Dressage boot problems - ankle rubbing

[Scandias]

I conditioned my boots one week before the show; I had ridden in them several times to soften them up and thought that they were sufficiently broken in.

So I get to the show, put the boots and immediately notice that the boots are rubbing on my ankle bone; I get on the horse and try to put my heel down, and was immediately hit with overwhelming pain on my ankle.

So my position score suffered because I kept pulling my heels up in order to avoid the pain.

The boots seem to fit fine everywhere else. I had even put on a second pair of cushy socks to buffer any stiffness.

How can I get them to fit comfortable around my ankle? They are Mountain Horse Victoria boots.

[Lucassb]

I would try getting the gel sleeves for your ankles so you can ride in the boots without pain while they are getting broken in. I’ve also used the bathtub method to speed the break in process and that has worked really well; you might consider that also. Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/Silipos-15005-Malleolar-Gel-Sleeve/dp/B00777MVP6

[Scandias]

Ok - thank you for the link; I will give those a try.

[Lucassb]

You’re very welcome. Hope they help!

[rjr]

3 ideas: 1) there is a product called “boot streach” or something like that. It is meant to streach out the tops of tight boots, but it also works to soften stiff leather or wrinkles that are in the wrong place. You spray it on the inside of the boot. 2) along the same lines, use neatsfoot oil on the inside and outside of the problem area. 3) as a temporary emergency measure: wrap duct tape around your foot/ankle, over your sock, to protect your skin.