Thanks for the advice. I'll try taping my foot and tightening the laces. I've worried about how my tender feet will hold up in the Sawtooths next month. I hike in Smartwool midweight socks and high volume superfeet insoles so my boots fit better and may try a liner sock too if that will reduce the friction. I got my boots a little bit too big I think but am hoping they will work out. I might have to look at different ones though, they are pretty hot in the summer too. I got merrel radius mids. I was advised by a forum member that they looked like they would be hot and he was right but I got them anyway because they felt comfortable in the store (a mistake I think). <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />