my new fatbabys hurt my calves

[beaujolais]

I just got these to wear with regular clothes (as opposed to wear at the barn):

Ariat Fatbaby Saddle

When I walk, the top of the leg hits my calf (front & sometimes side) - pretty painful & leaves sore skin with marks. I’ve only worn them in the house for ten minutes, too. Eeesh. I really want to keep them, though, as it’s hard to find a short western boot in all brown!

Suggestions? Can I oil them even though they have a fair amount of stitching? Oil the inside?

Darn, my last pair of fatbabies were more comfortable. The leg portion on these are a bit narrower than my old ones so I guess that is part of it.

Thanks!

[imaginique]

I wear socks that are long enough to protect my legs from rubs.

[SuckerForHorses]

Get taller socks.

[beaujolais]

Worn with tall socks. Still hurts. Thanks.

[LJStarkey]

Have you tried a giant bandage on your leg where they’re rubbing?

I hate that for you. I wear mine nonstop, and I even hiked across the Brooklyn Bridge in them.

[js]

Is the top opening too small? I’ve noticed some boots the tops are a lot narrower then in the past, maybe take them to a boot shop/shoes repair and have them slit the tops front and back and insert either leather to make the opening larger or some elastic?

[beau159]

Might just need some time to “break them in”?

For the time being, I’d wear taller socks and a band-aid wear they are rubbing and see if you can break them in a bit.

I have a pair of fatbabys that I bought 10 years ago and they are my favorite shoes to wear because they are so comfortable! Can stand in them all day.

[beaujolais]

Will do on some sort of bandage! I don’t want to have them cut into just yet as they are brand new. I think I’ll call Ariat when I get a chance & see what they say. The footbed is still great so I want to find a way to work it out. I think I’m going to oil them, despite the decorative stitching. Thanks all!

[FarmGal]

Try stuffing them when you are not wearing them with newspaper rolled up or bulky socks packed in tight. It will help with the stretching process. Also moleskin on the inside of the boot will help with the rubbing for the time being, then you don’t have to worry about band-aid leg waxing.

[Plumcreek]

This is why I hate western boots and wear Ariat Terrains or similar lace ups most of the time. My only pair of Fat Babies (Leopard !! ) I wear with jeans tucked in.

I would oil or Lexol the cr#p out of the tops, then sit and kneed them / roll them top to bottom, while you are watching TV or whatever. This will break in and soften the tops without having to wear them. The stitching will be fine as it is not under stress like tack stitching is.

[beaujolais]

Thanks again all.

I decided to send them back. Just didn’t we want to take a chance on them not softening. Just a PSA for you all, this model has a narrower top than some of the other fatbabys and the quality of the leather on the calf portion was a bit cheap/hard/stiff. Sigh.

[o0rxkxrox0o]

Justin Gypsy boots have a wider top than the Ariats, I’ve found. My fat calves don’t fit in Ariats

[beaujolais]

Are the Gypsies as comfortable in the foot bed?

[o0rxkxrox0o]

I wear mine 24/7 and I love them, but I’ve never been able to wear Fatbabies to compare. All the reviews I’ve read seem to say so though.

[beaujolais]

Thanks, orxk . . .

[La_Gringa]

My fat babies don’t hurt at all, and I have a wide calf. Maybe the leather was just different I don’t know. I am going to need new inserts soon, those have worn out… but I wear them to the barn and everything… without issue

[SuckerForHorses]

I have found that the shorter boots like the fat babies rub on me as well, I think where the top of the boot is on my leg is just a strange spot, lots of movement. I have taller Ariats, the Tombstones, and those don’t rub.

I can’t vouch for the Justin Gypsy boots, but Justin boots in general are AWESOME. I have had two pair, and they have always been very soft and broke in quickly and were SUPER comfortable, especially the ones with the crepe soles.

[KSquared]

I LOVE my Justin Gypsy boots. Best boots ever! I trample through the mud and muck, walk all day long in them, ride in them… they are fantastic. UBER comfortable… Never have foot fatigue ever.

[beaujolais]

Which do you think is a lighter boot - gypsies or fat baby’s? I have a bad back & can’t do heavy boots.

Lots of great info & ideas here. Thanks so much, guys!

[paulosey]

Ok…I have to chime in and say I love my Justine Gypsy boots. I have had them for over two years and love them. I wear them everywhere and I will probably buy another pair while I am at Congress this year.