[Moppie]

Ahh the wonders of living in work boots.

I currently have 3 pairs in my apartment, an old pair from many years ago that have gone mouldy and should be thrown out, a pair I got about 2 years ago that are still servicable, but the leather has split around the steel cap and so don't look good enough for my job, and a new pair I got about a month ago.

All 3 have some important things in common.

They are all lace up.
Forget easy slip on ones, or ones with zips.
Your feet need surport, and only proper laces ups can provide it.

All have a high, raised instep.
VERY IMPORTANT!
Otherwise you will suffer from bad feet later in life.
It should be high enough that when you first wear them its a little uncofortable, but your feet will adapt and thank you for it later, especialy after a 60+ hour week.

All have strong, re-inforced heels.
Like the instep, very important for good ankle and upper foot surport. .

And, all are leather, with some form of padded inner sole made of light weight free breathing material, and sock absorber of some sort build into the sole.

Even after spending 12 hours in them, in mid summer heat and Aucklands high humidity Iv never had a problem with excesivly wet or sweaty feet.

And, they are all relativly expensive.
About NZ$250 retail, or about NZ$130 trade (company limit).


I tend to wear thick, light or open weave woolen, or wool blend socks, and wear a CLEAN pair every day. I own more pairs of socks than anything else, and replace worn ones frequently.
Iv found that buying lots of the same brand means odd socks can be matched to make new pairs, and pairs with only one holed sock can be parted and paired with other single socks (my sock draw is a veritalbe swingers party).

I also let my feet breath when I get home, no socks, no slippers for at least half an hour.

It sounds like you need some proper boots that allow your feet to breath, some decent socks made from some good light weight yet strong material, and prehaps a trip to the doctor or chemist for some good foot powder.

Also be aware that a lot of socks advertised as being "boot" socks, are infact ment for tramping, are designed to retain heat, they are basicly a thermal sock, and will make your feet sweat, even in cold weather. They are only any good in the depth of winter if your feet are also getting wet in the rain etc.


Also, make sure your boots are stored somewhere they are able to dry out over night.
Leave them with the tounge out, and the laces loose and the tops open. Make sure its not out side, and not somewhere exposed to high humidity.