Its boot shopping time....

[Jpsmith1]

I think my Salomons will survive the season, but probably won't make it to next year, so it's boot shopping time and I'm not looking forward to it. Last boot shopping trip took 12 hours, 8 stores in 3 counties.

Currently using the Quest4GTX and while a touch snug across the ball of my foot, is overall one of the more comfortable boots I've had. I also understand that they've changed this. I'm going to try to find a pair of the Forces GTX or whatever it is now and see how they fit.

Assuming they DON'T fit, are there online options with reasonable return policies? Western Pennsylvania isn't exactly a hot bed of quality hunting boots. Or, if there's a retail outlet that I'm unaware of, I'm not opposed to driving a couple hours.

Also, any recommendations for a 13EEEE boot? Can't say price isn't a factor, but I'm 100% willing to spend money for good, comfortable boots. 300-400 isn't a problem

 

[Bubblehide]

I love my Scarpa's, however that EEEE might be an issue. Scarpa recommends a 1/2 upsize in mountain boots, which should be slightly wider, but is it a EEEE compared to a 1/2 size smaller? You might need to look into a custome boot maker or a special order from those that do that.

 

[TravisIN]

I can’t suggest salweas enough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AndrewMT34]

I also have a wide foot (not 4E though). I love my salewa boots.

 

[satchamo]

The best option for trying - order boot covers on Amazon then order like 10 pairs you like and try them all. Then return everything else. The covers keep them clean and returnable. Pick one or 2 from reputable brands from blackovis or go hunt and pick your poison

It’s silly in this day and age no one has started a business that removes the investment risk of boots…. IE a boot “rental” so to speak so you can get before buying… I’ve personally been screwed by 5-6 pairs of boots that bothered me later but felt great at home. But I have haglunds deformity so I’m extra needy.

 

[ThorM465]

I couldn't be happier with the Crispi Hunters after this Elk season. I have the Altitudes too and they're great for warmer weather hiking. I have flat wide feet and these are perfect for my foot. I typically wear a 11.5 wide boot and 12D are perfect for me, plenty of room in the toe box. I should add that Crispi expects that you'll replace their insert with an aftermarket and that's well worth it.

 

[fngTony]

@robby denning wasn’t Hoffman’s making some really wide options?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I wasted thousands of dollars on boots before ordering a pair of lowa tibet highs. I wish I’d just tried those earlier. I’d been interested in them for year but for one reason or another I kept trying other stuff.

 

[Jpsmith1]

I love my Scarpa's, however that EEEE might be an issue. Scarpa recommends a 1/2 upsize in mountain boots, which should be slightly wider, but is it a EEEE compared to a 1/2 size smaller? You might need to look into a custome boot maker or a special order from those that do that.

The EEEE is ALWAYS an issue. Even "extra wide" boots are narrow for my feet.

The best option for trying - order boot covers on Amazon then order like 10 pairs you like and try them all. Then return everything else. The covers keep them clean and returnable. Pick one or 2 from reputable brands from blackovis or go hunt and pick your poison

Are you using the boot covers outside?

 

[satchamo]

The EEEE is ALWAYS an issue. Even "extra wide" boots are narrow for my feet.


Are you using the boot covers outside?

Yeah, it sounds ridiculous but its the best option… I’m not taking them on long hikes but going to a near by hill and checking them up down and sidehilling

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Try the vivo tracker esc

 

[Jpsmith1]

Yeah, it sounds ridiculous but its the best option… I’m not taking them on long hikes but going to a near by hill and checking them up down and sidehilling

Solid idea.

If I need to order online, that's what I'll do. Thank you

 

[Jpsmith1]

Try the vivo tracker esc

Never used a flat soled boot like that. I've worn heeled boots for probably 40 years if not longer.

I will add them to the list. Thank you

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Never used a flat soled boot like that. I've worn heeled boots for probably 40 years if not longer.

I will add them to the list. Thank you

They are wide and extremely comfortable, like an all terrain slipper. your foot will need to be strong enough to handle the stretching and flexing that happens when you wear them, but you're already partially there coming from a pretty soft boot.

 

[Jpsmith1]

They are wide and extremely comfortable, like all all terrain slipper. your foot will need to be strong enough to handle the stretching and flexing that happens when you wear them, but you're already partially there coming from a pretty soft boot.

Oof. The Salomon is a "soft" boot?

My work boots must be tennis shoes then. I'd hate to see what a stiff boot is.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I've always heard Solomons are soft. They're too narrow for me to get my for into, so I don't know for sure.

 

[eLightfoot]

I’ve worn out about 15 pairs of the Solomon 4d boots. I’ve tried multiple hanwags, crispis, lowas and none fit right like the Solomons. I’m a 13 as well. I’m wide in the toes but kind of narrow in the heel. I’m tempted to try out the vivos and see what the hype is all about. Stiff boots always feel good on me until I’m actually in the mountains doing lots of miles. I get hot spots from my feet slipping around inside stiff boots.

 

[robby denning]

@robby denning wasn’t Hoffman’s making some really wide options?

@Ross and @Justin Crossley do you guys know?

 

[jimh406]

I think I'd try to buy the same brand/model and probably go to the same store.

 

[Justin Crossley]

@Ross and @Justin Crossley do you guys know?

@Hoffman Boots have options to fit just about anyone and they're great to work with.