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.