Good boot fitter in Denver area?

[Vids]

I think it's time to move on from my Kenetreks, I'm getting sick of the heel blister issues. They still have a lot of life left so I figure I can buy something new and then turn around and sell those to someone with wider heels.

Does anyone know where I could go to get good advice on boots that will fit my feet? I want to speak with someone that knows the different boots and how they are built. Usually when I go to Bass Pro, Gander Mtn, etc, the boot sales people aren't well versed in the different high end brands and how they fit.

 

[Highcountry_Hellrazor]

I would call Lathrop and Sons. They're probably the best hunting boot fitter out there.
http://www.lathropandsons.com

Bent Gate in golden had a lot of good Mountaineering Boots. They're pretty good in there.
http://www.bentgate.com

 

[SHTF]

I would call Lathrop and Sons. They're probably the best hunting boot fitter out there.
http://www.lathropandsons.com

Bent Gate in golden had a lot of good Mountaineering Boots. They're pretty good in there.
http://www.bentgate.com

Echo what HH said Lathrop has been super helpful answering my questions even when I wasnt buying anything from them.

 

[Vids]

Anyone ever go to this place? They're in Englewood and appear to be highly recommended.

http://thecustomfoot.com/

I called Lathrop & Sons today, wow are they expensive. I'm sure it's a good end product, but he told me the average cost is about $850 by the time your are done. That includes new boots.

 

[bikerdavet]

$850 by the time your are done. Man that hurts - I was getting ready to contact them - guess I will have to look for an alternative as well.

 

[krueger]

I think it's time to move on from my Kenetreks, I'm getting sick of the heel blister issues. They still have a lot of life left so I figure I can buy something new and then turn around and sell those to someone with wider heels.

Does anyone know where I could go to get good advice on boots that will fit my feet? I want to speak with someone that knows the different boots and how they are built. Usually when I go to Bass Pro, Gander Mtn, etc, the boot sales people aren't well versed in the different high end brands and how they fit.

+1
My Kenetrek Mountain Extremes are the most dissappointing boot purchase i have ever made. For a $400+ boot they just aren't even close worth it. My old Danner pronghorns were 2 times better and less than 1/3 of the price.

 

[2x4x16]

I have had the same issues of narrow heels and boot fitting.
What I found worked for me was a pair of Meindl's. Not the Cabela's variety but the rear deal, I was fitted in the store and added some heel lift shims. Now good as gold! They are very stiff booats and take a lot to break in, my feet have to get reaccustomed every year, but after those first couple hikes, they are 100%

 

[Shrek]

I'm going for the customized boot program. I've tried a half dozen boots in the last two years and only one kind of fits. It too big and doesn't support like I want.
I'm hoping for no guess boots that fit right and they will have the measurements on hand for the future. Two years ago I'd never of dreamed I'd be will to pay that much for boots but it sounds pretty reasonable now.

 

[Vids]

Update and a few questions:

I went to The Custom Foot on Saturday, I highly recommend it. The owner, Lee, checked out my feet and my Kenetreks and made some good recommendations. He said I was already doing the right things to help the heel issue (heel cups, lacing patterns, different sock combinations) so he didn't think I'd ever be completely happy in those boots. I found out that I'm about a C+ width and my heel isn't as small as I thought. He recommended I step down to a size 9 instead of a 9.5, so maybe buying a size too large was part of my problem with the Kenetreks. If you're looking for advice on boots he is definitely worth a try.

I'm leaning towards Lowas, but not sure whether it will be Bighorns, Hunters or Tibets. Between The Custom Foot and Lathrop both carrying those because they highly recommend them and everyone on the internet seeming to like them a lot, all signs are pointing that direction.

Now here come the questions:

1. He recommended getting custom footbeds made before getting new boots. (Although he admitted up front that is what his shop specializes in so he is a little biased). How many of you have custom orthotics? I want to avoid this cost if possible, that's another $300 on top of new boots.
2. I tried on the Lowa Bighorn GTXs, they felt great. Unfortunately he didn't have the Hunters or Tibets in my size. He won't be getting many in until August, but I want to purchase long before then so I can break them in. Is there any other place in Denver that has Lowas in stock so I could try them on?
3. Does anyone on here have the Bighorns? My one concern (aside from sticker shock at $450) is they aren't that tall. A little worried about snow conditions and stream crossings, but I could always wear gaiters to help with that. If you own Bighorns let me know if you've ever regretted not getting a taller boot.
4. Please offer input on which Lowas you think are best, I don't have a favorite right now. I want something that will work for elk hunting but I could also use when (if) I draw a sheep tag in the future.

 

[husky390]

Just an FYI for others. If you wear a size 13+, Bentgate will not have your size. I tried it.

Thanks for the tip on the The Custom Foot. I'll have to stop by and check them out. I had a pair of Lowa Baltoro's. Great boot but we did not get along so I had to return them.

 

[bobhunts]

After a very rough 200 plus miles on my Kennetrek Mtn extereme's I thought I had finally broke them in after crossing a river last year. The boot was totally soaked and felt like a dream walking back to camp. I wore them out scouting for sheep two weekends ago and no issues other than the weight of them. Last weekend I wore them again and I started to get heel slippage again on my right heel. I will not be wearing these again. Especially for my sheep hunt! I want a boot that is light and provides great support. I wore a pair of Keen hikers that I had bought ( 2 pairs on sale ) for work and wore a pair today at work and so much lighter and got a little heel rubbing on the right foot. Maybe I have something with that foot ..I do not know. Based on reviews I ordered a pair of Solomon Quest boots based off all of the reviews I have read. They provide great support and way lighter based off reviews so we will see where that goes? But I am done wearing what someone called leg casts! Lighter does not mean loss of support anymore! I am all for lighter. Bob.