Boots No Longer Fit Well

Q. Hi I have read other Qs & As on boots no longer fitting well and wanted to know if your feet can shrink over time. In 2008 I walked for 11+ hours in the Alps one day (in my 2007 Scarpa Nepal walking boots) with very little problems. 1 year later; after doing little walking, I set off in the same waking boots up Snowden [sic]. I was left severely sore with no skin on either sides of my heels. During the walk I tightened the boots, fitted plasters, tried 2 pairs of socks but to no avail. These boots are tough to tighten and feel almost like wearing a ski boot. However the only problem is the heel area. I have since discovered that another pair of less rigid boots I use also are rubbing around the heel, though not quite as bad. I tried 1000 mile socks under my Smartwool hiking socks, but still the heel moves enough to get blistered. I am very sad as I have only used my Scarpas 3 times. But after the damage of Snowden [sic]; I dare not risk it. Thanks for any advice.

Johnny Watton, Newtown

A. Hi, I just joined last night and was interested by your Q as I am experiencing the same thing. My Salomon walking boots, the most comfortable footwear I own, have suddenly started giving me bad blisters and I'm off to Nepal in October. I really don't want to have to buy new boots. My only tip is to try some gel insoles. I got Sofsole by Arch in Blacks and they help a lot.

Olivia Rosen, London

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