Shoes!

[Staindude]

I bought a pair of New Rocks on ebay and they arrived today Lucky one of my temporary flatmate's was in to sign for them, he was half asleep though and was confused for a bit who the package was for, heh.

I'm not a veteran of boots and shoes, will these need to be broken in so they're comfy? Will they be comfy enough to wear all day in an office? I've been wearing DM workboots this week and my feet are killing me. I can wear trainers tomorrow since it's a one off casual day.

[akasha]

Er...how can I put this...er...it depends how good you are with pain!

My last pair of new rocks were 7 years old when I decided it was time I replaced them. My new pair are now over 2 years old. I wore them all day in Whitby on Saturday and my feet are still healing! I think it took me about 4 years to get the old pair broken in so it doesn't look like the new ones are going to be any different!

I know some people recommend wearing several pairs of socks for the first 3 years at least...

[Forever Young]

I used to put some kitchen roll in my socks on the heels to prevent them rubbing until someone pointed out the logical "wear an extra pair of socks!"

Not before attending a rather lively gig after which I hobbled back to the car, took the boot off and the once cream interior was a nice blood red where my heel had rubbed itself silly!

But they look good!

[Charlotte Autumn]

I found when I was breaking in my combat boots that wearing them around the house for a bit whenever I could was more effective and less painful than putting them on and trying to last all day in them, but if you are going to wear them for long periods straight off, invest in a packet plasters or, even better, the sort that comes in one long sticking plaster strip. That way, you can cut a decent length and slap it over your achillies tendon/ back of your heel (add layers if necessary) and that'll help cushion things and might reduce the blister potential.

[Staindude]

Well these are shoe size, does that make a difference? They're these ones here. I chickened out of wearing them this morning since it's a mile+ walk to work and I didn't have time for a casual stroll.

Am possibly going out tonight so may wear them then, or might just try them for a pop to the shop. (will feel a bit overdressed for Netto tho!)

[Pyromancer]

I think it depends on the person, and the boot / shoe. I've not worn shoes for so long I can't actually remember what they feel like, I always wear DMs, New Rocks, or Converse (or wellies if the occasion demands!).

I bought brand new New Rocks in Whitby, and wore them all day for a couple of days, while there was a bit of discomfort it wasn't bad and they seem fine now (though I've only worn them for clubnights since, as I wear converse to drum and Black Sheep follows our band practices.

My last New Rocks (the ones with the dead zip I need to get sorted) were broken in by going for a six mile hike along the canal one evening, and while they did indeed rub one heel raw and bleeding that day, they were fine afterwards.

Btw, re combat boots, I remember a program about new recruits to the Royal Marines (back in 82 - they wondered on-air if they'd qualify in time to be sent to the Falklands, and were dissapointed when they didn't), and their instructor's reccomended method of breaking in new boots was to get them to walk up and down in a bathtub full of warm water while wearing the boots. Then again, these were presumably the same boots that were then found wanting when qualified marines did yomp over the Falklands, so the type may have been replaced long ago.

[killthenicegirl]

I'd recommend the large patch style wound dressings that you can buy from pharmacists, most ones stock them for feet wounds and ulcers, and while they can be pricey, they have got me few the first few painful wears. I second the vote to wear them little and often around the house with plenty of socks.

(Surgical spirit rubbed on your heels will also toughen up the skin and make it less likely to be soft enough to blister. It will make them hard and hella ugly, but if you want to do it that way, you can.)

[Staindude]

Been wearing them this week and they've been fine, my DM's were way more uncomfortable all last week. I might need more socks though since my feet feel a bit small for em.

They need a bit of a wash now since walking along the canal has made em grey and dusty.

I used to wear converse style shoes during my teens but they look wrong on me now, they look best on David Tennent which I'm definitely not!

[Charlotte Autumn]

I really like the converse type shoe/ boot, but they're difficult to find at a decent price and they wear out dead quickly.

Excellent for customising with a permanent marker and some fabric paints though