Tall boot zipper rubbing/silicone ankle protectors

[Gamma]

My tall boots broke in fine and fit fine, but the flap that is supposed to go between the zipper and your ankle is inadequate… so I get rubs (or destroyed socks ) if I don’t have something between me and the zip.

I tried the silicone ankle guards that I saw recommended a bunch, and they work OK kind of, but it is a nightmare getting them on right. When I try to put my foot into my boot, the silicone moves around, bunches up, folds/wrinkles… Ugh.

What am I doing wrong with the ankle thingys? Or any idea for enhancing my boots with a much larger protective flap? Boots were modestly priced for tall boots, but not exactly cheap enough to casually destroy. (The other pair of boots I got around the same time has a huge flap, and it’s amazing.)

[HJdaydream]

I had the same issue with a pair of boots once. I took them to a reputable shoe repair shop and had them add a leather flap under the zipper from the heel up to mid ankle. Problem solved!

[eclipse]

Are you putting the silicon pad under your socks and breeches? I put mine under my breeches, then pull the breeches over it, smoothing out any rolls and wrinkles and then I pull my socks over the top…voila, no more wrinkles! Oh and I also make sure to put the pad under my heel and pull it up so it looks like an ankle wrap for a sprain, that also helps to keep them flat and still!

[Sueby]

@eclipse

Are you putting the silicon pad under your socks and breeches? I put mine under my breeches, then pull the breeches over it, smoothing out any rolls and wrinkles and then I pull my socks over the top…voila, no more wrinkles! Oh and I also make sure to put the pad under my heel and pull it up so it looks like an ankle wrap for a sprain, that also helps to keep them flat and still!

Ditto this ^^. I mistakenly used them over top of my breeches/socks until someone told me they actually go UNDER all your clothing lol.

[Gamma]

@eclipse

Are you putting the silicon pad under your socks and breeches? I put mine under my breeches, then pull the breeches over it, smoothing out any rolls and wrinkles and then I pull my socks over the top…voila, no more wrinkles! Oh and I also make sure to put the pad under my heel and pull it up so it looks like an ankle wrap for a sprain, that also helps to keep them flat and still!

Haha–well, that explains it.

But doesn’t do much to save my socks (I think I’m more upset about the socks, skin grows back for free…)…

Here’s a dumb question–do you clean your boots before you take them to the shoe shop? How clean must they be?

[HungarianHippo]

You can get a small piece of leather at the fabric store, and leather glue. Glue a small flap onto the existing one to extend it.
Or, a couple wraps of vetwrap outside your sock would probably work too.

[Gamma]

@HungarianHippo

A couple wraps of vetwrap outside your sock would probably work too.

I actually stuck some large bandaids on the outside of my socks at one point, but it doesn’t seem economical (have to take it off to wash them). We’ll see how much the shoe repair place says for enhancing the flap…maybe vet wrap will be cheaper in the end.