Proper Boot Selection

[ndbwhunter]

Don't worry! This is not another "which boot is the best" thread. I'm not looking for opinions on the best boot, but rather boot selection techniques. I'm in need of a new pair of boots for early season elk hunting, but dealers for mountain footwear are extremely limited in North Dakota. My danners almost ruined my last elk hunt, so I am in the market for a quality pair of boots.

What should I do to make sure I get the best boot for ME?

Can I get fitted for Lowa, Salomon, Kenetrek, etc. online?

Do I have to order a few pairs online and return those that I don't like?

How long do you have to wear a boot before you know it's not the right one?

Appreciate the input!

 

[Timberghost]

Well I just went thru this with a set of lowa Tibet pro gtx. Great boot, well built but my right heel just wouldn't stay down. Bad heel slip. Thought I just had to break them in. Put 50 km on them before selling them.
Ordered a set of hanwag Alaska gtx have put on 20 km and no issues whatsoever.
Love the ball bearing lacing on the hanwags and just a super boot all around.
The guys are here told me to trade out if I was having problems. The won't correct themselves.

Not all boots fit everyone's feet.
Good luck in your search.
Keep it together, rob

 

[AK Shane]

Start by getting your feet measured by a knowledgeable boot/shoe salesman . Get your measurements in centimeters. Sizing always varies between boot manufacturers so use the cm measurements to double check stated sizing. Most manufacturer will list the cm measurements on their sizing charts.

Company's like Lathrop and Sons can help fit a boot based on a the traced outline of your foot. I don't know their exact methods, but cutting out the foot outline and laying it on top of a boots insole insole will tell you a a lot about potential fit. Does the wide part of the foot cutout match the wide part of the insole. Is there enough toe room. Is there enough width. Does the insole taper more quickly along outside pinky toe area than your foot does. I've never bought anything from Lathrop and Sons but have talked to them on the phone and found them to be very helpful.

The more boots you can try on the more you will learn about your foot type and shape, even if they aren't exactly the boots your looking for. This will make it easier when researching boots and talking to customer service at Lowa, Kenetrek, etc. Don't be afraid to call the manufacturer's customer service.

I'm on the hunt for new sheep hunting boots and have tried on at least a dozen different boots in the last month. So if you can order a pair on line and have the first pair fit like a glove, well you'd be dang lucky. Zappos is the only online retailer I can think of that offers free shipping both ways. There might be others out there.

If I buy a new boot, I wear them around the house at night for a week or two. A heavy pack changes the fit, so I'll load up my pack and walk up and down the stairs. You may look goofy at the gym walking the treadmill with your new boots and pack but a couple of miles will give you a good idea if they are keepers. If they don't feel right you can still return them. A few miles may let you know if these are the perfect boot or it may take 30 miles.