Boot fit after break-in

[cpalm9]

It’s time to retire my Lowa Camino. They’ve served me well for years and I’m in the market for something else.

My feet are constantly cold. Think wearing slippers in middle of summer and heater on my feet at my desk. So I’m thinking about moving to insulated boots. I also have skinny, low volume feet.

I’ve tried on 3 pairs so far of what are considered good all-around hunting boots for my style of hunting (archery/rifle for elk/deer in SW MT).

Schnee Beartooth in 200/400g had way too much wiggle room side to side and lots of heel lift. Just didn’t seem to fit the volume of my foot. Even the Schnee’s employees pointed me to other brands.

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 felt good on my instep and width. I liked how they hugged my instep and forefoot. But they were really stiff. Much stiffer than any boot I’ve ever used before.

Crispi Guide 200g felt awesome after I put my superfeet insole in them. No heel slip and stiffness was about right. The instep and width was less snug than the Kenetrek but could have been my lacing. My concern is they felt too good in store…

So my question is am I overthinking this? Would a great fitting boot turn into a loose fitting boot after break-in? Is it better to be a little too stiff and not quite perfect?

Also open to other recommendations!

 

[roadhntr]

If you have found a boot that fits great at the store and I'd go with it. That's only happened a couple times in my lifetime and I've never regretted getting them. They stayed feeling great until they wore out.

 

[wyo2track]

Thanks for the review. I do like the quality construction the schnee boots have that i have tried. However I have tried multiple models of the Schnees hiking boots and the wide model EE last they use just is not wide enough for my feet. I have come to the conclusion Schnee hiking boots are for those with regular to narrow width feet. Crispi, Lowa, Meindl, and Kenetrek I have worn in wide boot are built on a wider last than Schnees. I have worn a pair of Schnees pac boots for a couple decades now. Current pair is on their 4th resole. Some sheep feet insoles has really helped give them a hiking boot feel over the bulky pac boot feel. Again, really like the construction of the Schnees hiking boots but wish they'd build the wides on an American wide last and not a European wide.