Boot sizing - go small or big?

[Volume Zero]

I am fairly new in buying boots for hiking/hunting. I live in Sierra mountains area and would like to know if you should be wearing the boots with not much of clearance or go roomy to layer up on the socks?

 

[doverpack12]

Looser is better than tighter. Allows a little movement without the sharp binding slip that creates blisters quickly

Wear the socks trying on that you plan to use with the boots

 

[Volume Zero]

I like the idea of wearing the sock when trying on. Appreciate the info!

 

[Maverick1]

I am fairly new in buying boots for hiking/hunting. I live in Sierra mountains area and would like to know if you should be wearing the boots with not much of clearance or go roomy to layer up on the socks?

Wear the socks you will wear when hiking. You want a fit that is just right. Too loose and you will have blisters on your heel and side hilling will become a nightmare. Too tight can also cause problems with toes jamming into your boots, losing toe nails, hot spots, and tingling and numbness.

Don't focus on the cost or price or fancy brand name of the boot. Focus on the fit.

 

[TaperPin]

When they’re laced up your toes shouldn’t hit when kicking the floor hard.

 

[Volume Zero]

That makes sense. I admit I've been focused on brand names and comparing the reviews. Good call on trying on and finding the best fit for my feet.

Have a question, the boots will loosen up eventually to form a fit on my feet? So should I go for a good snug fit?

 

[Huntinfool72]

Agree in that you should wear your boot sock when trying on boots. I like the Farm to Feet Demascus personally

 

[Volume Zero]

Agree in that you should wear your boot sock when trying on boots. I like the Farm to Feet Demascus personally

I do need some socks! I'll have to check out these

 

[Thinkingman]

That makes sense. I admit I've been focused on brand names and comparing the reviews. Good call on trying on and finding the best fit for my feet.

Have a question, the boots will loosen up eventually to form a fit on my feet? So should I go for a good snug fit?

I think this is an important question.
In my experience, especially with insulated boots, they 'pack out' to form to your feet.
Another observation is that many people would be better served with a wider size and shorter boot that to buy what feels comfortable in the store and later find out they have heel slippage due to excessive length.
As a matter of break in, I wear thin socks until I get a few miles on them then switch to a thicker sock once the boot has had time to form to my foot shape.
Ignore what someone says is their favorite brand....Like shotguns, they fit differently and fit is more important than branding...That said, I will never buy Dannners again.

 

[kickeer]

I wear Kuiu hiking socks and have Merells hiking boots. I found that a 1/2 bigger than my normal size ( 11 W ) helps out a lot when i am decending a steep incline. I spend the month of July sometimes in Montana or Wyoming hiking back country. These socks havesaved my feet a ton of headaches.https://www.kuiu.com/products/ultra-merino-crew-sock-grey-green?variant=40340163035294

 

[IdahoBeav]

As boots break in, the vamp and toe box shortens and widens. You want new boots to squeeze the sides of the front of your feet and have space in front of the toes.

 

[Volume Zero]

Thank you! I really appreciate all of your input. There's a lot of valuable information here. I have to admit, I was hesitant to ask this question at first, but all of your observations/inputs made me feel more comfortable and confident about making the right decision on which boots to choose.

 

[junitas03]

That makes sense. I admit I've been focused on brand names and comparing the reviews. Good call on trying on and finding the best fit for my feet.

Have a question, the boots will loosen up eventually to form a fit on my feet? So should I go for a good snug fit?

I'd figure out what type of hunting / hiking you'll be doing the most.

If you're working through scree and most rocky conditions, you'll want something with a durable rand and likely a light, stiff and synthetic + leather boot. And, IMO you'd want a stiffer boot with a more agile midsole (like the Crispi Thor or Lapponia)

If you'll mostly be in timber, underbrush with some rocky terrain mixed in you may want something with a little more flexibility, leather + synthetic (depending on temps) and a midsole that is more like a Crispi Altitude, Colorado or Briksdal.

I don't know what the technical terms for midsoles are, but I've found stepping over down timber and through mixed terrain the Altitudes and Briksdal style midsoles feel safer, sturdier and more comfortable.

If you can't get to a store to try on multiple options, I'd order your normal size and a half size up to see what works best. Try them on with a few different socks thicker, thinner, etc.

FWIW - you pay for what you get with boots, and they are 100% worth the investment. Your feet can get seriously f*cked up, and ruin your back, posture; you can sustain long-term damage to the mechanics of your body if you do not take care of your feet. So buy the best you can afford, and spend time finding the right size.

 

[Thinkingman]

I own two pairs of Zamberlans and this was helpful for me to select the boot and sizing.
Zamberlan FYI page.

 

[LongWayAround]

You might check out the boot trader thread. Lots of opportunities to try boots in there.

 

[JoeK]

In my experience boots that are too snug or squishing my toes or sides of the toebox are the worst. I always want some toe room. Granted most boots tend to break in and in theory if they start just snug then they'll break in and be perfect I just don't find that to be reality for me. I want the initial fit to have plenty of toe room and if it's just slightly too big thicker socks or insoles can take up that extra space. There's just nothing you can do if they're too snug. Also I believe it's said that your feet tend to swell during the day so try on boots in the evening when your feet are at max daily size. There's of course such a thing as too big but for me I've encountered a lot of discomfort from cramped toes and have to be pretty big before I have issues with slippage.

I also know that my right foot is slightly larger than my left and often my left foot could feel perfect but my right toes would be snug or cramped so I recently switched my size up 1/2 size, then added a felt insole and slightly thicker socks to take up just the perfect amount of space and my toes are definitely happier now. Best boot related decision I've made in a long time.

Don't be hesitant to try several different brands or styles to find the one that fits you best, it's absolutely worth it. when you think you found one you like order two sizes and see what feels right.

 

[Truck24hr]

I just went through this with some Crispi Briksdal. My tennis shoes are 11.5 and snug, I went with 12's in boots.

I put quite a few miles on them, probably near 50, I can't remember. But when loaded with a heavy pack, in steep downhill terrain, my toes were hitting the front of the boot.

Got 12.5's and have been happy.

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

You should always make sure you have a thump width from the end of the toe to the end of the shoe, Otherwise if you don't, you run the chance of running into the end of the boot causing toe bang... One of the things we have noticed over the years is that most people fit their boots the way they do a pair of shoes, this causes problems because they make the decision of the boot fitting by what it feels like rather than making sure there is enough room. Feeling good doesn't mean its always right. I realize this is a strange idea but its true.

I'm sure by the time you read this you have already made a decision on a boot but at least you have this info for the next time.

Its all about the fit!!!!

 

[Iceman24]

Don't know if this helps in your hunting situation but where I hunt quality rubber boots are a must because of muddy/rainy conditions a lot of the time. Plus, Jan/Feb can see some cold and wet conditions together. (nothing extreme, but teens to mid 20's where I hunt in Mississippi) Had a mid-range pair of Muck boots that resulted in some very cold and painful toes. On a recommendation from a friend bought a pair of Dryshod Evalusion Hunt Max with the gusset back. So impressed with these for dryness, comfort, and warmth. First pair of hunt boots I didn't feel the need to pull off as soon as I hit the camp. Sold in full sizes and marked with the whole and half size. Example I wear a 9 and bought both the 9/9.5 and the 10/10.5 sizes to see the better fit with my Darn Tough heavy cushion socks. Like the gentleman above said feeling good doesn't always mean right. The 10's fit roomy and felt comfortable around the house, while the 9's were a bit snugger but I had adequate toe room. Ultimately, decided to keep the 9's counting on them loosening a bit. Glad I did. After a few wears they molded to my feet and loosened up to a perfect fit. Couldn't be happier with them. If they hold up for a good while, they'll be the only ones I buy from here on out. Hope this was helpful.