I have the same problem with my HD boots, but I do have an actual hole from the shifter, I'm still wearing them because they are the most comfortable boot I've found. I can ride in them all day and walk around in them all night with no feet problems. I do have a hard time getting comfortable shoes, sometimes even sneakers hurt my feet. I'm going to take them to a shoe maker when winter hits and see what he can do for me. I really don't want to give them up and I'm too cheap to buy a new pairThe only thing I didn't like, was the leather seems "soft". Before I knew it they were almost worn through from the shifter