|
|
Post by williamh4 on Nov 25, 2015 18:46:47 GMT -8
I am purchasing my first pair of boots soon (well, Santa is going to bring me a pair). I visited REI to try on a pair of Asolos for sizing. I realize my comparison between my shoes and a pair of boots isn't apples to apples, but wanted to get some input from the forum. I wear 11.5 wide in most shoes. I am wearing a pair of Skechers (shoes) with memory foam right now. They are light as air and very comfortable. The guy at REI measured my foot and said I fall between 11.5 - 12 wide. I tried on a couple of different sizes and decided the 11.5 felt most comfortable. However, after putting my shoes back on and walking out the store, I realized the boots weren't so comfortable. But, that's comparing them to my shoes. I was curious if any of your boots are as comfortable as your shoes. Or, should I not expect hiking boots to be as comfortable as a pair of shoes? How should my boots fit? Do I want them just snug enough not to slip, but not be uncomfortable? That sounds like the best fit. |
|
tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547 
|
Post by tigger on Nov 25, 2015 18:51:05 GMT -8
My boots fit better than my shoes.
|
|
|
|
Post by williamh4 on Nov 25, 2015 18:56:05 GMT -8
My boots fit better than my shoes. Sounds like I need to try on more sizes... |
|
|
|
Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 25, 2015 19:16:19 GMT -8
These days I'm the same, my La Sportivas are better than my shoes.
But then I'm no longer wearing all leather mountaineering boots to kickstep spring snow slopes. There's boots that don't need breaking in like the La Sportivas Synthesis and then there are those all leather big boys that will
I'd recommend not letting aspirations lead you to overkill your feet. Hiking trails is not often like climbing K2.
|
|
|
|
Post by dirthurts on Nov 25, 2015 19:23:32 GMT -8
I've never quite found boots to fit as nicely as shoes, even after months of break in (although that certainly helps).
To me, it's pretty normal as boots are stiffer and are built to provide more support. To me, this is less comfortable.
But, it's especially common for a brand new boot to be terribly uncomfortable. The things to look for is heal slip, toe room for descending, and a comfortable lace across your foot. Everything else will change anyway.
|
|
johnnyray
Trail Wise!
Argle-Bargle, Jiggery-Pokery, and Applesauce
Posts: 2,050
|
Post by johnnyray on Nov 25, 2015 19:43:10 GMT -8
Start with socks I wear Smartwool PHDs a mid weight sock, for winter with ankle high boots I like a heavier weight sock and need a bigger size boot.
|
|
|
|
Post by llamero on Nov 25, 2015 20:05:05 GMT -8
My boots fit better than my shoes. Same here. I spend about six times more $ for my hiking boots so they should fit well. The key word is "fit". Comfort is another issue. While my Asolo boots hold my feet securely and blister free for hours and miles at a time day after day over rough and uneven terrain I would not call them comfortable at the end of a long hot day. My Sketchers are light, fit well enough, breath well and are barely noticeable at the end of a normal day. Apples and oranges in my case, but that's why so many people choose lightweight hikers. Regardless of the weight and style, your hiking footwear should fit very well: snug heel, proper support from the platform and a roomy toe box are some keys. High top, low top or in between are personal choice options. |
|
markskor
Trail Wise!
Mammoth Lakes & Tuolumne Meadows...living the dream
Posts: 651
|
Post by markskor on Nov 25, 2015 21:05:03 GMT -8
Gave up paying $250+ for boots, especially those needing any break-in period.
As boot manufacturers have decided ~400 (500 tops) miles is now the average boot's lifespan...lightweight boots (ready to wear, right out of the box)/trailrunners cost less and last just as long. (Moab Ventilators, Brooks Cascadias?)
RE: 11.5 vs. size 12...in store.
After a full day of boots on trail, my feet swell no matter what - (maybe grow an extra .5).
(10 ->10.5)...suggest going with the larger option?
|
|
|
|
Post by williamh4 on Nov 25, 2015 21:30:37 GMT -8
Thanks for all the comments. The shoe guy at REI mentioned a few of the points mentioned in your responses.
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,884
|
Post by zeke on Nov 26, 2015 4:26:52 GMT -8
Every person's feet are different. I used to wear Montrail boots that were comfortable right out of the box, for me. I always bought a half size bigger than my shoes, to allow for a heavier sock and toe room for descent. About 5 years ago, I realized my hiking was 95% on trail, so I switched to trail runners or a low quarter shoe. What works for me with a 35 # pack, may not be your choice. Try on more boots and spend some time in them. Heel fit and toe room would be my priorities.
|
|
amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
Posts: 1,264
|
Post by amaruq on Nov 26, 2015 5:19:39 GMT -8
It is my understanding that the general idea behind leather backpacking boots is to buy ones that fit properly and let the leather sort out the comfort part over time. This was mostly true for my mountaineering boots (granted walking on flat ground in those full-shank boots is a chore regardless).
But I backpack in trail shoes. Light-weight, low-cost, airy, and comfortable out of the box. I'll echo everyone else here and suggest trying on everything in your size, taking the more likely prospects for a spin around the store.
|
|
|
|
Post by tipiwalter on Nov 26, 2015 6:09:00 GMT -8
Williamh4---Your post makes me wonder---have you never worn boots in your lifetime, and if so, what size were they and brand?
The reason I went with Asolo several years ago was once I dialed in the size---10 Wide---I could order these "disposable" boots online without size problems. And they were very comfy right out of the box. Sadly, Asolo quality control is so bad now that one pair of Fugitives lasted 3 months until a seam blowout and a pair of all leather 520s lasted a couple years before the soles delaminated.
|
|
franco
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,297
|
Post by franco on Nov 26, 2015 12:23:37 GMT -8
Try a different brand or a different type from the same brand. Manufacturers use different types of shapes (lasts) so you need to find one that matches your foot. Because runners are so flexible most don't need to fuss with those apart from size and width, boots are different. Asolo ( as an example) use 16 different lasts , one of those will fit you....the trick is to find out which one that is. www.asolo.com/en/technologies/fit.htmlBTW, it just happens that Asolo is part of the Right Shoe programme, so there is an app to measure your foot in 3d and tell you the corresponding last in one of the brands that are part of the programme www.rightshoes.ch/index.aspxNo experience with that but I posted the info just to illustrate the idea of matching the 3d shape of your foot not just the linear size. (I suggest that with tents too...) |
|
|
|
Post by williamh4 on Nov 26, 2015 14:15:36 GMT -8
Williamh4---Your post makes me wonder--- have you never worn boots in your lifetime, and if so, what size were they and brand?The reason I went with Asolo several years ago was once I dialed in the size---10 Wide---I could order these "disposable" boots online without size problems. And they were very comfy right out of the box. Sadly, Asolo quality control is so bad now that one pair of Fugitives lasted 3 months until a seam blowout and a pair of all leather 520s lasted a couple years before the soles delaminated. I have a pair of Sorel boots I've had for 20+ years. They have a heavy lining I can remove. They're winter boots, so I don't wear them all the time (one reason they've lasted so long), and then only when it's really cold and/or snow on the ground. They are very comfortable. The lining being so thick more/less molds to my foot is the reason they're so comfy. I also own a pair of Wolverine work boots. They're comfortable enough to wear the entire day if I'm doing some yard work where I may need to protect my toes. I also own a pair of Cougar Paws for contracting work I did years ago. The sizes range from 10 W to 11. Then I have tennis and/or trail shoes that are comfortable at 11 - 11.5 W. Also, my foot measured 11.5 -12 W according to the shoe guy at REI. That's quite a range, IMO. I'll take a day and really put in some time trying on various brands and sizes and see what feels best. |
|
|
|
Post by williamh4 on Nov 26, 2015 14:17:40 GMT -8
Try a different brand or a different type from the same brand. Manufacturers use different types of shapes (lasts) so you need to find one that matches your foot. Because runners are so flexible most don't need to fuss with those apart from size and width, boots are different. Asolo ( as an example) use 16 different lasts , one of those will fit you....the trick is to find out which one that is. www.asolo.com/en/technologies/fit.htmlBTW, it just happens that Asolo is part of the Right Shoe programme, so there is an app to measure your foot in 3d and tell you the corresponding last in one of the brands that are part of the programme www.rightshoes.ch/index.aspxNo experience with that but I posted the info just to illustrate the idea of matching the 3d shape of your foot not just the linear size. (I suggest that with tents too...) I learned a new word today (lasts). This will be helpful. Thanks for the links. |
|
