Boot Fit Question

[AdamW]

After a couple weeks of reading up on boots, I've tried some boots in stores and also taken advantage of some Amazon sales and ordered a few pair of boots to try. Specifically I ordered the Scarpa Terra, Lowa Renegade and Salomon Quest. I have always bought cheaper boots on sale; some of them fit, some of them didn't. Buying boots that really fit well from the get-go, especially for backpack hunting on moderate terrain is a new concept for me, so I thought you guys could shed some light for me.

I typically wear a 10.5 normal width. The Scarpa were way too narrow in the toe box, so they were out. The Salomon and Lowa both fit better and feel similar with a little edge going to the Lowa. The issue/concern I have is both boots fit "snug" but not uncomfortably tight. And while the standard "thumb-width" at the end of the toe is good and my toes don't hit the end of the boot on downward incline, I'm getting a borderline "too snug" spot on my little toe with each boot. Maybe due to the way the boots taper a bit at the toe box. I start thinking forward to 3-5 days in the boots and my feet swelling a bit and running in to issues.

What do you guys think? Jump up to a size 11 in the Quest and Lowa and see what I think? Or if I'm getting these issues should I be considering other make/model boots entirely? Nice to have a hunting forum with members who have "felt my pain".

Edit to add: will be used for Colorado elk in probably second rifle season. A bit vague I know but still planning the hunt for next year. First time out west so I will be looking to hunt some areas where the terrain is moderate. Hoping to use the boots this winter at home to see how they perform for me in colder weather.

 

[greyghostnw]

depends on the terrain you are in i think. ive been using the salomon x alp this year from warm to now winter temps in wa. i actually had to size down due to there sizing, glad i did, best boots ive had for all around usage, from high alpine to jungle. id say the normal size not sizing up. too big sucks and thoughts of using boots in winter with thicker socks therefor sizing up for that purpose never works for me. i prefer a snugger fit personally. boots break in to some extent.

 

[1hoda]

Take a look at the NOLS boot fitting guide, just Google it.

 

[AdamW]

Take a look at the NOLS boot fitting guide, just Google it.

Solid info! Thank you!

 

[kickemall]

I am like you and usually wear a 10.5 In Salomon Quests, which I love, I went with an eleven and it has worked well. Quests have a pretty big toe box so if their snug then I would think you would want to go up 1/2 size, especially considering your feet are going to swell with distance. The lace locking eyes will help you greatly with a good fit.

 

[Biggs300]

I always try on the boots before I purchase, and my rule of thumb is that if the toe box is tight, I go a half size larger, especially if they are insulated boots. The only exception was with my Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. The toe box was a bit tighter but the boot was such a good fit, I took a chance that break-in would take care of the tightness, and it did. I have 3 pairs of boots that are size 11 and two that are 11.5. All fit perfectly.

 

[AdamW]

Thanks again for the info guys. Found a Vasque that fits well in a 10.5 wide and have been wearing them all day. Just another example of finding the right boot model/size combo that fits you personally.

 

[wapitibob]

Renegades come in wide, which I required. Quest's did not so i went with regular width and they too were fine.