Author Topic: Which boot?  (Read 7191 times)

kinkyboots

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #30 on: 15:29:44, 16/09/19 »
To be honest i preferred the fit of the Nordkapps over the tethera too, but the guy was adamant that I should go with the Tetheras.

Maybe there's something in that?  ;)

That's why I said earlier that if you're not completely happy with the fit don't be afraid to insist on trying on a boot half a size bigger or one width fitting wider as doing that will at least give you a comparison of the differing comfort levels which can be achieved.

You may need to be quite firm and insist on an exchange rather than letting them try to talk you into allowing them to steam and stretch the Tetheras to try to improve the fit.

As I said earlier the big bonus the Nordkapp has over the Tethera in it's design is the higher rubber rand which will help to keep the inevitable scuffs and scrapes to the front of the toe area to a minimum.

If possible try to visit midweek when it's quieter and they have more time for each customer and everything is less rushed.

Next time you are looking for walking socks have a look at Bridgedale's range. They make a huge range in different types and thicknesses. Not cheap but arguably the best and come with a 3 year guarantee.
« Last Edit: 17:05:04, 16/09/19 by kinkyboots »

Mel

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #31 on: 15:49:07, 16/09/19 »
To be honest i preferred the fit of the Nordkapps over the tethera too, but the guy was adamant that I should go with the Tetheras. These are actually extra narrow, 8.5 but my foot is right up against the side.

Maybe there's something in that?  ;)



Agreed. 
 
Also bear in mind that your feet swell on a walk so if they feel tight now and tweaking the lacing isn’t making it feel any better, imagine how they’ll feel after a 10 mile walk.


Chris_663

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #32 on: 22:26:52, 16/09/19 »
Trying it out now, tweaking the lacing helps somewhat, they do feel more comfortable when I'm sat in them, but by loosening the lower laces, I'm now getting heel movement when I walk. Tightened them up again, my heel isn't moving now but they're back to been uncomfortable. mostly the discomfort is over the top of the foot mostly, they feel a little tight around the ankle too, I can adjust that with the laces, but again my foot moves about then. It just seems the whole boots feels too small of a fit, although I have plenty of wiggle room around the toes, it's everywhere else :/

kinkyboots

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #33 on: 08:16:37, 17/09/19 »
It's what they feel like when you're on your feet not when you're sat in them that matters. Heel lift is obviously something you need to avoid at all costs as it will inevitably lead to heel blisters due to friction.

I would take them back and explain the problem areas as honestly as you can and what you've tried so far and any difference (good or bad) that it made to the overall fit.

Be guided by the boot fitters knowledge, expertise and advice as there are a number of things they can do to improve the fit ranging from using different lacing techniques, replacement insoles, adding small heel lifts under the existing insole to raise the heel slightlly in the boot to prevent any unwanted heel lift, using a rubbing bar or steaming and stretching the leather to ease problem areas giving you more room particularly over the top of the foot where you say the problem is worst. Although some of it sounds quite drastic it's perfectly normal for these type of adjustments to need to be made and it will not damage the boot in any way. With boots the smallest change can make a huge difference to the overall fit and comfort.

Just bear in mind that the new leather will soften and conform to your feet over time and that stretching the leather is a one way process and any changes made cannot be undone.

Make sure that you wear the boots and walk around the shop for a good 15 minutes after any adjustments have been made and don't leave until you are 100% happy with the fit.

Chris_663

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #34 on: 10:19:56, 19/09/19 »
Sorry I've been off the radar, works been a little manic. Been trying the boots on for an hour or so each night this week and they do feel a lot better. The pain across the top of my foot has gone now, although I can still feel it there I have prescribed this to the fact I have boney feet, it may be that leather boots are not a good match for me but equally I want to give then a shot anyway. As you said, they will mould to mny foot over time and it's best to listen to Whalleys expert advise, and their advise was the extra narrow Tetheras would be much better fit than the others i tried. If I find I am just too uncomfortable after a few walks, i'll chalk it down to experience then look into some softer fabric style boots instead. Anyway thank to all for your advise, and happy walking  :)

kinkyboots

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #35 on: 12:04:51, 19/09/19 »
Thanks for the update.

I'm sure that the more you can wear them and particularly walk in them the easier they will become over time to the point where you will hopefully not even notice that they are on your feet.

Having said that there's nothing stopping you calling into Whalley Warm & Dry without an appointment at any time to see if they can adjust or ease them slightly for you or if they can recommend something else which might help you. This would be the solution I would recommend for you if it doesn't fully resolve itself with a bit more wear and other than a bit of time it won't cost you anything.

If I find I am just too uncomfortable after a few walks, i'll chalk it down to experience then look into some softer fabric style boots instead.

The problem with that is that no other manufacturer that I'm aware of makes any boots (either leather or fabric) which are specifically made to fit extra narrow feet.

Any other boot would require compromise to achieve a comfortable fit by maybe padding out with extra socks or using volume reducers under the insoles to take out any extra unwanted volume.
« Last Edit: 16:01:58, 19/09/19 by kinkyboots »

ninthace

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #36 on: 14:27:47, 19/09/19 »
One comment on Altberg boots.  I bought my first pair of Tetheras at the factory in Richmond.  When they had to go back to be resoled after 2100miles, I bought a second pair from Taunton Leisure so I could keep going and have a spare pair.  I can now wear both pairs interchangeably and the difference in feel between the two is negligible.  I would add that the second pair has done over 530 miles and the uppers are still virtually showroom.  In short, in my experience, Altberg boots are made to a consistent and reliable standard which means, unlike some brands, if you find a pair that suits you, a the next pair will be just as good. 
Solvitur Ambulando

Mel

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #37 on: 17:38:51, 19/09/19 »
.... The pain across the top of my foot has gone now, although I can still feel it there I have prescribed this to the fact I have boney feet, it may be that leather boots are not a good match for me but equally I want to give then a shot anyway. As you said, they will mould to mny foot over time and it's best to listen to Whalleys expert advise, and their advise was the extra narrow Tetheras would be much better fit than the others i tried. If I find I am just too uncomfortable after a few walks, i'll chalk it down to experience then look into some softer fabric style boots instead. Anyway thank to all for your advise, and happy walking  :)


Or you could just return them and ask for the same size in a wider fitting.  (I think kinkyboots mentioned that Whalleys err on the side of snug/narrow recommendations).


If I was paying a couple of hundred quid for a pair of boots plus a fitting/consultation fee then I wouldn't be expecting the amount of niggles you're experiencing simply by walking round the house for an hour at a time in them. 


Change them now.  It's your money and they're your feet.  If the boots don't feel "quite right" then they're probably not right for your feet.  Don't blame your "bony feet" on a badly fitting boot just because they've been recommended by a specialist fitter.  Definitely go back and have a chat with them.  If they're remotely professional they will understand that you need what feels right for you. 


Sorry, but I really think you'll experience problems on a walk if your boots feel too snug now.




pauldawes

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #38 on: 17:54:32, 19/09/19 »


Sorry, but I really think you'll experience problems on a walk if your boots feel too snug now.


I agree.(With all your post, not just bit quoted.)


I must admit until I read your post it hadn’t registered with me that all these problems were all experienced while just wearing the boots round house.


I don’t buy notion that fit and feel will radically improve once bedded in...they may improve a bit, but not enough to become really comfortable on long walks, if problems like this are experienced in house.


The advantage of going back now...before boots have been worn outside is that a reasonable shop will at very least give a generous refund. Once worn outside, more problematic.

« Last Edit: 18:03:21, 19/09/19 by pauldawes »

richardh1905

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #39 on: 19:17:20, 19/09/19 »
I would return the boots whilst you still can, Chris - they clearly are not right for your feet.
WildAboutWalking - Join me on my walks through the wilder parts of Britain

ninthace

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #40 on: 19:21:53, 19/09/19 »
I would return the boots whilst you still can, Chris - they clearly are not right for your feet.
I concur.
Solvitur Ambulando

kinkyboots

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #41 on: 19:46:45, 19/09/19 »
Or you could just return them and ask for the same size in a wider fitting.  (I think kinkyboots mentioned that Whalleys err on the side of snug/narrow recommendations).

From what Chris_663 said I don't think a wider fitting boot is the answer as he said if he even slackens the lower lacing slightly he immediately gets heel lift so as well as having extra narrow feet he must also have very narrow heels. A wider fitting boot will also have a slightly wider fitting heel which will just add to the problem. The bootfitter recommended the Tethera in extra narrow rather than the Nordkapp which is a medium fit because he felt the Nordkapp was too wide for his feet.

From what he describes I think Whalley Warm & Dry just need to steam and stretch the leather around the tongue area over the top of his feet to take any pressure he is feeling off that area. It should be no more than a 10-15 minute job and from my personal experience it will make a world of difference to the overall fit and comfort of the boots.

I would agree that Chris_663 really needs to go back to Whalley Warm & Dry sooner rather than later so that the issue can be resolved once and for all with professional help and advice.

Incidentally it's not Whalley Warm & Dry who err on the side of snug/narrow fit it's actually Alberg's measuring and fitting system which they use that does that. The staff at Whalley Warm & Dry were trained by the staff at the Altberg factory.

Mel

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #42 on: 21:40:59, 19/09/19 »
The thing is, a wider fitting (and potential wider heel/lift) could easily be rectified by the heel lock lacing technique you mentioned in an earlier reply where the lacing can be as slack as you like over the forefoot and is locked in at the heel (I use this method myself if I wear boots). 


A wider fitting would also help resolve the discomfort felt at the top of the foot (the bony feet feeling) because the broadness of the foot wouldn't be pulling the leather uppers laterally, causing pressure on the top of the foot. 


Just because the WW&D staff said they should be the perfect fit for Chris, doesn't mean they are (and they clearly aren't).  Particularly if a second round of steaming/stretching is required to "make them fit".  This simply tells me that they "do not fit".  Granted, you can't fault the customer service but this should also include listening to the customer when they say the boots feel too snug and offer alternative suggestions which feel right for the customer.


With all that taken into consideration, I stand (in my very comfy Meindls) by what I said above  :)




Chris_663

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #43 on: 21:48:01, 19/09/19 »
Let's not make this into an argument. I'll give them a call and see what they say, I think all the advise I have got from here is sound and its been very helpful for me. Whalley were great and helped me realise one simply doesn't just buy boots without understanding a few things first, so thank you all for the contributions and to kinky boots for recommending a great shop and continued feedback on my requirements. Forum mods you may now lock this thread, if that's what you do here  :)

Mel

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Re: Which boot?
« Reply #44 on: 21:52:18, 19/09/19 »
No arguing here from me. Simply clarifying why I said what I said when questioned by KB.  I hope you get sorted and have many happy miles of walking  O0

 

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