Should I avoid buying boots if my size is the smallest fit for the shell size?

Posts: 8 - Karma: 28

Mar 24 2016 5:44AM

I have been doing loads of reasearch recently looking for a new pair of boots. I bought my first pair of boots this season but unfortunatley they have left me with discomfort. I have an unfortunate foot shape. This became apparent after using the boots for a couple of months and cranking them tighter without being about to get a tight enought fit with no discomfort. Turns out my foot is wide, the boots I own have a 100mm last and my foot measured about 105-106mm. I have been looking at all my options online before I find a retailer and try the boots on for fit and the boot last has been a obvious deciding point for me but also I have realised that my usual boot size is always the lowest fit for the shell size. I want to make sure I have a fully fitted boot and im sceptical about having extra room in the shell, even if it is taken care of by extra liner. Im worried that eventually its still going to lead to a boot missfit.

obviously trying a boot on isnt going to show me hoz its going to feel in a month or a year, should I be wary of this issue, or is it usually okay?

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hot.pocket

Posts: 4197 - Karma: 10,367

Mar 24 2016 1:28PM

1. Go to a boot fitter, find a good fitting pair of boots.

2. Wear them around the house for a couple of days, do not take them outside.

3. If they start to feel weird after a couple of days, return them. Most places won't have an issue with this if you've taken good care of them and haven't taken them outside.

4. Rinse and repeat.

This is how my dad purchases boots, sometimes the boot feels great after a couple of days, sometimes he exchanges them and tries again.

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JonSnow

Posts: 8 - Karma: 28

Mar 24 2016 2:16PM

Thanks for the advice.

I do plan to see a boot fitter although before I go I want to make sure I know exactally what I want and also have an idea of possible boots that would be suited.

I guess the main purpose of this post was to find out if I should avoid a shell size that is bigger than my liner size.

Obviously the shells are used usually for two different sized liner's.

I understand that this room is accounted for by means of extra padding (and that we are only talking about half a cm) It seems it would be far better to search for a boot with a shell size that matches my liner size for obvious longevity and connectivity reasons.

I need to know if I am being over the top about this? I just want to get my next pair of boots right.

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hot.pocket

Posts: 4197 - Karma: 10,367

Mar 24 2016 5:38PM

If I'm remembering correctly, shell size is the same for the full and half size (i.e. 28 and 28.5 have the same shell size). This should not affect the size you choose. Get the size that properly fits your foot, liner vs shell size should not be an issue unless you are buying liners of brand x and shells of brand y.

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charmander

Posts: 10636 - Karma: 372

Mar 25 2016 5:06PM

the .0 and .5 sizes are almost exactly the same.

Where do you think your foot measures out at? if its on the 28 line get a 27.5 for example. size down not up, get the narrowest boot you're comfortable in and punch it if necessary.

I have my sz. 11 E feet stuffed into 26.5 100mm lasted boots and have been able to make them comfortable. Get to know your bootfitter, if someone other than me was working on my boots I would be well acquainted with their beer of choice.

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onenerdykid

Posts: 6640 - Karma: 10,551

Mar 26 2016 5:33AM

JonSnowThanks for the advice.

I do plan to see a boot fitter although before I go I want to make sure I know exactally what I want and also have an idea of possible boots that would be suited.

I guess the main purpose of this post was to find out if I should avoid a shell size that is bigger than my liner size.

Obviously the shells are used usually for two different sized liner's.

I understand that this room is accounted for by means of extra padding (and that we are only talking about half a cm) It seems it would be far better to search for a boot with a shell size that matches my liner size for obvious longevity and connectivity reasons.

I need to know if I am being over the top about this? I just want to get my next pair of boots right.

Part of your problem is that you think buying a boot is all you need, when in fact you need to get footbeds too.

The right boot for your foot isn't the perfect match until you get fitted for proper footbeds as well. Your foot is built for walking, not for being stuffed into a plastic cast with a giant lever arm attached to it. As such it is flexible and it will move around even in the right size & shape boot for your foot. A footbed creates the proper interface between your flexible foot and the rigid shell so that it is securely held in place. Without this, every boot will feel a bit sloppy because of the natural flexibility of your foot and the rigidity of the ski boot.

Secondly, only trying on boots will give you a general idea of what boot will work for you. The job of the boot-fitter is simply not to get the boot out that you want to try on but to assess your foot, ankle, leg, and flexibility and then find/match the right boot to that. Once you do that AND get a footbed, then you will have the right fit solution for your needs.

Thirdly, if you find the right boot in the shop buy it from that shop. You might save a little bit of money buying it online but the internet isn't going to fit your boots for you. When you buy from a shop, they usually offer some kind of fit guarantee and will adjust the fit of the boot for you free of charge for X amount of time. This will be more than worth it in the long run for you.

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CTD

Posts: 6300 - Karma: 348

Mar 28 2016 3:18PM

dont go longer, have them blow the sides out.

AND footbed. DEFINITELY footbed

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