One other observation, and the fellow working on your boots may mention this - you can change the tension on your laces by doubling them. For example - if you need a boot with a laces snug thru the instep, then double them over the instep. The friction of one lace on top of the other tends to prevent it slipping. Above that point, you can have them looser, if necessary for comfort.
I've always found duct tape useful for hot spots. It's slippery, and since friction is the second cause of blisters/hot spots, it will absorb the effects of movement rather than your skin. I put several wraps around my trekking poles. Some do the same thing on a Nalgene.
