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Post by gcsaylor on Mar 31, 2016 5:22:25 GMT -8
I live in the greater New Orleans area. Aside from hunting/fishing stores the only other stores that carries trail footwear has nothing in 2E widths but will be happy to special order anything if I prepay for the item. I can do the same thing online for 20% less. This will become an incredibly frustrating time consuming effort to be able to find a 'fit'. The nearest REI store is Houston, a six hour drive. My sister, who lives near Asheville recommends I come to that REI store and meet their renowned fitter known as "The Foot Whisperer". Is it worth the drive to get it right? I'm worried I might capitulate for something satisfactory and never know what I'm missing.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Mar 31, 2016 5:27:19 GMT -8
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Mar 31, 2016 6:05:22 GMT -8
The store Mike mentions is pretty good. Been there once, maybe twice. Never been to Massey's Outfitters, but you could call before you drive. They have 5 locations in LA, including NO.
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daveb
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Post by daveb on Mar 31, 2016 6:14:42 GMT -8
First of all, what size foot do you have?
The reason I ask is that I'm going through the same thing but to compound my EE frustration I have a size 14 foot.
I've tried on and sent back a few boots over the last month and I can tell you what not to order.
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Post by gcsaylor on Mar 31, 2016 6:14:46 GMT -8
Massey'S was my disappointment. I will go to Baton Rouge today.
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Post by gcsaylor on Mar 31, 2016 6:57:03 GMT -8
I measure 10.5 just shy of EE. I tried and returned the Keen Targhee II. It was close. Tried on the Vasque St Elias gtx in an 11 M, too narrow. Really liked that boot though and it's available online in a 2E. I would like to evaluate the lighter trail shoe just to see my options.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Mar 31, 2016 7:02:52 GMT -8
I don't care which store you go to but I can't imagine not going to try boots/shoes on in person. Ordering boots online...That would be like trying to get a filling for my tooth online.
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daveb
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Post by daveb on Mar 31, 2016 7:22:32 GMT -8
Our local REI had a garage sale a couple of weeks ago and I picked up some Vasque St Elias gtx as well but not wide size. For $20 it was worth the gamble but to tight once laced up. I just ordered a FootFitter Premium Pro Boot Stretcher to see if I can make them work, I'll let you know.
The Keen Targhee II I can live with but it just doesn't seem to have the support I want and I need a stiffer soul or shank.
Forget about the Salomon Quest 4D II, way narrow although it feels like lacing up a basketball sneaker with a really athletic shoe feel.
Lowa even in wide seems narrow even after a couple days of trying to break in.
I just talked to Asolo customer service since REI has their Asolo TPS 520 GV boots on sale but they said their wide is only an E width.
Keen Liberty Ridge has a good width and toe box but the upper isn't near as comfortable as the Vasque, but as of right now, it will be my hiker. (although I hope I can find better and get them back in the mail).
I think my southern states summer time hiker may end up being the Merrell Moab although I've not got any in to try out yet. I did try a size 13 on in wide and they feel good. I think you should try.
Danner has EE widths available and if you find something on their site, double back to amazon and see what kind of deals you can get. I have Gavre and Melee on order now with that free return available. (They are military boots but not all that heavy) Along with the Merrell Moab coming into REI in 14EE to try out.
I'm looking for two "go to" boots at the moment, one with good ankle support like the danner gavre and one for just as a light hiker like the merrill moab or danner melee.
I'll have the Danners and merrells in next week and let you know how they work out.
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Post by gcsaylor on Mar 31, 2016 9:10:43 GMT -8
Well I'm glad i called the baton rouge store ahead of time. One pair of wides an inch too long. Sigh,,. I read about lining your boot with a couple produce bags and filling them with water and freezing them to stretch the leather. Anyone tried this? Reviews of the Merrell Moab point to needing trail hardened feet to use successfully. That was me 10 years ago. Then I could do 15 mile days in Teva's.
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Post by Lonewolf on Mar 31, 2016 18:09:55 GMT -8
I've been getting a pair of Wolverines (yeah, I know, not a popular name) from Bootbay (in the link) that suit my 11EEEE feet just fine and are inexpensive. I'm on my 3rd pair in 2 years, which sounds like too many but I wear them literally every day all year for everything from casual around town to backpacking so getting 8-9 months out of a pair isn't bad at all. They also have other brands, styles and sizes.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2016 9:27:09 GMT -8
I have AA width feet, and am pretty much resigned to always having to order online.
I bought a pair of 'B' width Danner Light II's, and been happy with them (although they're somewhat heavy). Even REI doesn't seem to stock narrow sizes.
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Apr 1, 2016 10:43:22 GMT -8
Don't think of it as a drive to Asheville to get boots. It's a chance to visit your sister and do some hiking in the Smokies. And you can get some boots while you're there.
BTW... would it be easier to buy a pair of trail shoes (instead of boots) in your neck of the woods?
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Apr 1, 2016 10:44:44 GMT -8
...and we've solved the sasquatch mystery.
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crawford
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on Apr 1, 2016 10:54:17 GMT -8
...and we've solved the sasquatch mystery Hey, that is hurtful...though apparently not entirely inaccurate.
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Post by fajitas on Apr 1, 2016 11:23:56 GMT -8
About the REI store @ Houston. I went there, and I have a funny story.
I always have worn Tennis shoes and the like, because I haven't done much trail walking at this point, and the little I have done were in state parks and short trails where you just carried your water with you and a camera.
I wear a size 11EE, so I go into REI in Houston (actually been to both), as I live in Orange, on the border of LA and TX, and I'm about 1.5 hours from there. I ask the shoe department people to assist, because I know nothing about hiking boots, other than I want them to be comfortable, not too sweaty, and support my ankles. They ask to size me, I tell them I'm 11EE, and she proceedes to ignore me and breakout the shoe measure thingie.
She said, "Oh, I see why you say your shoes are uncomfortable, you're an 13 regular, not an 11EE.
.........
So, I tried on some Targhee Mid II in 13's and they fit really well. Not squishing my sides at all.
I'm not sure if they are "The foot whisperer," but apparently I've been doing it wrong for like 20 years...
Other than feeling like an idiot, I'm glad I went somewhere where they know how to measure my feet.
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