Heel slip in new boots normal?

[Neo1824]

Is it normal for your heel to move a little (<1/2 inch) in a new dainite-soled chukka boot? I suspect this is due to the very heavy sole not being broken in yet, and perhaps a little by the boot being a hair big.
Thanks!

 

[j]

You might try flexing the sole at the bend point to see if you can break it in a bit. If it's too big, you could also put thin insoles in there at least until it breaks in. Snugger shoes crease less as well, something to consider.

 

[rnoldh]

Originally Posted by Neo1824

Is it normal for your heel to move a little (<1/2 inch) in a new dainite-soled chukka boot? I suspect this is due to the very heavy sole not being broken in yet, and perhaps a little by the boot being a hair big.
Thanks!

Yeah, Don't worry, it's normal (at least for me)

And I'd much rather have < 1/2 inch of movement when new rather than a little tightness.

To me, I always prefer a shoe very slightly big to one that is the least bit tight.

 

[Neo1824]

Thanks.
I'm debating whether I should try a smaller size (this one is a 1/2 size bigger than I normally get for C&J), or go the tongue pad route. Just seems strange to me to spend this much on a shoe and than need a little stick-on pad to get it to fit right.

 

[j]

Well, if it's a bit loose you have the option of using thick socks if it gets cold, and with Dainite soles it seems those might be for that function. If you size down a half size, you may not be able to wear anything but thin socks.

Why don't you put a thin insole in them? There's no sticking-on involved, it protects the original insoles, and it often makes them more comfortable to walk in. Once the soles break in a bit you can decide if you want to take the insoles out.

 

[Neo1824]

like a Dr. Scholls?

 

[Duveen]

Originally Posted by Neo1824

Thanks.
I'm debating whether I should try a smaller size (this one is a 1/2 size bigger than I normally get for C&J), or go the tongue pad route. Just seems strange to me to spend this much on a shoe and than need a little stick-on pad to get it to fit right.

It's still RTW. It is up to you to find the last and size that work for you, or to correct for the faults until you go bespoke.

I don't mean to pick on you, but this is a common posting when folks "trade up" to their first higher-end shoes. What you pay for from a top-tier maker are: (i) better materials for the uppers and soles - this often includes nice details like cork footbeds that mold to your feet, etc; (ii) a different selection of lasts - these may be better or worse for your feet than other RTW; (iii) some degree of special finishing/handwork/antiquing; (iv) * usually one or the other * marketing budgets / manufacturing inefficiencies.

Fit can get a lot worse with a high-end RTW shoe if the last doesn't match your foot. But - with a few exceptions like Lattanzi and Kiton RTW - the most expensive RTW shoes are a lot less expensive than bespoke, where you truly pay for fit.