Last minute boot change reco….

[satchamo]

Well life happened again and my late rifle AZ season is approaching quickly. I’ve had a pair of Hanwag alverstones in wide that I wore during turkey season with no issues at all. Finally I had found a boot without heel lift (for me).

Anyways fast forward and I’ve been out hiking in a local park (you can tell there is a reoccurring theme of procrastination here) and suddenly I’m getting bad rub on the top of my little right toe. I wear darn tough socks and have tried multiple pairs. Today wore a bit thicker pair but after about 2 miles I had to stop and put a bandaid on that toe…

So here we are again looking for another boot to try…. I would say I’m looking for a moderate mountain boot - I’m not hunting high alpine or sheep or caring stupid heavy loads. Waterproof is absolutely necessary. I do prefer a leather/rubber rand style but open to synthetic options.

Here is what I have tried and had fit issues of one kind or another.

-lowa tibets
- crispi wyoming
-salewa mtn trainer
-Solomon quests (my favorite prior to these alverstones but still got heel lift)
-non wide alverstones
-wide alverstones

I have big feet - I am wearing a 13.5 in the alverstones but generally get 14s due to 13.5 being an option from very few brands.

So anyways - I’m about ready to bulk order a few pairs to try so I’m opening up panel here for suggestion on some boots to try…. Remember sz 14 needs to be an option.

Thanks in advance!

 

[matthewmt]

I'm happy with lapponia but want to try the altitudes.
If you're expecting dry conditions in AZ the quest may still do the job.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[satchamo]

I'm happy with lapponia but want to try the altitudes.
If you're expecting dry conditions in AZ the quest may still do the job.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

I get bad heel lift with them. I have to pretape or they destroy my feet. Really trying to get away from boots that require additional “protection”

 

[Radosilver]

I'm generally a size 12.5, but my Hobbit feet are at least EE width and probably closer to EEEE. I've hunted in Kenetrek Mountain Extreme, Kenetrek Mountain Guide, Crispi Colorado, Crispi Wildrock, Lowa Hunter, and Lathrop & Sons Mountain Hunters. I've bought and returned boots from Hanwag, Schnees, Zamberlan, Lowa and maybe others that I'm forgetting. The Lathrop & Sons wides and Crispi wides have given me the best toe box room without heel slip. Zamberlan seem roomy too but I had heel slip in the ones I ordered so they were sent back.

 

[wapitibob]

strip of gorilla tape

 

[Whaledriver]

I say tape and go. Experiment with lacing your boots. Easy on the toes, tight across the ankle. Insoles can help too. Getting your feet in shape help too. I two layer the Leuko and never have any issues.

 

[jchamwv]

With the money you have spent on boots that don't fit I would give Lathrop & Sons custom fit service a call. They basically build the boot to your foot.

 

[satchamo]

With the money you have spent on boots that don't fit I would give Lathrop & Sons custom fit service a call. They basically build the boot to your foot.

I’ve considered it. They’re only 1.5 hours away from where I live.

 

[IFD324]

Curious to see what works for you. I’m in the same boat being in between 13 and 14 with not a lot of 13.5 options. Heel lift is always an issues but only on the right foot. Always end up having to tape it. Been using Salewa in 14 which has worked in the past but would like to find a leather option that would work better than my Lowas or Crispis.

 

[zpearo]

Experiment with lacing your boots. Easy on the toes, tight across the ankle. Insoles can help too.

This is good advice. If you've had problems with that many boots, it sounds like it could be a lacing issue. I leave the laces fairly loose at the toe box, moderately tight over the arch to hold my foot down and in place, and then super tight from the ankle up the shin. That, plus trying a few insoles until I found a good match for each boot, has worked great for me after lots of boot problems.

 

[hiker270]

Everybody's feet are different. What are a great fit for one is blister city for the next guy. Only thing that may work are custom boots or trying several boot brands at a store and do some walking around in the store. Recently on a Wyoming elk hunt my favorite pair of Scarpa's on day 2 started to bother me. Changed to my Schnee Beartooth Hikers and finished the hunt with no further issues. Found out a long time ago Dr Scholls Moleskin can be a lifesaver if you suddenly develop a hot spot on your foot.

 

[gostovp]

Here’s how I have to lace my Schnees Kestrels to not get heel lift and blisters. Because these boots don’t have an ankle hook, I keep them Loose in the forefoot and then use a lace lock and crank on it right there to lock my heel, and then tie the tops to hooks.

 

[Caseknife]

Beartooth v3 0g Men's

Discover the Beartooth V3 0g Men's Mountain Hunting Boots, expertly engineered for 2024. These waterproof boots feature a new single panel leather upper, a reinforced double-stitched tongue, and a rugged Vibram® Tsavo® outsole, ensuring superior traction on tough terrain. With a 9-inch height...

schnees.com

I just got a pair of these in 12, they are very comfortable for my feet. Lighter than the Kenetrek Mtn Extreme 0g and seem to fit better. I wear my boot lacing rather loose all around and then tighten for downhill stretches.

 

[butcherboy]

Meindl. They also sell a wider boot in their comfort series. I’m pretty happy with the Vakuum hikers. 7 3/4” tall, all leather with a rubber rand. My last pair of Meindl’s have lasted me for about 18 years but I only wore them hunting and scouting

 

[satchamo]

This is good advice. If you've had problems with that many boots, it sounds like it could be a lacing issue. I leave the laces fairly loose at the toe box, moderately tight over the arch to hold my foot down and in place, and then super tight from the ankle up the shin. That, plus trying a few insoles until I found a good match for each boot, has worked great for me after lots of boot problems.

I have tried this but there just isn’t a lot of give in the forefoot of the alverstones - especially compared to other boots I’ve tried. If it makes any difference I’ve been using the lathrop synergy footbeds for years across multiple boots.

I’m assuming the forefoot would work in and be fine eventually but right now how I’m lacing, if you loosen them they don’t relax at all, you can only tighten them down.