Work boots burn my feet

[Madalin99]

Hello, and sorry if my question is out of the ordinary, but I see so much experienced people in this forum, I had to ask this one.
I've been experiencing burning sensation and hot sweaty feet in my new work boots, which I've been trying to break them in for 1 week so far. Boots name are Site Ironstone boots, uk bought as I live here.
My problem is that, I've seen a podiatrist in the last days and she said I have over-pronation( she suggested custom molded insoles at 410£) and this is the cause that my feet burn in work boots, get sweaty, hurt. Do note, in the last 3 weeks I have bought so many insoles and socks, but none work ( i wear thick puma socks in these current work boots, which im currently thinking of giving them one more try in thiner ones before I return them)
This issue started recently, when I changed my old boots and the weather got bad and needed new and water proof.

Please, if anyone can solve my issue, it may be the boots, it may be the socks, or it might be a different condition I dont know! 4 years in construction and never had this issue this bad until now.

 

[Bradypus]

If your new boots are so unpleasant to wear then I would suggest you bin them now rather than look around for ways to make them more wearable for you. You do not say which Camino - if any - you intend to walk. None of the Spanish Caminos are rough enough to make heavy boots essential. Something lighter and more breathable might be a better choice. I generally use leather work boots bought from places like Sports Direct but have also used lighter fabric versions very successfully. I usually replace the original insoles with gel ones. People have very different preferences and different reactions to footwear. I think that going back to a type of footwear you have already used without problems would be a better bet than forcing yourself to carry on with something obviously unsuitable.

 

[november_moon]

You might want to give people a chance to read your question and answer - you posted your question about a half hour ago, and the follow up about 20 minutes after.

 

[Madalin99]

You might want to give people a chance to read your question and answer - you posted your question about a half hour ago, and the follow up about 20 minutes after.

Do apologize

 

[Bradypus]

Another thought. In the current hot weather very lightweight socks would be a good idea. Walking in temperatures like this I would wear two pairs of Coolmax liner socks which are very effective in wicking away moisture while allowing the feet to remain fairly cool.

 

[Madalin99]

Another thought. In the current hot weather very lightweight socks would be a good idea. Walking in temperatures like this I would wear two pairs of Coolmax liner socks which are very effective in wicking away moisture while allowing the feet to remain fairly cool.

I will give that a try aswell, what boots would you suggest I go for? The old ones are ok, thing is they came with defect from ebay and hurt my small toe a bit, but manageble, but they are not waterproof. As for these ones, tommorow I return then, no more
Ps, I have some bridgedale socks, but thicker ones, would these be good or too thick?

 

[Bradypus]

I will give that a try aswell, what boots would you suggest I go for? The old ones are ok, thing is they came with defect from ebay and hurt my small toe a bit, but manageble, but they are not waterproof. As for these ones, tommorow I return then, no more

I cannot recommend any particular model or brand because I pay very little attention to those. You do not need very technical footwear to walk the Caminos but it does have to be comfortable and a decent fit. I tend to buy cheap boots and replace them quite often rather than spend large amounts on premium brands. I have no problem with wearing leather work boots for all of my walking but I have also used something very like this from Sports Direct. I never really believe the claims footwear companies make for being waterproof but they are usually good enough for the use I make of them.
https://www.sportsdirect.com/gelert-snowden-waterproof-mens-walking-boots-182081?colcode=18208105

 

[Madalin99]

I cannot recommend any particular model or brand because I pay very little attention to those. You do not need very technical footwear to walk the Caminos but it does have to be comfortable and a decent fit. I tend to buy cheap boots and replace them quite often rather than spend large amounts on premium brands. I have no problem with wearing leather work boots for all of my walking but I have also used something very like this from Sports Direct. I never really believe the claims footwear companies make for being waterproof but they are usually good enough for the use I make of them.
https://www.sportsdirect.com/gelert-snowden-waterproof-mens-walking-boots-182081?colcode=18208105

Have to be steel toe, or composite cap as I work in construction.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

My problem is that, I've seen a podiatrist in the last days and she said I have over-pronation( she suggested custom molded insoles at 410£) and this is the cause that my feet burn in work boots, get sweaty, hurt. Do note, in the last 3 weeks I have bought so many insoles and socks, but none work

Walking the CF I was having a knee problem. I paid close attention to my walking and I noticed over-pronation. I wadded up some toilet paper and inserted it under the boot's insole in the instep area. Later, due to compression of the original paper, I had to add to the wad. The problem went away. I've since gotten insoles but, three years later, the paper in the boots still remains because the wad does the job. A lot cheaper than those custom insoles you wrote about.

 

[november_moon]

No need to apologize. You just seemed a little impatient for an answer was all.

 

[trecile]

I will give that a try aswell, what boots would you suggest I go for? The old ones are ok, thing is they came with defect from ebay and hurt my small toe a bit, but manageble, but they are not waterproof. As for these ones, tommorow I return then, no more
Ps, I have some bridgedale socks, but thicker ones, would these be good or too thick?

I wouldn't suggest boots at all. I wore lightweight trail running shoes on both of my Caminos. If you insist on bringing boots you should also bring some hiking sandals so you have something else to wear when the boots cause you problems.

 

[Tincatinker]

@Madalin99 a website devoted to walking the Caminos, long distance hikes in Spain and elsewhere, probably isn't the best place to get good advice about PPE (Personal Protective Eqipment) though I appreciate your concerns and why you are reaching out.
I can also appreciate that advice to spend 10 x the cost of the boots on insoles is a bit unsettling. I'd probably want a second-opinion before I spent that kind of money. But this isnt where i would try to get that advice. It seems highly unlikely to me that excessive pronation would cause your feet to over-heat and if you search the Internet for pronation you will see why I say that.
As you work in construction and presumably as a subbie your employer has no doubt evaded their responsibilities and made owning your own boots a hiring requirement rather than provide them as guidance suggests they should.
The burning sensation is probably attributable to the highest June temperatures on record in the UK and that the water-proof membrane in your Ironstones mean that your feet can't breathe. You may need to either spend more money on boots that have some breathiability or endure the discomfort.

 

[Madalin99]

@Madalin99 a website devoted to walking the Caminos, long distance hikes in Spain and elsewhere, probably isn't the best place to get good advice about PPE (Personal Protective Eqipment) though I appreciate your concerns and why you are reaching out.
I can also appreciate that advice to spend 10 x the cost of the boots on insoles is a bit unsettling. I'd probably want a second-opinion before I spent that kind of money. But this isnt where i would try to get that advice. It seems highly unlikely to me that excessive pronation would cause your feet to over-heat and if you search the Internet for pronation you will see why I say that.
As you work in construction and presumably as a subbie your employer has no doubt evaded their responsibilities and made owning your own boots a hiring requirement rather than provide them as guidance suggests they should.
The burning sensation is probably attributable to the highest June temperatures on record in the UK and that the water-proof membrane in your Ironstones mean that your feet can't breathe. You may need to either spend more money on boots that have some breathiability or endure the discomfort.

I will take your advice and have a second oppinion

 

[Tia Valeria]

I will take your advice and have a second oppinion

Doc Martins make steel toe capped boots. Can be kept waterproof with spray or polish.
Corrymoor socks also might help, online only. We use them with a Coolmax liner.

 

[t2andreo]

I wore prescription orthotic insoles from my podiatrist for 4 Caminos. This year, I still had the problem with calluses on my heels that I usually have to varying degrees all the time, even when I am not on Camino.

I developed blood blisters UNDER the calluses. the pain and bleeding forced me to seek a podiatrist at Monforte de Lemos (on the Invierno) to cut the calluses from my feet and treat the underlying problem. It is also necessary to prevent infection. Dr. Santiago Rodriquez (seriously, that was his name) was FABULOUS!

That doctor recommended I try GEL type insoles. So, I went to the local faramcia to buy some supplies he recommended to me. While there, I saw a large display of Dr. School's insoles, in Spanish of course. I selected the proper size gel insole and wore them for the remainder of that Camino.

It was like walking on a cloud. The relatively inexpensive (< €20) store-bought gel insoles performed better than the very expensive, prescription foam insoles from my doctor at home. Your results might be different from mine.

When I returned home, I sought a new podiatrist as I had moved from Virginia to Florida. I brought my boots and prescription orthotics to him, as well as the new gel insoles.

The new doctor, who is also a runner, examined everything and told me to wear whatever worked best for me. He went on to tell me that making orthotics is an expensive and subjective science. What works best in the doctor's office is not always what works best in regular use. So, he could not find fault with wearing the highly cushiony gel insoles.

So, it looks like I will be wearing the gel insoles from now on. BTW, locally, I found a version of the same insoles but made for a fellow weighing more than 200 pounds..that would be me.

One note of caution, airport security take a dim view of SOME gel insoles. So, IMHO it is best to travel with the standard insoles and pack your gel insoles in checked luggage. OR, you can hope to find some on the arrival end.

I recall that about 10 - 12 years ago, the fellow who tried to light his trainers with a match (the explosive putty/gel was in the insoles) onboard an aircraft, started all of this. Fortunately, he was too stupid to realize that, at a pressurized altitude of 8,000 feet ASL, matches do not ignite easily...

Hope this helps.

 

[Hiawatha]

You have answered your own question I suspect , Mandalin , '' Four years in construction '' without this occurring before .
I know good work boots are not cheap , but then neither are 410 pound orthotics , time to reconsider the brand or type of work boot .
One suggestion is to buy a size or two larger that will allow one of the over the counter self moulding inner soles used by diabetics , I use them , I'm not a diabetic , I find them marvelous so do my neighbours , all farmers in work boots and Wellingtons all day . Keith my closest neighbour cursed me for introducing him to them . '' Blast '' he said , or some words stronger , I'm going to have to replace every pair of shoes I've got now , I'm never wearing another pair without these soles in them .
NeatFeat inner soles .
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au...-Footcare-Diabetic-Self-Moulding-Insole-Large

 

[Jane Silverman]

Hello, and sorry if my question is out of the ordinary, but I see so much experienced people in this forum, I had to ask this one.
I've been experiencing burning sensation and hot sweaty feet in my new work boots, which I've been trying to break them in for 1 week so far. Boots name are Site Ironstone boots, uk bought as I live here.
My problem is that, I've seen a podiatrist in the last days and she said I have over-pronation( she suggested custom molded insoles at 410£) and this is the cause that my feet burn in work boots, get sweaty, hurt. Do note, in the last 3 weeks I have bought so many insoles and socks, but none work ( i wear thick puma socks in these current work boots, which im currently thinking of giving them one more try in thiner ones before I return them)
This issue started recently, when I changed my old boots and the weather got bad and needed new and water proof.

Please, if anyone can solve my issue, it may be the boots, it may be the socks, or it might be a different condition I dont know! 4 years in construction and never had this issue this bad until now.

My feet will NOT tolerate boots. Keen sandals work for me. Thickish smartwool socks too.

 

[Tincatinker]

Sadly Health and Safety Regulations will not tolerate sandals on a construction site. Though arguably if sandals were compulsory people might be a bit more careful about dropping stuff & leaving 'hard, heavy & sharp' all over the deck

 

[Sixwheeler]

If they are actually work boots they're not what you need for walking; they're designed to protect your feet in an industrial environment so may have steel or Kevlar toe caps and will have insulating soles for certain. You need walking boots/shoes so please go to a specialist shop and get proper walking footw, properly fitted for what you're going to do and get appropriate socks while you're about it. You will never regret doing this, you may well regret not doing it.

 

[Madalin99]

If they are actually work boots they're not what you need for walking; they're designed to protect your feet in an industrial environment so may have steel or Kevlar toe caps and will have insulating soles for certain. You need walking boots/shoes so please go to a specialist shop and get proper walking footw, properly fitted for what you're going to do and get appropriate socks while you're about it. You will never regret doing this, you may well regret not doing it.

I cant seem to find a shop like this in Uk, if anyone knows one please suggest me, hope they supply PPE boots aswell.

Also I will consider changing the shoe brand, as for insoles I wear Oppo antifatigue ones, quite good

 

[Sixwheeler]

I cant seem to find a shop like this in Uk, if anyone knows one please suggest me, hope they supply PPE boots aswell.

Also I will consider changing the shoe brand, as for insoles I wear Oppo antifatigue ones, quite good

There are many specialist outdoor shops in the UK but I don't know your location. I would suggest that you Google "Outdoor equipment suppliers" plus your location. I would also suggest that you look at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com which has much information and advice, they also have shops around the UK and their staff are generally well trained. They usually have a footwear specialist in store. Good Luck.

 

[Madalin99]

There are many specialist outdoor shops in the UK but I don't know your location. I would suggest that you Google "Outdoor equipment suppliers" plus your location. I would also suggest that you look at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com which has much information and advice, they also have shops around the UK and their staff are generally well trained. They usually have a footwear specialist in store. Good Luck.

Thank you I actually found one in central London will go on the weekend there.