Comfortable, but... - Hoka Speedgoat 2 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes - Women's

I start with my needs may only match with 5% of the people who would buy these shoes. I wanted the Hoka hiking boots to (1) give support to a reconstructed ankle, now suffering problems with scar tissue and arthritis but don't want it fused or replaced, so outer ball joint is the double the size of normal and (2) Hoka's are known for their comfort. I purchased these Speedgoats for a Mediterranean cruise in April to see if I can avoid taking a knee scooter because the anikle can give out or give alot of pain.

The first thing you will notice is even trying to remove the cardboard foot from the boot is very difficult. The laces are rough and stick to holes and each other, making the loosening to even get in the shoe a chore. The are also a smidge less wide than 3/8 inches & the lace holes are extremely small. So when I lace up the bad foot with enlarged ankle joint, I don't have much lacing left at the top. Am now looking online for other laces, which is sad for a new shoe. But really, for the price of these shoes, Hoka should put in a longer pair of laces or make the holes larger to fit a common 1/4 inch lace. They have been pretty difficult to put on, but they are new. But it took about 20 minutes for me to get a good fit.

I love the insoles, but next have to try the orthotics which will bring the foot up, using even more of the skimpy lacing...Other than this annoyance, an probably not a problem for many others, these boots feel really comfy; but I know the orthotics may give me some problems. I just write this negative to try to warn others who may have problem feet, are not using for hiking, but for support and comfort walkikng long distances.