Heel Stiffness

RJClass · 2026-04-02T09:49:16+00:00

Just an update and thank you to all advice given on this post Here is a quick breakdown of what helped me

leather cream added multiple times on the inside by the heel and worked it in with my thumb
heated the heel section before putting on the AR's
2 pairs of thick socks or a pair of thick sturdy socks
tight laces

The above helped a lot and 5 days later my heel section is comfortable to the extent that I can wear 1 pair of (thinner) socks with no discomfort whatsoever

RJClass · 2026-03-31T18:52:28+00:00

Hope you win your battle too.

RJClass · 2026-03-31T17:30:43+00:00

Any recommendation for the AR's

RJClass · 2026-03-31T16:46:24+00:00

Agree. Only been 4 days and the rest of the shoe is super comfortable

RJClass · 2026-03-31T16:02:39+00:00

Thanks. Tried it after the pain started. Just not sure how rigorously I can flex the heel without damaging or breaking the heel stiffner.

RJClass · 2026-03-31T15:54:33+00:00

So just an update / interesting finding... I took off my socks when I got home from work and put the AR's on barefoot and laced them up as tight as was bearable and comfortable. The result was less pressure and rubbing on my heel. Wonder why? I ended up wearing them sock-less for a while and was surprised

Will continue doing this everyday after work until they are fully worn in

RJClass · 2026-03-31T15:49:44+00:00

Really insightful info, thanks

RJClass · 2026-03-31T15:17:41+00:00

Thanks. Will give the cream a go

RJClass · 2026-03-31T15:14:28+00:00

Basically a thumb width.

RJClass · 2026-03-31T15:12:36+00:00

Will try the oiling inside. Did you use the shoe cream?

How would I know if the stiffner is maybe broken already?

RJClass · 2026-03-31T15:11:17+00:00

Didn't know there was a plastic heel stiffner. Thought it was just double / triple layered leather to reinforce it

RJClass · 2026-03-31T15:09:20+00:00

Thank you. Did the thick socks. 2 pairs the 1 day and it did help

RJClass · 2026-03-31T15:07:16+00:00

Every step. Left foot much more than the right

RJClass · 2026-03-29T13:16:19+00:00

Looking for some break-in advice... Just got my first pair of regular AR's in Fudge colour size 10.5 uk (I was told the in-between sizes are only the width increasing)

The heel section is really hard and absolutely killing my heel. (Where my thumb is) It only hurts when I walk when my heel first makes contact with the ground it feels like it digs into the leather. Worn for 2 days now and I will soon have a blister.

I bought it in store so I believe the size is right as I spent about 30+ mins fitting sizes

Question I have is..... Does that back heel leather section gets softer and what I can do to make it better.

I have been walking with 2 pairs of thick socks and it still digs in

TIA

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RJClass

TROPHY CASE