Author Topic: Which size boot?  (Read 1249 times)

MagsinYork

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Which size boot?
« on: 17:09:05, 18/03/18 »
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?

Deolman

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #1 on: 17:35:41, 18/03/18 »
Could do with paying a visit to a boot fitting specialist. I have purchased my last two pairs of boots from Whalley Warm and Dry. They have different width boots and can stretch them as well.  They are not too far from you so you could give them a ring and see what they say.

Mel

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #2 on: 18:23:36, 18/03/18 »

I'd be inclined to say go for the larger size.


I'm a size 4 "normal" shoe but my walking shoes/boots are a size 5 to allow for thicker socks in winter and hot feet and foot expansion in summer.  I adjust the lacing for a "bespoke" fit. 


How do they fit width-wise?  Your feet expand sideways too when walking so a bit of wiggle room is always a good thing. 


Also, have you tried these boots with your custom insoles? (removing the existing ones first). Have you tried this with both sizes and thick socks?  Have you tried them walking up and down a slope (to highlight pinch-points or slippage)?


Edit:  And also wot Deolman sez  O0

MagsinYork

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #3 on: 18:50:58, 18/03/18 »

Many thanks Deolman and Mel.

Deolman, that place looks amazing! I now need to see if I can make it over there before going off to Norway; it looks like it is well worth it.


And Mel, I was leaning towards the larger ones myself, so good to have some confirmation. If I can't get to Whalley (and return the current boots before the deadline), I will go with the bigger size.

Ray-S

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #4 on: 19:16:46, 18/03/18 »
I am not really experienced enough to give advice but I bought a pair of size 8 boots ( my usual shoe size ) and initially they felt fine but I only wore them 3 times ( about 1 hour each time ) before ditching then for size 9 as they killed my little toe. The size 9 are so much better.

Deolman

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #5 on: 20:28:42, 18/03/18 »
I take a size 9 in a shoe.  After having my feet measured the first time at WW&D they selected a size 10 boot in order to give my feet the extra room required to avoid damaged toes. They worked fine except for a LDW when I damaged one of my toe nails.  When I brought my second pair they suggested a size 10.5 to avoid the problem.  I tried them on at home but they felt too loose so I went back to them. They were very helpful and showed me how to lace up the boot so as to lock the foot in.  I admit I was skeptical at first but it worked and did resolve the problem.  Walking the WHW last year I had no problem with damaged toes.  I found them very knowledgeable and very helpful.


One word of caution though.  When I visited Whalley I parked in the Pay and Display car park just off the main road and left just before the ticket expired.  A month later I got a fixed penalty notice alleging that I had not paid for parking - unbeknown to me they have a camera photographing your vehicle coming in and out of the car park.  Fortunately I still had my parking ticket which I photocopied and sent off to the enforcement people who simple sent a letter back saying the penalty notice had been cancelled but not offering any apology.

MagsinYork

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #6 on: 23:27:51, 18/03/18 »
I've seen a video of the 'lace lock' online - seems really effective.


And thanks for the heads up about parking; I'll hang onto my ticket like it's gold!

shoarthing

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #7 on: 13:44:43, 20/03/18 »
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?
. . . . sounds like neither pair fit.


Strongly suggest you send both back, & visit a proper walking-boot store with a wide range, so you can find something that really fits.


Alt-Berg - based in Richmond, Yorks & with a factory shop - are the obvious choice for specialised-fitting walking boots. Fine quality. Last thing you want is to ruin your walking tour.


http://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/ [nofollow]

harland

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #8 on: 15:49:28, 20/03/18 »
Agree about Altberg in Richmond, North Yorkshire.  I bought a pair recently, if you don't have satnav then make sure you get a copy of the directions/map off the Internet as you will be unlikely to find it otherwise!

Deolman

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Re: Which size boot?
« Reply #9 on: 18:28:37, 20/03/18 »
WW&D also have the range of Altberg boots as they are one of the few boot manufacturers to offer a range of width sizes.

 

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