Hahaha thanks Amanda! I talked to one of my co-workers who used to teach dance and she said to buy lamb's wool to pack into the toes, so I got some, and I've got some thicker socks, so we'll see how it goes this weekend. I'd love to come down to Nashville for a visit once or twice (or permanently on the outskirts). Maybe I'll have to plan a trip sometime and bunk with you lol