Boots are great for the winter, but they can be tough on your feet. You know how it goes: you put on a pair of boots, and after five minutes, they start rubbing against your ankles. It’s not just uncomfortable – it can lead to some serious problems!
Contents hide
1 How to Stop Boots from Rubbing Ankles.
1.1 1. Use some Moleskin to the Area.
1.2 2. Stretch your Boots, Using Heat
1.3 3. Wear Thick or Double Socks.
1.4 4. Invest In Fitting Insoles or Heel Grips
1.5 5. Use some Duct Tape
1.6 6. Use Anti-friction Sticks
2 FAQs About Preventing Walking Boot Rubbing
2.1 How Can I Soften The Ankles Of My Boots?
2.2 How Can I Make My Leather boots More Comfortable?
2.3 How do you break in boot ankles?
2.4 Can I prevent rubbing by wearing thicker socks?
2.5 Are certain materials more prone to rubbing?
2.6 Should I size up to avoid rubbing?
2.7 Can rubbing cause blisters even after the hike?
2.8 Can walking boot rubbing be prevented entirely?
2.9 How can I treat blisters if they develop?
Luckily, this article will teach you how to stop boots from rubbing ankles using a few simple tricks that anyone can do!
Everyone hates when their boots start to rub against their ankles. It can be especially painful if you are on your feet all day at work or walking around the city. This rubbing can be a result of a few different issues. One possible cause might be that your foot is too small for the boot or that you simply have a high arch.
The other likely culprit is that you didn’t break in your boots properly before wearing them outside. To prevent these issues from happening, read on for some tips on how to prevent boots from rubbing ankles!
How to Stop Boots from Rubbing Ankles.
Figuring how to stop boots from rubbing ankles is a lot easier than you would think. There are a number of great options available to you, and we’ll go over them one by one.
1. Use some Moleskin to the Area.
Moleskin is designed to be a protective cushion, so it will help with the issue of boots rubbing on ankles.
To apply, simply cut out a small piece of moleskin and stick it on the skin where your boots are rubbing. Make sure that the side that is facing up is sticking firmly to your ankle or foot. If it starts peeling off, simply replace it with a fresh sheet until you’re finished with the pack.
You can find moleskin at your local drugstore, and it should be pretty cheap! This is one of the easiest ways to stop boots from rubbing ankles, so don’t forget to give this a try if you haven’t already!
Check this out:
2. Stretch your Boots, Using Heat
Another method you can use involves using a bit of heat and a few minutes. To do this, simply grab a hairdryer and turn it on at the lowest setting possible.
After waiting for about five minutes, place the hot hairdryer close to your boot until all areas are warm. This step is important because the heat will help stretch out the material in your boot, allowing it to expand and fit against your ankle more comfortably.
You might have to repeat this process two or three times if you’re trying to stretch out a particularly tough pair of boots!
Also read: Best slip on work boots
3. Wear Thick or Double Socks.
This is an easy fix that will not only solve your ankle rub issues but will also keep your feet nice and warm! You can purchase a pack of thick or double socks just about anywhere, so there’s no need to worry.
Simply put them on before wearing your boots. Ensure that you have the right size for maximum comfort!
This is one of the best solutions to keep your heels from rubbing on your boot as they are quick, cheap, convenient, and won’t take much time at all.
Also read: Best work boots for metatarsalgia
4. Invest In Fitting Insoles or Heel Grips
If your boots still rub against your ankles even after following the steps above, it might be time to look into getting some insoles or heel grips. These are especially helpful for people with high arches.
Using them will help accommodate the shape of your foot, allowing you to wear shoes that weren’t previously comfortable. Even if you have flat feet, these insoles can prove beneficial!
They usually come in the form of a thin sheet of a rubber-like material that does not take up much space at all.
Have a look at these insoles:
No products found.
Do steel toe boots damage your feet?
5. Use some Duct Tape
Duct tape is one of those household items that you should always have on hand, as it comes in extremely handy in stopping boots from rubbing ankles.
Just tear off a piece and stick it to your skin! It will create a protective layer between your skin and boot, helping take pressure off your ankle area.
Also read: How to wear ankle boots with long skirts
6. Use Anti-friction Sticks
Anti-friction sticks are also commonly referred to as boot lubricants, and they work in the exact same way. Simply apply a small amount to your ankles or feet before you put on your boots, and go about your day normally!
There are many different types of anti-friction sticks available, so pick one that works best for you. Also, keep in mind that this method might not be ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Check it out:
How to identify fake hunter boots
FAQs About Preventing Walking Boot Rubbing
How Can I Soften The Ankles Of My Boots?
You can use a hairdryer to do this or even place the boot near an open flame so it will start to warm up. Once the boot is warm enough, stuff the boot with as many newspaper balls as you can fit into it, and then allow it to sit overnight.
The newspaper will absorb moisture from the leather, which will make it much softer.
Also read: Over the knee boots that stay up
How Can I Make My Leather boots More Comfortable?
There are dozens of products available that can be used for this. You should pick something that is designed to condition and soften leather, such as mink oil or boot oil.
Apply it just like you would apply a regular shoe cream, and allow it to soak in, so your shoes feel nice and soft.
How do you break in boot ankles?
It’s actually much simpler than you might think: you just don’t break them in! The best way to ensure that boots fit properly is to purchase a half or full size larger than what your feet require. This will take the pressure off your ankles and leave plenty of room for movement and cause no discomfort whatsoever.
Can I prevent rubbing by wearing thicker socks?
While thicker socks can provide extra cushioning, the key is to ensure a proper boot fit. Both the boots and socks should work together to create a comfortable environment.
Are certain materials more prone to rubbing?
Some materials may have a higher friction coefficient than others. However, proper boot fit, lubrication, and preventive measures can help mitigate rubbing regardless of the material.
Should I size up to avoid rubbing?
Sizing up significantly may lead to loose-fitting boots, which can also cause discomfort. Focus on finding the right size and using friction-reduction techniques.
Can rubbing cause blisters even after the hike?
Yes, the effects of rubbing can lead to blisters that may become noticeable after the activity. Proper care and preventive measures can help alleviate this.
Can walking boot rubbing be prevented entirely?
While it’s challenging to prevent rubbing entirely, employing proper fit, techniques to reduce friction, and preventive measures significantly minimize the risk of discomfort and blisters.
How can I treat blisters if they develop?
Clean the blister with antiseptic, puncture it with a sterilized needle, and apply a blister pad. If the blister is large or shows signs of infection, seek medical attention.
As you can see, there are several ways to prevent discomfort when wearing boots.
If your ankles tend to rub against the inside of your boots, try one of our suggestions, and hopefully, it will solve the problem!
We hope this article on how to stop boots from rubbing ankles was helpful!
