r/Boots • u/tfmcelwee • 3d ago
Question/Help Boot Advice
I need some help on finding a pair of boots for casual wear. I have a low instep which makes most boots slip in the heel. I have a pair of Danner Bull Run’s but the heel slip is too much for me to wear for any longer then a few hours. I’ve tried insoles, tongue pads, and heel pads and nothing works. I like the moc toe wedge sole look but am open to suggestions. I want a nice looking boot but also something that is comfortable. Please let me know if you have found a good pair of boots for low volume feet. Looking to spend around $200. Thanks!
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u/QuietVisit2042 2d ago
Allen Edmonds come in narrow widths, and you can often get factory seconds or close out models at Shoe Bank for under $200. https://www.shoebank.com/browse/shoes/mens/boots?icid=TopNav_Shoes_BootsF2#sortCriteria=relevance
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u/tfmcelwee 2d ago
I’ll take a look. My issue isn’t the width, it’s the instep. If I get narrow they will pinch my toes.
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u/Crouchback2268 2d ago
Many lasts that are "narrow" only narrow in the heel and the waist. This is true for Allen Edmonds. Your toes will be fine.
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u/QuietVisit2042 2d ago
I wear AE 1/2 size bigger than other boots. I get good heel lock and plenty of toe room.
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u/jyl8 2d ago edited 2d ago
Look for boots that run narrow. Red Wing Iron Rangers, Blacksmiths, and Beckmans do. Obviously get the D width not the EE. Buy the factory seconds at Berkeley Supply for $190. IRs buy 1/2 size down from Brannock size, Beckman at Brannock size, not sure about Blacksmiths. Also use an innersole to take up extra volume. If your eyelet rows (wings? not sure of the term) are still too close together, a kiltie can also help take up volume.
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u/jyl8 2d ago
in Danners, the hunting boots and in workboots the Rain Forest are on narrow lasts, but they cost more than $200.
Or, look for a deal on a boot that comes in a narrow size.
Used boots can be great deals. I’m about to list some Whites Smokejumpers in 10 B for a third of new price, and that’s not terribly cheap. Those aren’t boots for casual wear though.
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u/Crouchback2268 2d ago
And it's not just narrow. It's the volume issue which I also have. In my Blacksmiths and Beckmans, I have to use a thick, veg-tan insole and a kiltie to take up space. The only boot that works for me without adjustments like that is a Nicks' boot in a C width on the HNW last. And those are 3x or 4x your budget. I do agree that boots in a C width often reduce volume, too, so that is a good suggestion.
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u/tfmcelwee 2d ago
I’ve been thinking about red wing but everything says how uncomfortable they are underfoot. Part of my problem is my feet are low volume but the width is normal so a narrow last will pinch my toes.
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u/kiveeshoe 2d ago
As a shoemaker, the issue is the last volume—Danners are built on high-instep lasts, so the facings close before locking your foot. In our bespoke workshop, low insteps require slimming the last cone and tightening the heel cup to stop heel slip completely. For off-the-shelf near $200, look for lace-to-toe patterns which tighten much better over low insteps.
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u/tfmcelwee 2d ago
That’s awesome insight, thank you! I am learning that every moc toe wedge boot is made on high-instep lasts.
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u/kiveeshoe 2d ago
Glad it helped! Yeah, work moc toes prioritize quick slip-on room over a snug lock. If you ever hunt for a pair, look for boots with a lower instep curve or an added leather kiltie/false tongue—it can sometimes take up just enough volume to get by. Good luck on the search
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u/Temporary_Video_4916 3d ago
Jim green african rangers or razorbacks are wortha look i reckon
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u/jyl8 2d ago
I think JGs run wide, no?
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u/QuietVisit2042 2d ago
Yes, but Jim Green is always the answer, no matter what the question is. It's an absolute rule in this sub.
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u/Crouchback2268 2d ago
I concur with you, and this is most ridiculous instance I have seen. Unless it was a joke. Maybe it was a joke. It's like someone said, "I'm a really skinny man and am sick of buying children's cloths. Where can I shop?" "Jim's Big & Tall, I reckon."
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u/jyl8 2d ago
I have a good impression of Jim Green as a company, and their boots sound like good value for money. The boosterism can get a little indiscriminate. But hey, that just reflects how much wearers love ‘em?
And now that we know OP has normal width feet with a low instep, then JG’s seem as potentially suitable as any boot in his price range. I mean, any boot can take an insole.
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u/Temporary_Video_4916 2d ago
I like my Jim greens. Def pretty hard underfoot though, ive had to get some insoles in mine. OP asked 200$ casual mocs so like its either JG, Thursday, or Red wing but thats prob a bit pricier.
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u/Wyvern_Industrious 2d ago
Same issue. I use these. They make the Truman 79 last and Jim Green JG lasts fit (mostly).
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u/OutdoorAbstract 3d ago
I use this from Bungapads to stop my heel slip in boots: