r/goodyearwelt • u/AutoModerator • 9d ago
Questions The Question Thread 10/08/26
Ask your shoe related questions.
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Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.
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u/Key_Pilot_3563 9d ago
Got a pair of boots where the heel counter is starting to dig into my achilles on one side only. Tried thicker socks, still rubs raw after a full day. Is this a break-in thing I should push through or is the heel just shaped wrong for my foot?
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u/boot_owl 9d ago
How many times have you worn them?
Try putting a plaster on your foot where it rubs for extra protection. This is quite common during break in and typically goes away
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u/ManjiSouls 9d ago
Hey there, I am a brannock/sneaker 10.5D. I wear size 10 in White’s 55 last. I am wondering about sizing for John Lofgren Steel Gang boots, as some shops say to size down half, some to size down full size. The only size I want in the makeup is 9.5, for context. Anyone have experience sizing down 1 full size in Steel Gangs? Here’s another curveball, I have Viberg 310 in 9.5E and they actually feel too large for me, when they should be the correct sizing. Anyone help is appreciated.
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u/2five1 9d ago
Is this bad grain break or loose grain? OSB Lakeshore Brown CXL, about 1 week wear. Very tight kind of bubbled creases and a strange X cross pattern. I've heard of CXL lotrery, would this be acceptable or bad? Should I contact them about this? I'm new to gyw boots, and this is my first pair. Thanks!
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u/awwwmantest 9d ago
It is looser grain but imo it's par for the course with chromexcel, especially from OSB. That being said, they look fine to me, especially since it's consistent across both boots. If only one of them had this dramatic creasing pattern, it would be more obvious.
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u/Nashtak 9d ago
Not looking for answer to a specific question but i'm attending a wedding in a few weeks and i own a pair of Allen Edmond 5th avenue in walnut that i haven't taken proper care of since i bought them. I have only used them indoor, with cedar shoes tree and in a daily rotation so they don't look to bad but they could really use a bit of maintenance.
Aside from the Leather Care Guide i am currently reading, any other advice or tutorial i should go through as a total beginner? There isn't any sort of damage but there is discoloration in some areas and a few shallow scratches on the leather.
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u/technerd85 9d ago
Following the guide is your best bet. Most likely you should just use a neutral conditioner and brush the hell out of them with a horse hair brush. At least start there.
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u/Kolarian 9d ago
Hello everyone!
I recently got these Frye boots from a secondhand marketplace, and I actually quite like the worn-in look. However, I’m a little concerned about their longevity and whether the leather will hold up over time.
I’ve been researching how to care for leather boots, and so far I have the following on my shopping list:
- Mink oil
- Shoe cream
- Horsehair brush
I’m also wondering whether the top grain has completely worn away in the damaged areas, as the lighter patches around the toes feel fuzzy to the touch.
Would conditioning and regular maintenance be enough to keep these in good shape, or is the damage already too extensive?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
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u/LeathersBestFriend 8d ago
Great find! I love that you're trying to preserve the worn-in character rather than make them look brand new.
I'd start with a horsehair brush to remove dirt and see what you're working with. Before reaching for mink oil, I'd assess how dry the leather actually feels. Mink oil can significantly darken leather, and you don't necessarily need to condition boots that are already supple.
The fuzzy areas around the toes are worth looking at more closely. If the grain surface has worn away, conditioner can help maintain the remaining leather, but it won't rebuild the damaged surface.
If these are smooth, finished leather, a little appropriately matched shoe cream might help improve the appearance of those areas. I'd test anything in an inconspicuous spot first.
For ongoing maintenance, regular brushing, keeping them dry between wears, and conditioning when the leather actually needs it will go a long way. You don't need to overdo it!
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u/Far_Base_8540 8d ago
Far_Base_8540 here with a size question. How do I determine the size of a boot? I have a old pair of Bluntstone 500's that the soles went bad. I had them resoled with Vibram Gumlite soles and now the size is different. The pull tab says 9 but the width is now greater. I know I can measure the toe to heal measurement but how do I measure the width? I would like to sell them but they are a bit wider than normal and I don't want to stiff the new buyer
with a bad size. Any help would be appreciated
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u/Aggressive-Chair-910 "such a neckbeard over boots, and so awful at it too!" 8d ago
I had them resoled with Vibram Gumlite soles and now the size is different. The pull tab says 9 but the width is now greater.
you put that in the description
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u/gimpwiz 9d ago
I'm staring at these, thinking... am I realistically going to be able to clean them to have a consistent color and nap, or are they not worth the effort? https://ebay.io/m/gftUlK -- hopefully this link works and isn't banned by the sub filters or reddit filters. Unfortunately writing this on mobile.
Brass brush, suede shampoo, more brass brush... or is it going to take more than that? Would love some advice, never attempted to clean something like this before.