Breaking in boots

[greyim]

My leather work and walk boots go straight into the first creek, no problem

[flatfoot]

Which doesnt really help with the scarpas does it...

I'd probably try the wet through technique you mentioned, ive heard it used before also. Packing with newspaper (especially where they are tight) and soaking may help... sorry, not really personal experienced....
maybe your unusuall heavy or wide on the heels also?

My feet are fairly wide. I wear size 9 in AU sizing.

Before my last walk, I used my hand to flex the leather at the back of the boot about 10 times. I'll probably try that before putting my boots on for the next few walks.

The scarpas don't seem to have as many rows of hooks as some boots.

[Liamy77]

hey with the wet leather thing - just a caution: dry the boots as slowly as practicable ie dont dry them out too fast, and DO treat em with snow seal (or similar) not kero/ dubbin / oil based treatment that can rot stitching out.... your boots will last longer once you get em comfy that way!

[cams]

One thing I'll add. I have Vasque leather boots. One reason I got these was because the shops I went to said they couldn't get wide sizes in the Scarpa's so hearing people talking about the different widths here is interesting. Anyway, my feet are about half a size different and after initially getting a major blister on the heel of one foot (the smaller one) when using the boots I have found a good setup where I use two thicker smartwool socks on the smaller foot and one thin liner and one smartwool on the larger foot. This combined with lacing the arch section much looser than the ankle has given me blister and virtually pain free walking so far. So yeah, maybe if your feet are different sizes try different solutions for each foot instead of automatically doing the same thing on both sides.

As far as treating blisters I use the white leukoplast tape rather than the brown cloth type. It has a smoother surface and possibly forms a tougher shell. I'll usually put one of those blister bandaids underneath aswell.

[Liamy77]

i find the cloth version sticks better.... especially damp / sweat... i usually cut a melolin / release (non-stick pad) dougnut share to go around the rubbed bit / blister too as needed. i use 2 pairs of socks too a lighter pair inside explorers outer i figure the slippage is sock on sock not foot on sock - rarely any blisters for me so far... dry em & foot powder at night ....

[Genesis]

Just purchased a pair of Asolo TPS535 and so far I find them to be an excellent fit with little wearing in, However after a walk in them tommorow I will have a real feel for them but so far they are excellent.