I’ve been having a hard time finding a pair of work boots that fit right.
The clerks at the local shoe store harassed me, each of them coming up to ask if I needed help within a minute of each other, when the store was small enough that they could see and hear that I politely refused help from their coworkers because I just wanted to browse. When the fourth annoying asswipe bothered me, I almost lost my temper. Then they all huddled by their kiosk and stared at me. I walked out and will never return. Customer service doesn’t mean breathing down your customer’s fucking neck.
The first pair I ordered online, and despite being my size, felt about two sizes too large. Those I returned.
I ordered another pair that seemed to fit ok, but after hours of wear they rubbed the back of my ankles raw. I can’t return those because they’re worn. Out $170.
Ordered two more pairs. One is about a half size too large, but otherwise seems ok. Maybe I should try those in a smaller size, but I don’t know. The other pair is so heavy it feels like I’m wearing concrete shoes.
I went to a Red Wing store where the clerk measured my feet and recommended a pair. They felt good in the store. I wasn’t happy to pay $300, but they are well made boots and I felt confident they wouldn’t give me trouble. After two days of wear, the soles of my feet are sore, and the skin is peeling from the backs of my ankles where they have been rubbed. If that’s normal break in, then fuck that. For $300 and a professional fitting, I expect my boots not to hurt my feet.
I don’t know what to do now except go back to the old model I wore. My old boots were breathable as a plastic bag and left my feet soaked in sweat at the end of the day, but at least they didn’t hurt.
