Boots/Blisters

A

AcademyHopeful_50

5-Year Member
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Jul 4, 2012
Messages
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Did a quick search and couldn't find what I was looking for.

I currently have TR Mountain Khyber Hybrid's (the ones USMA said we could get) and have been TRYING to break them in. I went on a 6 mile run with a 30lb pack on 2 days ago, and came back with horrific blisters on identical spots on each of my feet; specifically the back of my foot, right where my achille's meets my heel. I wasn't wearing the thick boot socks that I recently ordered, and they were not laced up as tight as they should have been. My mistake on being stupid.

I went out yesterday and the blisters were killing me. They are grape sized holes in my heel... I ended up walking my route. Today, I was on Belleville's website and followed their sizing instructions and got the boots very tight for 'proper heel placement' and they felt better, however, I believe my problem is the size of the shoe; I am still getting 'heel lift' and my achille's/heel is rubbing hard on the seam when I run or go up an incline.

What would you guys recommend? I am making a pilgrimage to Carlisle this Friday to try different sizes on. For you boot experts; would sizing down from my current 11 to a 10.5 or 10 alleviate the annoying 'heel lift' that is tearing up my heels?
 
Mooradian said:
Did a quick search and couldn't find what I was looking for.

I currently have TR Mountain Khyber Hybrid's (the ones USMA said we could get) and have been TRYING to break them in. I went on a 6 mile run with a 30lb pack on 2 days ago, and came back with horrific blisters on identical spots on each of my feet; specifically the back of my foot, right where my achille's meets my heel. I wasn't wearing the thick boot socks that I recently ordered, and they were not laced up as tight as they should have been. My mistake on being stupid.

I went out yesterday and the blisters were killing me. They are grape sized holes in my heel... I ended up walking my route. Today, I was on Belleville's website and followed their sizing instructions and got the boots very tight for 'proper heel placement' and they felt better, however, I believe my problem is the size of the shoe; I am still getting 'heel lift' and my achille's/heel is rubbing hard on the seam when I run or go up an incline.

What would you guys recommend? I am making a pilgrimage to Carlisle this Friday to try different sizes on. For you boot experts; would sizing down from my current 11 to a 10.5 or 10 alleviate the annoying 'heel lift' that is tearing up my heels?
Click to expand...

It might. Certainly if you are otherwise comfortable in the smaller size it would seem to be the way to go. In the meantime, one word: moleskin.
 
Mooradian said:
I am making a pilgrimage to Carlisle this Friday to try different sizes on. For you boot experts; would sizing down from my current 11 to a 10.5 or 10 alleviate the annoying 'heel lift' that is tearing up my heels?
Click to expand...

Sounds like they are too big, which is a common issue. Did you have yours fitted by someone who knows the boots?

The trick would be to try a half size down, and confirm they are not too short (Lace properly, then scuff the sole of the boot on carpet or similar to confirm your toes do not touch or become cramped.

The only temporary fix for heel lift is to try to lace tighter where the ankle meets the foot. There are tricks to do that, like doing an overhand wrap or two where the laces cross right at the bend of the foot. It will only work if you can tighten up the lower laces enough to "Lock" the heel in the heel cup.

Might be worth a trip to REI and ask for help. They know how to fit boots properly and have a ramp that will check toe fit, etc. I'm sure if you explained they would help. And they know all the lacing tricks to help deal with heel lift. They'll probably get a kick out of the GI boots.

Also pick up moleskin to protect the blister wound while they heal. Another REI item.
 
Mooradian said:
Did a quick search and couldn't find what I was looking for.

I currently have TR Mountain Khyber Hybrid's (the ones USMA said we could get) and have been TRYING to break them in. I went on a 6 mile run with a 30lb pack on 2 days ago, and came back with horrific blisters on identical spots on each of my feet; specifically the back of my foot, right where my achille's meets my heel. I wasn't wearing the thick boot socks that I recently ordered, and they were not laced up as tight as they should have been. My mistake on being stupid.

I went out yesterday and the blisters were killing me. They are grape sized holes in my heel... I ended up walking my route. Today, I was on Belleville's website and followed their sizing instructions and got the boots very tight for 'proper heel placement' and they felt better, however, I believe my problem is the size of the shoe; I am still getting 'heel lift' and my achille's/heel is rubbing hard on the seam when I run or go up an incline.

What would you guys recommend? I am making a pilgrimage to Carlisle this Friday to try different sizes on. For you boot experts; would sizing down from my current 11 to a 10.5 or 10 alleviate the annoying 'heel lift' that is tearing up my heels?
Click to expand...

My advice? Don't run in new boots with a thirty pound rucksack. You never run, in boots, with that weight. A ruck is meant for roughly a 16:00 mile pace, not your APFT time.

More than likely the blisters are horrible because you ran. Try breaking them in through a proper ruck. Blisters are inevitable. Heck, you want to get a few blisters at first to build callouses and toughen your feet.
 
A piece of duct tape on your heel works wonders.

And stop running with a ruck.
 
scoutpilot said:
A piece of duct tape on your heel works wonders.

And stop running with a ruck.
Click to expand...

I really wish this site had a "Like" or Endorse button! My retiree DH has basically broken ankles from running in boots 30 years ago. Thankfully, the military got smart!
 
Repeating what everyone else said...quit running in your boots. Don't add shin splints to the giant blisters.
 
Heading to the PX in Carlisle Friday to try on a smaller size. Definitely should have looked into what I should/shouldn't do with the boots. Ill stop running in them. Thanks everyone.
 
Shin splints

I would suggest you will get several pairs of padded inserts for your shoes and use them all the time. Don't wait until you have shin splints to put the padding in your boots. Putting them in on day one will help prevent or at least greatly reduce the likelihood of getting shin splints.

Good luck to all and remember as you are struggling through your basic training that all of the third second and first class cadets above you went through the same training and survived for the better.
 
Shin splints

I would suggest that you get several pairs of padded inserts for your shoes and use them all the time. Don't wait until you have shin splints to put the padding in your boots. Putting them in on day one will help prevent or at least greatly reduce the likelihood of getting shin splints.

Good luck to all and remember as you are struggling through your basic training that all of the third second and first class cadets above you went through the same training and survived for the better.
 
Mooradian said:
Heading to the PX in Carlisle Friday to try on a smaller size. Definitely should have looked into what I should/shouldn't do with the boots. Ill stop running in them. Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

Get some help from someone in the shoe/boot department with your fit. They are very knowledgeable and helpful in our experiences. Take the socks you plan to wear with the boots or ask for a recommendation when you get there.
 
Is it bad that I haven't gotten any blisters from the boots? I've worn them many times and they just feel comfortable. I mean, I know not getting blisters is good, but do I need to do more to break them in?
 
With your boot sizing question, remember to take into consideration the swelling of your feet. Not sure of the weather and temperature of where you are currently training, but WP in July and early August is going to be really warm (hot) and that 1/2 size could be helpful. Add it to your list of questions for the boot sales person.
 
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