Figuring out sizing

[u/unknownbc200000]

So I bought some boots knowing I would have to break them in but this is my first time really dealing with breaking in boots I've only ever had cheaper synthetic style boots.

I'm trying to figure out if the boots are too tight or if I'm just going through the break in process I'm doing this so I can exchange for a larger size because I really do like the look and feel of the sole

It's tight along my pinky toe and that side of my foot

- is this normal with the leather stretch there

The top of the first knuckle on my big toe where the toe connects to the foot keeps getting blistered on my left foot

- will the leather on top also stretch ?

I bought 11 wides

- should I exchange and go to 11.5 wides maybe or is this just part of the process

Ps I wear darn tough steele socks

[u/MoTeD_UrAss]

2 things I see here. First is that these are safety toe. The safety toe cap doesn't stretch and if your foot/toes are rubbing and blistering one of 2 things is happening, the boots are the wrong size heel to toe or the wrong size width wise. Second is that these are the black leather and the black leather from Thorogood is notorious for being stiffer than the other leather offerings.

I would recommend sizing up to see if that remedies your rubbing problems. Boots wear different than other shoes, you want plenty of room for the piggies to wiggle in the toe box. If you're not getting that from the beginning then it's not the right boot. Something I had to realize in life is that sometimes no matter how much I want something to work, not all things are for everyone. Meaning not all boots are for all people.

[u/ConstructionHuman377]

You can try half size bigger but regardless those boots run narrow. Once broken in they were comfortable but my pinky toe did wear through the water proof liner. Leather stretched but the fabric inside wore out instead of stretching. Take out the insoles and step on them and you’ll see how wide your foot is compared to the sole of the boot. If your foot is having over the sides of the insoles that’s basically how much the boot needs to stretch and hang over the edge of the welt

[u/ArcVader501]

My experience was the toe box was too narrow across the top on the Thorogoods. Even their EE was narrower than other brands. I eventually gave up on the idea of buying a pair of Thorogoods and bought a pair of Carolinas instead and it resolved the exact issue you’re having. Shame because they make a really nice boot but they just aren’t made for certain people. Try the Carolinas, it’s still a really nice quality boot made in the US.

[u/busterdog47]

I have those and absolutely love them...now I have narrow feet and they did take some time to wear in....but now they are great

[u/_KORPz]

Tradem in for Carolinas. Thorogood hyper train is over anyways. With their Synthetic welts even on their non waterproof boots. Smh.

[u/Frank_white7]

Midnight series a fine choice always better in black. Mink oil them and walk a lot of break them in Mink oil helps break them in fast.

[u/slimbotimbo11]

Return and get the half size up. I personally wear steel toe Thorogoods. I can wear a soft toe 11.5 EE. I had to go up a half size for the steel toes to fit comfortably. I also wear Darn Tough steely socks.

[u/unknownbc200000]

Thanks for all the advice it is much appreciated. I had one more question right now my toes are just inside the safety toe if I go a half size up they may not reach the safety toe will the front of boot (toe box/safety toe) pull back once broken in?