Ask for the best boot-fitter in the shop,
if you have the time,make an appointment!
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Take your time selecting new boots.
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Wear the socks you will normally wear,
if you use an orthopaedic device or special
custom inn-soles you need to have them with
you when you try the boots.
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Try on boots at the end of the day, when
your feet are slightly swollen, they will
do so also on the trail, this can make a
big difference.
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Trim your toenails. It may sound funny,
but untrimmed toenails may damage the lining
and even the membrane.
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Try the boots without looking too much
to the size indicated on the boot, this
may vary between different manufacturers
as also from a style to another.
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Go for a walk around the store, you need
t get used to the different weight before
your can evaluate the right sensations you
feel.
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To make your final choice select the boot
that is most comfortable. If you feel the
boot is to heavy or to stiff try on a different
style until you don't find the pair
that suites you completely. It is important
to have the right length, toe room and that
you don't feel any pressure points.
Length
Be careful not to choose a boot
that is to long, it may feel comfortable
but your foot will move inside resulting
in painful blisters. A too short boot
will injure your toes when descending.
The best way to test the fitting is to
slide the foot forward in the unlaced
boot. as far as it will go, the gap behind
the heel should be just enough to fit
your forefinger in comfortably. Once laced
up the boot, your feet will move back
and the vital gap will be available for
the toes.
Stability
Once laced your
foot should feel stable in place, the upper
should also be tight around your foot without
causing pressure points, this will avoid
that your foot moves wile you walk.
Your heel must fit comfortably in the heel
cup, the foot should not lift from the inn-sole
or move to much from side to side, this
is the best way to avoid blisters.
You must pay attention to have enough toe
space, this is a very critical point, when
your toes touch the front there should still
be enough space to move your toes.
The best way to test
your boots is to walk around a little
in the shop, stand up on the front part
and try to get an idea of the stability,
check the comfort you experience.
Socks
Good socks can
make the difference; today there are many
high quality manufacturers that offer specific
socks for different activities and climatic
conditions. Generally speaking we recommend
not to use cotton socks, as they will absorb
the transpiration without wicking it to
the outside.
The
perfect fit
Your specialist
retailer should be able to help you finding
the right boot, he will also have a professional
training to help you to obtain the best
comfort and proper fit recommending the
right socks, inn-soles and eventual volume
adjusters.
Fitting
You
should use the same thickness/type of
socks they intend to walk in when trying
on the boots. Allow plenty of room at
the toes as feet expand when they get
hot. The best way to test the fitting
is to slide the foot forward in the unlaced
boot as far as it will go and the gap
behind the heel should be just enough
to fit your forefinger in comfortably
(see picture). If the finger will not
go in try the next size up or if it is
loose try the next size down. Try the
boots laced up and make sure that there
is no pressure across the instep and that
the heel does not move up and down whilst
walking.
You
should use the same thickness/type of
socks they intend to walk in when trying
on the boots. Allow plenty of room at
the toes as feet expand when they get
hot. The best way to test the fitting
is to slide the foot forward in the unlaced
boot as far as it will go and the gap
behind the heel should be just enough
to fit your forefinger in comfortably
(see picture). If the finger will not
go in try the next size up or if it is
loose try the next size down. Try the
boots laced up and make sure that there
is no pressure across the instep and that
the heel does not move up and down whilst
walking.
