My trusty walking boots have developed a tiny hole near the sole. I’ve also had a couple of blisters recently which is unusual and I think it may be because my boots are wearing out on the inside. They’ve been such faithful friends, travelling with me around the world and supporting me on volcanoes, glaciers and grubby city streets as well as countless times on my local Peak District hills.
I really don’t want them to go, but realise the day will soon arrive when I have to retire them. I may use them as plantpots in my yard. With this in mind I have been looking for some new boots. I need boots that are waterproof, sturdy and supportive, but don’t cost the earth.
Just before going to Devon I bought myself a pair and took them with me to trial them. I took my old boots as well and alternated between them. The new boots feel like they’ve been filled with air; I almost bounce along the paths. This is wonderful and I would be completely sold on them, but they feel very stiff. I’m hoping it’s just a case of allowing time to soften them. Not too long though.
I took a picture of them on the Braunton to Barnstaple leg of the coast path. I think I’ll keep my original picture on the blog though.
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Wow, I feel your pain! It’s such a tough moment when your old boots, which have been like a pair of trusted, grumpy bodyguards for your feet, finally start giving up the ghost. I mean, they’ve been everywhere—volcanoes and glaciers! Those boots deserve a medal, not a retirement! Turning them into plant pots is actually a lovely, symbolic idea. 🪴
It sounds like the new ones are giving you a classic “new shoe dilemma.” It’s great they feel like they’re “filled with air”—that bouncy joy is exactly what you want! But yeah, that stiffness can make them feel like you’ve strapped two wooden planks to your ankles.
Fingers crossed that the Devon trial run works out and they soften up fast. There’s always that delicate breaking-in period that’s like trying to reason with a stubborn mule, but once you win, they’ll be your next great adventure companion! Good luck with the softening process! Let us know how the next hike goes!