Boot Company Rant

[Macintosh]

Yep, thats too true on the sizing. “Truly good” retailers are an extreme rarity it seems.

It is not in a brands best interest to offer a variety of fits. From a cost perspective it is less profitable. From a marketing and sales perspective it is more difficult.

 

[fngTony]

Yep, thats too true on the sizing. “Truly good” retailers are an extreme rarity it seems.

It is not in a brands best interest to offer a variety of fits. From a cost perspective it is less profitable. From a marketing and sales perspective it is more difficult.

I have more respect for a brand that mostly sticks to one last (Crispi) than one who seems to use something different for every model (Asolo). At least a few are using an in house fit classification (salewa, Zamberlan) but that only helps with that brand.

Moon landing-1969, reasonable boot shopping- 2075

 

[Ron.C]

OP,

I to need narrow / low volume boots. Hanwags have worked very well for me. I buy them from whoever have the best price.

Hanwag Alaskas were my goto boot for a decade from Vancouver Island blacktail, to interior BC grizzly, elk and mountain goat hunts. I also have Hanwag trapper tops (a tad more room in the toebox) and a warmer boot. Also have Hanwag SF (very similar to Alaskas with loops vrs hooks and doesn't have the higher rand the alaskas.

All 3 have fit similar. For stiffnesss (most to least), Trapper tops, Alaskas, SF.

I had my Alaskas for 13 years (multiple resoles before the boot gave up). 3 Years on the TT's so far and been using the SF's as my summer boot. But I may use them on an early season goat hunt this year as they are a tad lighter than the Alaskas. All these boots can take hard use and extended trips in the field.

 

[kpk]

Hanwag Yukon sound like what your looking for.

How much are high end skates? That's why you get less options in boots

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

High end skates run about 1,000 - 1,300. I'd guess most beer league players and Friday night skaters are dropping 3-500 retail.

I completely understand what he's saying though. I've gone through a ton of hunting boots and only ever really been happy with the way one of them fit. I bought new skates this year and pretty much nailed the fit and feel on the 2nd pair I tried. Pick the blade profile you like and then fit 1, 2, or 3 dependent on foot volume and that's about it.

It's almost like hunting boot manufacturers make them for the outlier foot shapes rather than the average.

 

[Dogone]

I'm in the same boat. I've tried Lowa, Meindl, Crispi etc. and I can't find a boot that will fit my more narrow foot . I've been chasing a boot that matches the fit of Whites with a waterproof liner for a long time. I also like a taller boot which really limits the options as well.

I have narrow feet , size nine. Crispi Lapponias are a perfect fit. Mail ordered and got lucky. And also great for snowshoeing.

 

[ganngus]

I equally hate boot companies, but for another reason. It is damn near impossible finding quality boots in a size 15...