Walking boot - sizes

[GreyBird84]

Hi
I’m looking for walking boots & obv can’t try any on. I am usually a 6 in trainers but could be 7 in more fitted boots / shoes,

Aside from buying a couple of pairs & having the hassle is returning a pair, does anyone have any advice?

I went a size up than my usual shoe size as walking socks come in different thicknesses and for the type of walking I did where there were some colder conditions they came in handy.

Normal size for me so that is not helpful! However some hopeful
helpful advice is that most brands have the measurements abs show yo how to measure with paper and your heel against a wall. Hoka are one brand that do this. Get one with free returns (dh was looking at Xmas)

You also need to decide if you are hot Footed or cold footed as I like a thin cool sock even in winter. Dh opposite!

Hope that is helpful

I’m a size 6 so have 6 1/2 walking boots so room for thick socks.

Buy decent walking socks to try on with, and tbh expect to have to return a few pairs before you get something that suits your feet. It's really worth getting bouts right - you need to walk around the house in them and ideally construct some sort of ramp to try both uphill and downhill.

As to size, I'm usually a 4 but have always needed size 5 boots. I like 2 pairs of socks, inner coolmax liners and then bridgedale comfort merino.

I am normally a wide 6 or 6.5. I always buy a 7 in walking boots - plenty of room for socks and for my feet to swell a bit (as they do when you walk).

I’ve found a lot of walking boots for women to be very narrow so you do have to take that into account as well as sizing. I have been advised in the past to try men’s walking boots if you have wide feet

Some really useful info here thank you all very much.

Think I’ll start by buying walking socks then just suck it up & order a couple of pairs of boots online.

There have been (unsurprisingly!) quite a few threads asking for walking boot recommendations this year - quite a lot of advice re brands and fit, if you want to look for them.

I’m a standard size five in shoes.
I always buy 6 in walking boots. The time I’ve had smaller I’ve ended up with black toenails and/or pain at the end of long walks. Will never forget walking into st Ives after a 10 miles coastal stretch in absolute agony. Feet swell on walks and the down sections particularly your toes bang into the fron of boots aren’t big enough.

If going up a size causes problems they are usually easily fixed by weight of walking sock. Also by using two pairs of laces per boot. Can have short front laces and longer for the rest. Different tensions.

I'm usually a size 6 or 6.5, preferably wide fit. I have these walking shoes in a size 6.5:

www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-mount-low-ladies-walking-shoes-187037#colcode=18703703

Think the usual advice is to go up a size to allow room for thicker walking socks, but I just wear cushioned trainer socks with them, walk 3 - 10 miles most days with no issues.

I think it totally depends on the brand. I've ordered and sent back dozens trying to find the right size. I always start with my usual size.

One problem I've had is that my feet are wide. Often going up a size means they are too big. I've bought men's 6 in the past, they are much roomier.

Yes the advice is usually to go up a full size for walking boots, I went up half a size and regret it really although it hasn’t caused huge problems.
If you find they rub you in a particular place once you’re wearing them regularly, there are different ways to lace them to reduce pressure on certain areas of the foot. You can find videos on you tube of different lacing options.
I bought Meindl boots which expensive, but they are supposed to last 10-15 years and be comfortable out of the box. My brother worked outdoors in a pair for 10+ years and still wears them for walking now he does an office job so they’re built to last.

I wear trainers in half a size up from shoes.

I would do the same for walking shoes. A long time on your feet makes your feet spread a bit.

Half a size up, and proper walking socks, is what I always do

You really need to ask about specific brand I think. I have Keen ones. First time I've owned anything so practical and they're amazing. But I ordered half a size up & had to return for half a size smaller than usual.

I wear a full size up in walking boots and shoes. I wear Salomon as they are a narrow fit for my skinny feet.

Even though I know my size and best brand, I often have to order 4-6 pairs to get a good fit, so be prepared for it to take some time, sending parcels back and forward.

If you use PayPal to purchase , you can reclaim the cost of any return postage - I think there’s a limit of 12 parcels a year and up to £15, or something like that.

Most companies offer free postage over a certain value of purchase.

DH used to be a boot fitter in a well known independent outdoor shop. His advice is that you need to try boots on, there is no standard sizing for shoe sizes. Some (Merrell) come up a bit small, some (Keen) are wide. ItaliN brands tend to be narrower, US brands and Scarpa tend to be wider. Some manufacturers use at least 2 shapes of lasts, so different styles from the same manufacturer will fit differently in the same size. Some boots (Salamon Inov8) suit straighter feet. Scarpa and Brasher suit “banana” feet.

I know its not possible at the moment, but a good boot fitter will fine boots that are right for you, and be able to make adjustments with lacing and insoles.

If in doubt, replace like with like if you can.

banana feet???

@PerfidiousAlbion

banana feet???

Curved shape

There are all high/low arches to consider in boot fitting.

Every day is a school day!

I also wear Salomons as I have narrow feet, but buy my normal size. Think everyone's experience is likely to be different so definitely best to try a few pairs for size.