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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Ronin83 on 19:34:06, 03/07/18

Title: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 19:34:06, 03/07/18
Starting a new topic as my last one is getting sidetracked by this subject.


In particular, toe boxes start narrowing from the ball/big toe knuckle and taper in towards the longest point, usually the middle.
Human feet just aren't like that. If your foot's ball point(bunion zone) is at the widest inside point then your big toe will be pushed inwards. This had been proven to cause bunions as well as posture/gait problems.
Knowing this, why do 99% of shoemakers, with all their experience and knowledge still insist on making anatomically incorrect footwear?
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 19:43:23, 03/07/18
To add.
There are some models and brands who have picked up on this philosophy in the barefoot shoes industry.
Even altberg developed the a-form last which half heartedly follows this principle.


Another forum user is staunchly adamant that shoemakers know best and I'm wrong to question it.
I'm never one to conform and trust in authority, with good reason(if the Wright brothers listened to authority we wouldn't have aeroplanes, also see the Stanley milgrim experiment).
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: NeilC on 20:00:02, 03/07/18
I don't know the answer but I wish they were. That point at the end of boots and shoes causes me no end of problems.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Kukkudrill on 20:05:37, 03/07/18

Another forum user is staunchly adamant that shoemakers know best and I'm wrong to question it.
I'm never one to conform and trust in authority, with good reason(if the Wright brothers listened to authority we wouldn't have aeroplanes, also see the Stanley milgrim experiment).

All I'm saying is that maybe there's a reason why the traditional toe shape continues to predominate, given that boot-makers (you mention Altberg) are constantly looking for ways to stand out from the crowd. I never said you're wrong to question the traditional shape: please don't ascribe to me things I didn't say. You're perfectly entitled to your opinion, just as I'm entitled to mine. I'll say no more on this subject.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 20:39:37, 03/07/18
That seemed to be what you were saying. You did say there must be a reason(other than arrogance, fashion, stuck in convention etc).


Please do say more. Im all for a counter argument to balance the subject
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 20:47:49, 03/07/18
I don't know the answer but I wish they were. That point at the end of boots and shoes causes me no end of problems.


Really? What problems?
Have you found ways to work around them?
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: NeilC on 21:00:58, 03/07/18

Really? What problems?
Have you found ways to work around them?


They tend to force my big toe across. The only way is to buy the widest, bluntest shape in a size up, and I still get problems. Also downhill it tends to force the toes into the narrowing so can rub the little tow as well.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 21:43:09, 03/07/18
Yeh I have the same issue and my big toe isn't even that straight and my feet aren't even that wide.
I feel sorry for people with a wide forefoot.
I did see a new brand called treksta the other day and they actually have them in Cotswold, hard to take a £120 risk on a brand with no verifiable history though
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: sunnydale on 07:58:10, 04/07/18
I've seen a few people walking in these this Summer...


https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/vib22/vibram-fivefingers-kso-sports-shoes-~-ss18/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImKX1_e6E3AIVSbDtCh1sJg3BEAQYASABEgJw2PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 
 :D
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 09:33:40, 04/07/18
I've seen a few people walking in these this Summer...


https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/vib22/vibram-fivefingers-kso-sports-shoes-~-ss18/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImKX1_e6E3AIVSbDtCh1sJg3BEAQYASABEgJw2PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds (https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/vib22/vibram-fivefingers-kso-sports-shoes-~-ss18/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImKX1_e6E3AIVSbDtCh1sJg3BEAQYASABEgJw2PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)


 :D


Yeh theyre quite popular.
My problem with barefoot shoes so far has been the minimal sole. I didn't grow up in Africa or somewhere barefoot most of my life and so my feet are pathetic(like most of us)
Ive tried running in them(off-road) and its painful to potentially injurious.
Walkings not so bad, but I haven't tried it long distance yet.
Altra shoes have thick soles, but again, £120 for an experiment is a financial risk.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 09:37:53, 04/07/18
Point to make...
Running on softer ground like fields is fine, but you do run mid - forefoot(this happens naturally when you take away a raised cushioned heel) which tears your untrained calves up until you get used to it.


I think for most of us who don't have the patience, time, energy, will to condition ourselves for all this(although it would be beneficial), we'd probably just want that foot shape/wide toe box.

Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: kinkyboots on 09:50:25, 04/07/18
If we start from the fact that every human is different and has different feet with hundreds of variables and you can start to see the size of the problem.

Unless you are prepared to spend the thick end of £2000 on a pair of custom made and fitted boots every boot choice you make is a compromise on the best fit for your particular feet.

The market place for boots is extremely competitive and the vast majority of manufacturers now build to a price point for the mass market and closely mirror each other like sheep. Most manufacturers are only interested in high volume sales and making the most profit per pair that they can get away with. Making and selling a quality product is now well down the list of priorities for the majority of them. Unfortunately these days a budget of £100 buys you very little in the way of a quality product. The trend towards manufacturers reducing the quality of the materials used to increase profits and building in a short lifespan are other worrying aspects to this. 

Perhaps the only exception to this is Altberg who offer what is probably the widest range of models in different width fitting and last shape combinations available. This individuality obviously comes at a cost which some people are and some people aren't prepared to accept and pay. Add to this the time and cost of either a visit to the Altberg factory or a specialist boot fitter such as Whalley Warm & Dry and you can see it's not a cheap undertaking if you want the best possible fitting boots for your feet without going to the expense of custom made boots.

The Altberg boots broadly fall into 3 categories depending on your walking requirements.

2-3 Season Boots - Fremington (standard last with 5 width fittings), Yan Tan (A-Forme last with 1 width fitting), Malham (A-Forme last with 1 width fitting), Keld (G-Fit last with 1 width fitting with a much higher than average volume & width)

3 Season Boots
- Tethera (standard last with 5 width fittings), Nordkapp (A-Forme last with 1 width fitting), Kisdon (G-Fit  last with 1 width fitting with a much higher than average volume & width)

3-4 Season Boots
- Mallerstang (standard last with 5 width fittings)

If the standard last doesn't quite fit the shape and volume of your foot it's a safe bet that either the A-Forme or G-Fit lasts will and you will definitely not be disappointed with the build quality of any of them.

A couple of links which may be worth reading
https://www.myoutdoors.co.uk/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=976:alt-berg&Itemid=279 (https://www.myoutdoors.co.uk/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=976:alt-berg&Itemid=279)
https://www.altberg.co.uk/a-forme/the-history-of-a-forme/ (https://www.altberg.co.uk/a-forme/the-history-of-a-forme/) 
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:09:37, 04/07/18
The nearest I got to feet shaped boots was a pair of Keen Targee 2s, so comfortable and walking easy, pity they leaked when it rained!
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 11:10:03, 04/07/18
Altberg are certainly a gem.
The more I learn about them the more I want a pair. I have got defenders which imI selling as my feet have grown and whilst they were weather proof for working outside all of that terrible winter we had(a real feat), they always slipped a lot in the heel, not good for walking purposes).


I will one day go there.
Kinky boots have you been?
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 11:13:09, 04/07/18
The nearest I got to feet shaped boots was a pair of Keen Targee 2s, so comfortable and walking easy, pity they leaked when it rained!


Yeh they have wider toe boxes dont they? They seem wide throughout though.


Maybe they should succumb to using gtx
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: kinkyboots on 11:27:18, 04/07/18
Altberg are certainly a gem.
The more I learn about them the more I want a pair. I have got defenders which imI selling as my feet have grown and whilst they were weather proof for working outside all of that terrible winter we had(a real feat), they always slipped a lot in the heel, not good for walking purposes).


I will one day go there.
Kinky boots have you been?


Not been to the Altberg factory but have been to Whalley Warm & Dry https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/ (https://www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/boot-fitting-service/) who are an Altberg Premier Retailer for various things (including having some second hand Fremington boots I bought steamed and stretched) I and cannot recommend their boot fitting service highly enough. The boot fitters working at Whalley Warm & Dry were trained by the Altberg factory staff.

I suppose both places are reasonably handy if you ever get up to the Yorkshire Dales or Lake District.

Once you've taken the time and trouble to get properly measured and know what model boot, size and width fitting you need then eBay is your oyster and there are occasional bargains to be had if you're patient!  ;)

From memory the Defenders don't have a waterproof liner and only come in a standard last in Medium or Wide and rely on boot spacers placed under the insole to pad them out if required.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: NeilC on 12:24:37, 04/07/18
I really wanted Altberg to fit, but they didn't, despite trying their entire range.


One day I'll make it up to get tgrm fitted and adjusted.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 12:53:50, 04/07/18
Re: defenders
Yeh no liner, but really bloody waterproof. I mean really.


I reckon I could get on with some a forme malhams, but again it's a risk without whole fitting process. Something for the future.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: kinkyboots on 14:12:36, 04/07/18
I reckon I could get on with some a forme malhams, but again it's a risk without whole fitting process. Something for the future.

It's not so much about the fitting process as it is about travelling to somewhere to get correctly measured to start with and then trying some on in the sizes you think you may need. Treat the measuring only as a guide and starting point. After 5-10 minutes of being worn your feet rather than the sizing on the boots will tell you which size feels to be the better fit for you and your first impressions are rarely wrong.

Depending on the level of skill of the boot fitter the measuring process should reveal any peculiarities of your feet and he/she should be able to instantly recommend any models which will suit your foot shape, width and volume the best and you should be prepared to be guided by any recommendations they make.

A location which may be worth a look https://www.breakingfree.co.uk/product/Altberg_Altberg-Malham-Mens-Walking-Boots_103_22_5_0.html (https://www.breakingfree.co.uk/product/Altberg_Altberg-Malham-Mens-Walking-Boots_103_22_5_0.html)

This is the sizing advice from Open Air Cambridge website for this boot https://www.openair.co.uk/footwear-c6/mens-c124/boots-c132/altberg-malham-walking-boots-p367/s1955 (https://www.openair.co.uk/footwear-c6/mens-c124/boots-c132/altberg-malham-walking-boots-p367/s1955)
Quote
Regular fit, but with increased width across toe joints without significant increase in volume, narrower midfoot and heel. Sizing tends to run half a size small, so if you are normally UK 10 in boots you might require UK 10.5.

Best online price I can see at the moment appears to be £147.99 https://www.gaynors.co.uk/footwear-c119/mens-c121/boots-c126/altberg-mens-malham-walking-boot-p1793/s4940 (https://www.gaynors.co.uk/footwear-c119/mens-c121/boots-c126/altberg-mens-malham-walking-boot-p1793/s4940)

It's not that long ago that I saw a pair of size 9½ never been worn outside the house sell on eBay for only £70 plus £5 postage.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:59:34, 16/07/18
As its been so hot and dry recently I decided to buy a pair of 'cheap' walking boots (£40) from Decathlon and then walk a few days along the Beacon Way and Offas Dyke path. The boots proved to be very comfortable and easy to live with, except in one place on each boot, right on the outer toenail edge of each little toe! I did not get blisters at all, just two bruised toenails.

Following the theme about 'why are boots/shoes not human foot shaped?' I can sort of agree with the writer. Why would boot manufactures decide that the curve on the outer side of each boot should start exactly where for example, my little toes are most likely to be touching the boot itself? I've had this problem before, except with the Keen Targee's and its rather boring to have to keep breaking then in, even having to do this with the type of boots that are advertised as not needed to be broken in.

I consider that I have very normal feet, lovely feet in fact, with no bent toes, no odd shaped areas and so on. I'm a size 7 but I bought a size 8 and they still pressed on my little toes. If I put my feet on a large piece of paper and draw around them and then draw around the shape of the sole of the boot I can see why some people might suggest that boots and shoes are 'not human foot shaped!' I wonder who decides these things, or is it just tradition?

The Decathlon boots are now very comfortable, I walked in them today and my little toes did not hurt at all. I'm sure they will last me well throughout the autumn and winter.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: RogerA on 16:06:58, 16/07/18
On the question asked - I dont know
On a related question - why dont shoes / boots mold the profile of your step i.e. the underside of your foot - I had a problem with a weak arch on one foot recently and discussed with my doctor. He got me some molded insteps to use in the short term while my foot recovered but made the point to me that I should not wear permanently as then the muscles in the base of my foot wouldnt get the workout they needed to stay strong - muscles unused dont get stronger.

Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 07:53:07, 17/07/18
On the question asked - I dont know
On a related question - why dont shoes / boots mold the profile of your step i.e. the underside of your foot - I had a problem with a weak arch on one foot recently and discussed with my doctor. He got me some molded insteps to use in the short term while my foot recovered but made the point to me that I should not wear permanently as then the muscles in the base of my foot wouldnt get the workout they needed to stay strong - muscles unused dont get stronger.


Exactly! Good doctor.
Thats part of the philosophy of barefoot shoes. The arch is a muscle, like a tense suspension bar. If you support it all the time, it will become weaker and youll just need more support. Also arch support prevents your arch from flattening then springing back up, which is what it's supposed to do.
Same goes with ankle support.
Use support when you need it, when you don't just strengthen everything with minimal shoes/barefoot.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Beth FF on 20:56:06, 18/07/18
I've seen a few people walking in these this Summer...

https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/vib22/vibram-fivefingers-kso-sports-shoes-~-ss18/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImKX1_e6E3AIVSbDtCh1sJg3BEAQYASABEgJw2PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds


Ah yes, Vibram 5 Fingers! I used to walk in them and could manage 11-12 miles back to back on varying terrain with no problem. However, it's surprising how weak our feet get being supported in normal shoes all the time, so I had to work up to that mileage gradually. I loved them but they were too cold for winter unfortunately.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 21:15:12, 18/07/18
Ah yes, Vibram 5 Fingers! I used to walk in them and could manage 11-12 miles back to back on varying terrain with no problem. However, it's surprising how weak our feet get being supported in normal shoes all the time, so I had to work up to that mileage gradually. I loved them but they were too cold for winter unfortunately.


Used to? Why not anymore?
I am still experimenting with barefoot shoes, but don't think I'd ever completely convert, although they do make sense.

Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Beth FF on 21:26:11, 18/07/18

Used to? Why not anymore?
I am still experimenting with barefoot shoes, but don't think I'd ever completely convert, although they do make sense.
Mainly because at the moment I'm in training for an epic coastal walk and I think it would be just a bit too much to wear the V5Fs plus carry my rucksack for 1000s of miles. Plus I'd have to revert to warmer shoes in the winter which would mean training my feet all over again when I want to wear the vibrams. I found they took a bit of getting used to and feel weird if not worn for a while. I suppose I just got out of the habit of wearing them.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 09:34:16, 27/01/19
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtHqs7dBAWu/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=e7k6p963umco

 
Quite interesting
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: GnP on 12:18:37, 27/01/19
I wear these at times. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ITIZQ8Q/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ITIZQ8Q/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)  ..I wrote a review on amazon there..They are the nearest I ever got to feet shaped boots. The sole is relatively flat and low. Alas they are not waterproof & in mud too slippy. In dry weather though they are about the most comfortable I have ever worn.. Merrell gloves (shoes)  are feet shaped & are very comfortable with a vibram flat sole. They are not good for hiking though and on hard surfaces can be a tad too sensitive.Maybe maufactureres realised that foot shapes boots or shoes, have not sold well in the past because people are too vain and think they look odd ?  ??? .
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 18:15:05, 27/01/19
I wear these at times. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ITIZQ8Q/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ITIZQ8Q/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)  ..I wrote a review on amazon there..They are the nearest I ever got to feet shaped boots. The sole is relatively flat and low. Alas they are not waterproof & in mud too slippy. In dry weather though they are about the most comfortable I have ever worn.. Merrell gloves (shoes)  are feet shaped & are very comfortable with a vibram flat sole. They are not good for hiking though and on hard surfaces can be a tad too sensitive.Maybe maufactureres realised that foot shapes boots or shoes, have not sold well in the past because people are too vain and think they look odd ?  ??? .


Ah yeh, Clarks actually do some foot shaped models. They often use gtx too, but I've never seen what I would say are proper hiking boots with foot shape by Clarks.
They sometimes have some on sale or cheap in Clarks outlet shops.


Vivobarefoots ''tracker" boots look interesting, but at £190 it's an expensive experiment.


I read your review btw. Cheers
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: GnP on 14:20:42, 28/01/19

Ah yeh, Clarks actually do some foot shaped models. They often use gtx too, but I've never seen what I would say are proper hiking boots with foot shape by Clarks.
They sometimes have some on sale or cheap in Clarks outlet shops.


Vivobarefoots ''tracker" boots look interesting, but at £190 it's an expensive experiment.


I read your review btw. Cheers#
I agree expensive.!

 :) I bought a pair of barefeet shoes one time, but felt they didnt give enough protection all round. I like the idea but think walking on footpaths along side of roads, and even stones & fields of mud need something a bit more substantial.. I never got to wearing them out doors and returned them.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 18:41:02, 28/01/19
Now, you see, I have problems with the modern trend to big wide toe boxes. Pretty much any shoes or boots I try nowadays leave my toes loose and I get no sense of security from them when doing anything other than walking on the flat.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 15:32:24, 30/01/19
Now, you see, I have problems with the modern trend to big wide toe boxes. Pretty much any shoes or boots I try nowadays leave my toes loose and I get no sense of security from them when doing anything other than walking on the flat.


Firstly, there is NO trend to making spacious toe boxes in anything other than very specific footwear.


Secondly, there is no benefit, but a lot of problems with having your toes 'secured'.


Toes should be free to splay naturally and wiggle to keep blood flow healthy. Other parts of the foot can be secured for stability, but toes need to do what they do.
If you feel insecure without snugness/pressure on your toes then youve developed a very unnatural and unhealthy feeling.


As a domesticated human like the rest of the general population, I am, unfortunately, reliant on a certain level of protection on my feet. ItsIa shame, but it's the way it is.
Barefoot shoes are a difficult thing to get used to.
Personally I love the shape and wide toe boxes, but the thin soles are a problem for me.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 22:19:46, 31/01/19
I was merely pointing out that everyone has different feet, and whatever happens to the 'standard' shoe design, some people aren't going to like it.


For shoes to simply walk the streets in, I have no problem with loose toes. However, if I'm doing anything serious I need the shoe/boot to fit my foot and not slip around. If it doesn't fit at the toe, then I don't get the connection between surface and foot I need for security. At worst, my foot slips around and I can't deal with any scrambling - try stepping on a small hold when there's a gap between your foot and the edge of the boot. Even on level ground, if I get a boot of the right length, I find nowadays that I frequently have to tie the laces painfully tight to stop the feeling the boot's about to fall off. That is particularly worrying on rough tracks.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 14:44:17, 01/02/19
I was merely pointing out that everyone has different feet, and whatever happens to the 'standard' shoe design, some people aren't going to like it.


For shoes to simply walk the streets in, I have no problem with loose toes. However, if I'm doing anything serious I need the shoe/boot to fit my foot and not slip around. If it doesn't fit at the toe, then I don't get the connection between surface and foot I need for security. At worst, my foot slips around and I can't deal with any scrambling - try stepping on a small hold when there's a gap between your foot and the edge of the boot. Even on level ground, if I get a boot of the right length, I find nowadays that I frequently have to tie the laces painfully tight to stop the feeling the boot's about to fall off. That is particularly worrying on rough tracks.


You keep mentioning your FOOT slipping around. This has nothing to do with the toe box at all. Space in front of your toes is recommended by all boot fitters to prevent stubbing. That said, if space in front is the problem this has nothing to do with a WIDE toe box anyway.
With regards to "toeing" a small hold, as a climber, I can understand the need for a close fitting shoe, but serious mountain boots get around this by having rigid soles near the toes.


I mean hey, if thatsthow you like it then fine, up to you, but it's really not healthy for your feet, especially over long distances
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: archaeoroutes on 17:12:14, 01/02/19
My proper 4-season boots are fine, as you say. But then I haven't had to replace any of those in a few years.
I am also fine with very flexible synthetic boots which conform to my feet like elastic.
My problem is with (mostly) leather boots which have a stiff upper that leaves large gaps to the side and above my toes. And by toes it seems to be from the bottom of the laces down. I've had quite a few of my reliable go-to models that I trashed the life out of at work and needed to replace every couple of years suddenly stop letting me do things as easily as I had (like scrambling up a delicate rocky bit after ten miles tabbing across Dartmoor) and when I measured them the only difference was a larger toe box.


I don't want my toes cramping up, or being squashed. What I want is a boot that responds. With the larger box, I am aware of the slight time lag between lifting my toes off the bottom of the boot and the sole of the boot leaving the ground. That is very disconcerting as the boot no longer feels like it is an extension of my foot and I no longer trust it, not even to drive where the delay lifting off the accelerator feels like an age. I'd liken it to skiing vs mountain-biking - I could hurl myself down all sorts of things on skis because they were an extension of me but I was scared to go down most slopes on a bike because it was just something I was sat on (yeah, serious mountain bikers are going to have quibbles with the analogy as for them the bike is part of them, but for me it is true).
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Ronin83 on 09:40:10, 03/02/19
I totally understand where youreycoming from now with the extension of your body analogy. I feel the same way which Is what briefly led me down the path of barefoot shoes. They did provide that sensory feedback, but severely lacked in quality and protection.
Id like to just skip around in dainty fitted shoes(I guess trainers?), but they'd just never survive the deep mud, clay, chalk, rain and rocks.


If only there was a boot which converts between a comfy rambler to a fitted stiff  rambler. Unfortunately magic doesn't exist  ;D


But yes, I completely see where youre coming from now
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 17:31:45, 06/02/19
Hello
Try Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid if you want a wide toe box, very impressed with them so far.
I have found on long hikes I've done (Cape Wrath Trail and TGO Challenge) that my feet spread wearing trainer type boots like the Inov8 rocklite 325 and my toes start to rub after a week or 2 so later this month I will be starting my LEJOG (1300miles) ish in some Inov8 roclite 345 GTX knowing the tread will wear down before the end, I will then change into my Altra Lone Peak 4 mid to give my toes more room. They are noticeable wider in the toe box.
Mark 
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: GnP on 12:42:13, 07/02/19
I wear Anatom Q2 boots most of the time now. I think many people might would find the soles a tad thin. The soles are Vibram though & give a lot of flex. The leather upper is soft and they have a fairly wide toe box. They are waterproof & that`s the clincher for me. I use Neats foot oil most of the time, even with it`s reputation for overly softening leather......I always say to myself nowadays. I want the boot to be comfortable from the get go and not need to be broken in by my valuable and supremely constructed feet, which mother nature has taken eons to perfect..
I have noticed that some stiff thorns have entered the soles in places and I get the feeling they could go straight through in certain circumstances. I will live with that possibility though as I enjoy the feel of the ground under my feet and think it gives me greater control of my steps and grip on slopes too.They are not exactly  fashion icons either but I love `em.
Title: Re: Why are shoes/boots not human foot shaped?
Post by: Percy on 14:40:41, 14/02/19
Hello
Try Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid if you want a wide toe box, very impressed with them so far.
I have found on long hikes I've done (Cape Wrath Trail and TGO Challenge) that my feet spread wearing trainer type boots like the Inov8 rocklite 325 and my toes start to rub after a week or 2 so later this month I will be starting my LEJOG (1300miles) ish in some Inov8 roclite 345 GTX knowing the tread will wear down before the end, I will then change into my Altra Lone Peak 4 mid to give my toes more room. They are noticeable wider in the toe box.
Mark
I've been looking at the Lone Peak's for a number of months and I finally took the plunge. They were waiting for me when I got home yesterday. I've only pottered about in the them but I'm really impressed with how comfortable and light they are. I have wide feet so was attracted by the wider toe box. Outside of bad weather conditions (winter or very, very wet) I've moved away from leather boots to trainers/trail running shoes the last few years and think the Altra's will be a big favourite of mine.