Crib Goch Outdoor Fitting

The Best FIt - Boot and Shoe Guide

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Walking boots that fit your feet correctly can make or break your adventure. Your feet are unique and although you may know your shoe size you may not know your shoe width and that some brands offer different widths for the same shoe size that could better suit you. Getting that custom fit feel is not only more comfortable, it better supports your feet and ankles, helping prevent fatigue and long term injury. Take the following 6 steps toward your best fitting boot yet, with our best boot fit guide. Or… just come and see us at either our Beddgelert or Llanberis shop for your free one to one boot fit.

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Step 1.

Good quality walking socks are of utmost importance when it comes to comfort on the hoof. The right pair of socks can offer great cushioning to reduce impact and help prevent blisters, and are made from moisture wicking materials that keep your feet dry and a comfortable temperature throughout the day. It’s worth bearing in mind that socks can wear out too, often losing that once loved cushioning before any noticeable holes appear.

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Step 2.

Choosing the right type of shoe is the next step and this comes down to where, when and how you plan on using them. If you have to head out in the wet weather then a waterproof shoe is the sensible choice, however a more breathable non waterproof shoe would be the way to go for the fairer weather hikes. There’s no shame in being a fair weather hiker.

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Mountain Leader Pro Tip - To make your boots last longer, don’t quickly dry them on the radiator, this can quickly ruin them, use a boot banana instead. Rapidly drying them cause too large a temperature gradient, leading to glue melting, cracking membranes, drying out the leather…

Leather shoes can be easier to care for and offer increased longevity, which is something you should consider. Extending the life of your footwear makes each mile spent in them cost that much less. Also the size of the Rand, the rubber that comes up and around the boot above the sole, this can further improve the durability and longevity of the boot, however this can increase the weight of the boot and reduce the breathability.

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Then there’s the stiffness of the boot, this too is simple enough to consider. The best choice for rougher ground is a stiffer boot, a stiffer boot offers that much needed support. Softer more comfortable shoes are in a league of their own, for shorter hikes on smoother terrain where fatigue is less of a worry.

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If you’re at all unsure just tell us the terrain that your favourite hike takes you on and we can recommend a boot to suit, from grade 3 scrambles to leisurely rambles.

Step 3.

Measuring your feet is easy and essential, knowing your usual shoe size is just a starting point as many brands, just like with clothing, offer a slightly different fit for the same size.

Simply place a sheet of A4 paper on the floor, up against the wall and stand on it (socks off). With your heel up against the wall, mark out the longest toe… it’s not always the big toe! Repeat for the other foot and measure from the end of the paper to the two marks. Which is larger?

Next up is the width, which is slightly more tricky but you’re trying to measure the largest width of your foot which is often across the ball of your foot. The easiest way is to draw an outline of your foot before reaching for the ruler.

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To help walk you through our brands and their take on sizing, check out this handy chart we made

Step 4.

Now comes the exciting part, checking the fit of your new boots. Remove the footbed/insole and stand on it, you’re looking to see if you have enough space between the end of your toes and the front of the footbed, which should be about a fingers width. This is best done standing up and with your usual pack on your back loaded with all the gear and snacks that you normally carry. Why? Because the weight causes your feet to expand, if you notice a significant change in your foot size when you stand up with your pack on then get in touch as we can recommend the correct insoles to help support your feet and prevent elongation and migration.

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Throw the insole back in, swiftly followed by your sock wearing foot. Leave the laces undone at this point and slide your foot to the front of the boot, can you snuggly fit a finger in behind your heel? If you can’t then the boots are too short for you, if there’s room to wiggle your finger or even fit in another then the boot is too big. If the fit is not right just send them back and we’ll swap them out no problem.

Step 5

Now happy you’ve got the correct size, with the boot still on, ensure your heels are at the back of the boot and start lacing them from the toes up. You’re not tying a tourniquet to stop the blood flow, but you do want the laces to be tight and secure throughout the lacing system. You know you’ve got it right when you can get a fingertip under the crossing of the laces, not your whole finger.

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Step 6

The last check is to see if the shoe has the correct volume to suit your foot shape. We’re checking here to see how much space your foot takes up compared to the remaining space. In some shoes my narrow feet leave significant creasing at the flex point, with the eyelets near enough touching. If there’s too little room for your foot then they will feel too tight when laced up correctly, and just won’t look quite right.

You can make little changes here by wearing socks of different thickness, alternatively you can increase the volume by using a different lacing technique or decrease using different footbeds/insoles/reducers.

Step 7

If you’re happy with the fit then get out there and enjoy the trail. But if you’re unsure about any of the above then make the trip over to one of our stores and let our experts help you get it right. If you’ve ordered the wrong size simply send them back and we’ll ship out the correct pair right away, no questions asked. Getting the correct fit is essential, and due to this some brands might be off limits to your foot shape but don’t be deterred by this, as it just opens the door to a world of boots you might not have considered yet.

Expert Boot Fit Tips

• Your feet will warm up and swell during the day so the best time to try on your new boots is in the afternoon to early evening.
• Wear the walking socks you would normally use for hiking when coming for a boot fitting. Especially important for stiffer boots that you may be using in colder conditions and wearing thicker socks.
• Bring in your old boots, we can see how they have worn, discuss what might suit you better or maybe even just find a pair that’s similar if you can’t bear to throw them away.

Last of all we're here to help and have a team of experienced hikers and qualified outdoor professionals who have Walked, Climbed and Explored throughout the U.K., Europe and the Rest of the World. So no question is too daft, trust me we've been asked them all.

Let us help you on your journey to your best adventure yet.