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Help breaking in Alden chukkas

AlonzoMosely

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I got a pair of Alden chukkas (not the unlined suede ones, but the fully lined leather ones on the barrie last with the rubber lug soles). The back of the chukka digs into the back of my ankle like a razor and causes terrible blisters. Is there a way I can speed up the break in process? (Soak the back of the boots in water to soften the leather? Twist the back of the boots with vise grip pliers to break the leather fibers and soften the leather?) Or is this chukka simply not compatible with my feet?
 

Bostonfellow

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I had precisely the same problem with some leather-lined Timberland chukkas a while back. I wore a second, heavy sock with them for a while. That served the dual purpose of protecting my heel and stretching the shoe somewhat. After a few weeks of wearing that way, they were OK with normal sock.
 

fritzl

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Originally Posted by AlonzoMosely
Or is this chukka simply not compatible with my feet?

could be possible.
 

Rusty G.

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You might try something like a bandaid and thick socks for a while until the leather becomes more pliable. However, it may be that the shoe is not a good design for your feet/ankle.
 

JayJay

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The Barrie last has always fit me well from day one regardless of whether it's a boot or shoe on the last.
 

AlonzoMosely

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I think I will try the band aid suggestion (after my current blisters heal) before I start taking tools to the boot.

For some reason, I can never get a Barrie last that fits me. Tried 13d and 12d. These particular ones are a 12.5c and they felt pretty good in the store but now I have this blister problem... Wish Alden made casual shoes on the Hampton last.
 

JayJay

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^^^The Hampton is my favorite and most comfortable Alden last. I also wish more shoes would be available on that last.
 

yachtie

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Originally Posted by JayJay
^^^The Plaza is my favorite and most comfortable Alden last. I also wish more shoes would be available on that last.
fixed it for me.
 

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