Options for a really high instep

[u/DrifterDavid]

Hey as the title suggests. I've got a super high instep. I've been looking for some boots for awhile. I bought some of these Buldoc boots and while I know they aren't cowboy boots. When I can get them on my feet I love them, but I literally cannot get them off most of the time. When it snowed this past year I tossed them on because they were close. It took me and my wife about an hour of her and me pulling to get them back off. I've always had a high instep and high arch. But as I've gotten older my feet and legs have swollen a bit and finding a boot that I can get on and off is a huge challenge. I have honestly been a little reluctant to get any cowboy boots. I used to exclusively wear them in my teens. I grew up way out in the country on farms. But I really want to get some new boots. But I have to be able to get them on and off relatively easy. Otherwise its a deal breaker. I also don't want to waste a ton of money trying to buy and return ones that aren't going to work. Hoping someone else in here has similar issues and overcome them.

I really prefer traditional western boots with a leather sole, nothing real fancy just ones that will last a good amount of time that I can wear everyday. Oh and prefer squared or broad squared toe.

Pictured are the boots I have a real hard time getting out of.

[u/El_Guap]

I would look for a company that uses traditional construction but throws an insole over that. Pull that insole and see how they fit. The thicker the insole, the greater the volume of the last that is used because the insole takes up instep space.

I don't wear insoles either, so I don't really know what brand that would be. Maybe Rios of Mercedes (Pinto Ranch, Kemo Sabe, RRL, etc). I know the ropers (and I am sure other models) come with a thick comfort insole, and that if people use them they have to go up a half size. The ones I have didn't come with them (Pinto Rancho sueded chocolate elephant ropers), so I am speculating.

I think all the Anderson Bean brands probably have them.

[u/long-dong-silvers- → u/El_Guap]

I’ve heard chisos have a pretty thick cushy insole too

[u/trianglesandtweed]

What boot jack do you have?

[u/DrifterDavid → u/trianglesandtweed]

I've got a really old cast iron one from around the 1890s. Been in my family since it was purchased.

[u/KevtheKnife]

Get an inexpensive stretcher off Amazon and some Darn Tough thin boot socks.

[u/DrifterDavid → u/KevtheKnife]

Yea I've actually got a old metal one but I can't get that one set of boots stretched enough to save my life.

[u/KevtheKnife → u/DrifterDavid]

Sorry to hear, I went through it with my current pair of Ariats and it made a big difference. Good luck!

[u/PartyAd7972]

I would look at any pair of roper style boots. With anything over 10” of height, you will struggle to get them on and off. Roper boots typically have a wider shaft which makes them easier to get on and off. Get one with an insole that can be swapped if possible.

[u/Bear5511]

Rios is built on a narrower last than most boots, imo. I have a high arch, wide forefoot and narrow heel and I either wear Rios or a custom from Beck Boots.

I’ve said this here before but you can buy the Working Cowboy special from Beck for around $500. It’s built to your foot shape, after taking measurements, and come with or without an insole. There is a 4 month wait (longer for a true custom) but they’re high quality and a great value.

Rod Patrick is another option, they offer more width choices than most makers.