Footwear Fit - Our Tips & Advice
WHAT'S THE BEST TIME TO TRY ON?
Try on at different times of the day. Most people’s feet are more likely to be swollen at the end of a day, or after a walk, so this can be a good time to try on your new footwear, and see how they feel. Others find their feet tend to feel “bigger” first thing in the morning. Everyone is different, so it’s important to try on the boots a few times, ideally at different times of the day. Take your time, and don’t rush the process – you might regret it later… miles from nowhere!
WHAT SOCKS SHOULD I WEAR?
When trying on your new boots/shoes it’s really important to wear the same socks you’ll be wearing while walking to ensure the correct fit.
Do not underestimate the difference that a good pair of walking socks will make to your comfort! A key thing to note is that your usual pair of cotton socks are not the best socks to wear. You need to wear a breathable/wicking material that allows moisture to escape preventing friction between the shoe and the sock. Your socks won’t become damp from perspiration and your feet can stay cool and blister-free. Good hiking socks will also have cushioning in the right places, and flat seams to prevent friction.
ORTHOTICS
If you wear orthotics, or supportive insoles, it’s really important to try these on with the shoes/boots. You can usually remove the footbeds that come with the footwear, and place your orthotics inside instead.
SHOULD I CHOOSE MY USUAL SIZE OR GO UP A SIZE?
Sizing can really vary between brands, so there is no straight answer to this – different styles in the same brand even fit differently! You might choose your normal size or you may need to size up a ½ size - it really depends on the overall fit of the particular shoe/boot. If you need specific advice on sizing, it’s best to get in touch with us directly.
WILL MY BOOTS LOOSEN?
Like all footwear, your shoes/boots will soften over time, with use. The amount depends on the textiles used and how much they are worn. Remember though - if they are too tight and not comfortable to wear then they’ll never be worn enough to loosen!
HOW SHOULD I PUT MY NEW FOOTWEAR ON?
HOW SHOULD I PUT MY NEW FOOTWEAR ON?
Loosen all of the laces before outing the boots on. Make sure your heel is right at the back of the boot, securely in the heel cup.
Before you lace up your boots or shoes, stand up and let your feet spread into the boots, with the weight of your body. Lace them snugly, starting at the bottom, tightening as you go along, ensuring the laces are pulled evenly and there are no loose bits of lace. Lace them all the way to the top of the boots.
It’s always a good idea to try on both shoes (it is very common to have one slightly bigger foot).
HOW CAN I CHECK THE FIT AT HOME?
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Length - Once you have the boots on, and laced normally, and your heel right at the back – make sure that your toes are not touching the top or front of the boots, and that they don’t feel squished, pinched or uncomfortable in any way.
You should have room to wiggle your toes a little.
You should not be able to slide your foot forwards - if you can, then it may be an indication that they are too big.
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Length (again) - This time unlace the boots completely, making sure that the tongue/laces are loose and not holding your foot back.
Wiggle or slide your foot to the very front of the boots, as far as you can go -ideally get your toes to touch the very front of the boot. (Don’t scrunch your toes).
With your foot in this position, you should be able to snugly fit your index finger down directly behind your heel.
If you can get a finger down the back this is a good indication, they are the correct length.
If you can’t - they may be too short.
If your finger feels very loose, then the boots/shoes may be too big.
Keep your foot flat on the floor while doing this test – get someone’s help if needed.
You can also remove the footbed from the boots, and stand on it to see if you have enough length - there should be just about a finger’s width.
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Width - There isn’t a specific test you can do at home to check the width, but as a general rule of thumb you shouldn’t feel any pinching or pressure. Wearing the boots for a short time - 2/3 day inside the house - to assess how they feel is the best way.
If sides of your feet or toes feel squashed, the boot is too narrow.
If you can slide your foot from side to side inside the boot, then the boots are too wide.
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Volume - You need to check the shoe has the correct volume to suit your foot shape, especially around the toes and instep.
If there's too little volume in the shoes, they'll feel too tight when laced up.
If there's too much volume, there will be significant creasing at the flex point (where your toes bend when you walk), or the eyelets will be nearly touching when you lace the boots up.
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Heel - Your heel should feel totally secure and be locked in position inside the boot and not slide up or down as you walk (the number one cause of blisters).
Roll forward onto the balls of your feet, and then back onto your heels several times.
The heel should not rise out of the heel cup, if there is a slight movement check the laces are nicely tightened and adjust as necessary.
You can also try crouching down and bending forward to see if the heel lifts out the back of the boot.
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Walk! - around your house for a few minutes, and try to see what you notice when you get used to the boots. Do you forget about them? Or is there something niggling?
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Use your stairs or a ramp - walk up and down a few times.
Make sure your heel feels secure and doesn’t slide or lift.
When walking downstairs, pay attention to your toes.
Your foot should not be sliding forward with toes touching the end.
Pay attention to the toe box crease.
If there is an excess amount of creasing then the boots may be too big or too wide.
These are not hard and fast rules - just a guide to help you.
Overall, the main thing to remember is that your new boots should feel comfortable, with no pinching or squashed feeling. They may feel a little stiff or harder than you are used to - especially if you’re replacing a well-worn pair that have become moulded to your feet.
Your foot should feel secure and supported and not lift, slip or slide. if you need more specific advice, or if we can help in any way, please get in touch, or visit us instore.
Your foot should feel secure and supported and not lift, slip or slide. if you need more specific advice, or if we can help in any way, please get in touch, or visit us instore.
AFTERCARE
Good aftercare is essential to maintain the comfort and extend the life of your boots/shoes.
CLEAN - Clean your footwear well as soon as possible after use – especially if you’re walking in a boggy area, or by the sea. Use warm water and a soft brush or cloth will clear off any mud and dirt. There are specialist cleaners you can use as well - you can find our range here. Brush out any mud, dirt or grit that may have gotten inside.
Never wash your footwear in a washing machine.
Never wash your footwear in a washing machine.
DRY - Allow footwear to dry naturally in a warm, dry room. Do not try to speed dry them near a fire, radiator or in a hot press. This may cause them to dry out or crack. Similarly, never dry them in a tumble dryer. It is also best to avoid drying them in a damp shed.
REPROOF - If you have full-grain leather boots, we would recommend that you apply a leather conditioner or wax to keep the leather soft and supple - you can find some here. If your boots/shoes are made from a breathable/waterproof fabric we recommend using a reproofing spray occasionally to maintain the DWR finish. If the outer fabric is absorbing water this reduces the breathability and your feet may feel clammy and damp.
TOENAILS - Trim your toenails! Sharp or long toenails may damage the lining or waterproof lining of your new footwear, so keep them trimmed.
ORTHOTICS - Check that there are no sharp or hard edges on your orthotics, as these can also cause damaged to the lining.