How Much "Extra" on Boot Sizing?

5shot

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 29, 2016
Messages
291
Location
Colbert, WA
Just curious how much is suggested for proper sizing on mountain boots. I purchased a used pair, and they were 1-1/2 sizes larger than what I normally wear for lace ups, a half size larger than my Pac Boots. I debated about floating them along and listed them in the Classifieds, but no takers, so I decided to give them a go. I was really shocked on some steep downhill stuff, as my toes almost hit the front of the toe box. Had I bought my normal sizing for lace ups, I am sure they would have hit the front, unless I had laced them far too tight for my liking. Might still be a half size too big, but they are comfy, and not as overly sized as I had first assumed.
 
Just curious how much is suggested for proper sizing on mountain boots. I purchased a used pair, and they were 1-1/2 sizes larger than what I normally wear for lace ups, a half size larger than my Pac Boots. I debated about floating them along and listed them in the Classifieds, but no takers, so I decided to give them a go. I was really shocked on some steep downhill stuff, as my toes almost hit the front of the toe box. Had I bought my normal sizing for lace ups, I am sure they would have hit the front, unless I had laced them far too tight for my liking. Might still be a half size too big, but they are comfy, and not as overly sized as I had first assumed.

without question anything over 1/2 size either direction and you're flirting with blisters, sore feet and a ruined hunt - the single one thing that is worth the money is good boots THAT FIT
 
There's a lot more to fit than length. A proper fitting boot shouldn't slip much at all and your toes shouldnt be slamming into the front.
 
I agree with everything that has been said so far. I would say that on average I have about 1/4" - 1/2" of space in front of my toes, and when tied properly, even when packing a 60 lb. pack downhill, my toes never touch the front of the boot. When a boot fits correctly and is tied correctly, you'll know it, they just "feel right".
 
Change insoles for more volume might feel better. It's hard to just order boots seems every brand fits different so you might be a full size different maker to maker

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
Lots of good comments - I would add (maybe I missed it) but the most important thing I look for is that my heel can "lock in" to the heel box. To me, that is where slipping comes from, a heel not staying put. Some boots fit better to some then others - I tried a pair of boots on last week that felt good and locked in on flat ground, but hit the rock wall at cabelas, and I knew in two steps it would be a heel-destroying pair of boots - pressure and slip. Wear the sock configuration that you expect most of the time (for me, a wool liner and a FL crew - but bring a thicker pair for when colder to ensure you am not crammed. I also bring the insoles that I know I like to ensure that they will fit in the new boot and not be too tight - insoles make a BIG difference in how much space is taken up.

Last thing - how you tie and lace your boots makes a big difference as well - with some boots, they may not lock the heel in right until I do 2-3 sets of overhand loops around the heel locking eyelets (technical term I know ;-) once I do this - fits perfect.
 
I go up 1/2 to 1 size depending on the boot, if possible try them on before you but them (that all depends on where you live, in Salt Lake City I am able to stop by Black Ovis). It's not a bad idea to buy several online (e.g. on Amazon), and send back the ones that do not fit. Your feet should be secure, you should be able to kick down and not have your toes touching the front of the toe box. I just bought a pair of Crispi Nevada's and went up 1/2 size. As mentioned, changing the insoles for more volume is a great idea- not to mention many good after market insoles are superior to the insoles in a lot of boots- including high end boots.
 
Just to be clear, I have ZERO problem with how the boots fit. I did add a more voluminous insert (Sole) and wore the thickest Merino socks I could find (these are primarily cold weather boots), and my buddy and I did over 13 miles in 2 days and I never even had a hot spot. I do have relatively short toes, so I can probably get by with a larger boot than what I would normally wear, because it fits the foot well, but just has more room in the toe box. I also don't lace up really tight, since I have foot problems, and too much pressure on the top of my foot causes a lot of pain. I added Kevlar laces, which keeps them as tight at the end of the day as they were when I put them on. For the heel I use the 2-1-3 lacing pattern, which really does lock the heel in better for me.

I knew I was taking a risk buying without trying, but have had a good fit with the brand in the past, and figured I would roll the dice while saving $200.
 
Back
Top