I'm hoping someone can help me, as I'm going round in circles on this.
I will be walking in Norway in April, where it will still be quite cold, and in the UK this summer, but I really want a pair of boots that will last for years and cover a range of situations. I have some fairly major issues with my feet, and have to wear quite thick, individually-made orthotics. My normal shoe size is UK 5, but I was wondering whether I might need a 5.5 because of the orthotics. I therefore ordered two pairs of Merell MOAB 2 GTX low-rise hiking boots, and I now have to decide which ones to keep.
The size 5 fit well, but possibly slightly snug in thick socks; difficult to get an index finger into the back of the shoe with the laces untied. With the 5.5 size I can move my toes around easily, and I can get the index finger in at the back. But there is a slight feeling of looseness at the heel when I walk. I have just about rectified this with tying the laces differently, but I don't know how they will be after several miles. Will the boots 'give' at all, meaning the 5 is better, or will my feet swell making the 5.5 more sensible?
Ayyyeeee! Can anyone help?