If you have feet that are of different size and width, then that's bad enough trying to find a pair that'll fit comfortably. But then there's an additional problem if therte's any sort of problem with the likes of hammer toes. I don't know how many pairs of boots or shoes that I've bought which at first seem comfortable but after wearing for some time, cause me a problem around the big toe area.I've resorted to cutting the boot and trimming the fabric around that area and wearing waterproof socks!
I've found it's not only the size of your feet, or even the width. A lot of the footwear I've tried insist on incorporating a toe guard of some description. This is formed, not to rise vertically but to slope back towards your instep. So, I've had a go at cutting the thing out and then re-stitching the fabric together again. and if the boot or shoe has a goretex liner or any other waterproof liner, that too can entomb the toe so that iot cant't wiggle, even if wearing footwear a size or size and a half bigger, depending on the make. I a tried pair out that I'd "cobbled" the right shoe (nice and comfortable except for the toe guard) and it's worked. I also tried it with a pair of older fabric Meindl boots and cut awaythe waterproof liner around the toe and that works too. They look like something I've rescued off a tip; but they're now comfortable.
All this Heath Robinson messing about to try and get comfort in a shoe or boot! For me, the main problem is around the material and design of the toe guard and how that affects me.
Depending upon where you live, if you have any difficulty in finding comfortable, well fitting footwear for lengthy walking wear, it might be worthwhile going to a footwear specialist, who can perhaps give you advice on the correct size and shape of footwear for you.
I'm lucky...I think! As I live in the North West and by looking on the Internet I've found a footwear specialist in Wigan, so I'm going there tomorrow. I'll see how this turns out and if successful, I'll post up their details for anyone else in the region who might suffer with similar problems.