Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Boots & My Screwed-up Feet

Here's my problem - I have horrible feet. They are incredibly flat and narrow. As the boot fitter at the store said yesterday, "You have women's feet." (No offense, ladies) I have traveled to most of the big boot outfitters in the Southern California area, and not one of them has a boot that my foot doesn't slip and slide around in. Several have said it might be time to look into custom boots. Unfortunately, I'm a teacher, which of course means I have no money. I am willing to look anywhere for a pair of boots that will fit me. My question - Does anyone know of anywhere (from San Diego to as far north as San Francisco and all points in between) that has a good selection of boots for low volume/narrow width feet? If that's not going to happen, can anyone reccommend a good (hopefully not too expensive) custom boot maker? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Check out the link below Matt. Looks promising. Good luck.

http://web.outsideonline.com/outsidestore/gearguy/1-9-97/tony.html

Matt this reply may not be very helpful for you but have you considered just wearing comfortable sneakers. If you are hiking the main Whitney Trail or established trails like it and you are sure footed you should not have a problem. I was having what sounds like a similar problem with my hiking boots on Whitney a few years ago and ended up hiking out from Trail Camp in my sandals with a full pack. Now I only wear the sneakers when I hike on well worn trails. I get comments from everyone about not wearing hiking boots but by the end of the day my feet are still feeling good and many times the other people are complaining about the pain or blisters. Plus if you use the trekking poles what are the chances of losing your balance and hurting you ankles. Now if you a klutz (no offense) and are prone to ankle injuries or if your taking the mountaineer's route or hiking in the winter, that's another story then just please disregard this post, you need the boots and I have no help for you since I gave up looking a while ago except maybe this plug for REI. REI will take back any boots you buy from them REGARDLESS of condition or how long ago you bought them and you can get credit for another pair as long as you have the original receipt. I very good deal if you have problems finding comfortable boots. Good luck.

I have a similar problem, needing low-volume (but not necessarily extremely narrow) boots.

I have a pair of Salomon Adventure 9 Mountain boots that work quite well for me. When shopping for boots, be sure to consider several brands (you probably already have).

I used to wear Vasque boots, but I can't find a pair from them or from Merrill that aren't way too sloppy on my feet.

Matt,

Pick up this month's edition of Backpacker Magazine. This is the month of the gear guide and it list most of the manufacturers out there and the sizes their boots are available in. This is a great place to start looking.

Most of what is available in "A, B or C" widths are the tried and true products, most mid weight backpacking boots starting at around $150.

Check Dunham, a part of New Balance, to start.

Bill

I too share this problem. I went through 3 pairs of hiking boots last year trying to find boot nirvana. On my last (unsuccessful) attempt on Whitney, I had a pair of Asolo's that the guy at REI swore would work. They worked just fine on local hikes, short backpacks to San Jacinto and Baldy, but destroyed my feet on Whitney. I limping off the trail last August. I returned my USED BOOTS to REI for a complete CASH refund. I have been considering using my New Balance running shoes this summer for my 2nd attempt, but am concerned about my ankles. I do use trekking poles, and after reading the previous post, might just give it a try. But REI is my friend for life for taking back those boots (and the previous 2 pairs!)I'm not skimping on the price either - I have come to realize boots are one of the most important pieces of gear! Thanks for the above information and good luck to all this season!

No offense, have you ever tried buying womens size boots since you have womens size feet? My Dad has the same problem with golf shoes. He just got womens golf shoes.

I also have gone through periods moderate to severe foot discomfort and even pain at times not only hiking but in everyday life as well. I have found that with my big (size 13) flat feet that alternating footwear helps tremendously. On the main trail i wear my merril trail runner type of low-top shoes on the the lower half which is easy walking on the mostly scree and soil. Then for the upper trail I change into my vasque hiking boots for the rockier talus treking. This does mean carrying the extra pair of shoes/boots but it has been more than worth it for me! By the end of the day my feet feel fine! I also use a good quality insole cushion like those availble from DR. Scholls or Happy Feet. Good Luck

If you have 'women's feet,' how about trying on some 'women's boots?' No one will know but you.

This is an old thread, but it resonates with me since I've struggled with boots. I also have numb, painful toes on one foot, a problem related to boots that poorly fit my narrow, low volume feet. The only boots that come in narrow, women's sizes just aren't shaped for my feet.

At the local outdoors store (www.summithut.com), they measure your feet loaded and unloaded (while sitting and standing). The solution they have offered me is to insert a layer of "five iron" under in insole (I get inserts with metatarsal pads and high arches). This is a sheet of black stuff, looks like rubber, that is about 3/16" thick. It takes up volume in the boot so that I can get a boot that touches my foot in places other than my toes and heel.

I'd also recommend looking at women's boots. Who can tell, and who cares so long as your feet feel good?!

Matt,

If hiking means that much to you, you will find the money and buy the custom boots. I have a very narrow and thin(top to bottom) foot. In fact one foot is a bit more than a full size larger than the other. When I was 17 I had a pair of Limmers made for me. I lived an hour away at the time in 1979 and the wait then was only six months. I have had them resoled twice, they are on the third set of soles. They are the best equipment that I have ever bought.

I know all about the people who push lightweight boots. That is fine and good, but whenever I hike in sneakers, I turn my ankle. Give me a solid leather over the ankle boot any day, especially when I really need to put on the miles over rocky rough terrain

Get fitted with orthodics. I have to agree with those that wear sneakers. Ive used a pair of Merrill's that I used to summitt and do other hikes. Wearing orthodics allows you to wear just about any shoes bc it puts your feet in a 'neutral' position. Wearing boots makes my feet hot, but I, too, need better support than sneakers offer. The orthodics are custom and expensive, but they are helpful

I am a woman with very flat feet and severe over pronation, and have had some of the same problems with shoe & boot fitting. The suggestions to buy women's boots(if it doesn't compromise your masculinity) is a good start. Custom orthotics would really be the ticket and could be used in other shoes depending on your activity. If you are in the Tahoe/Truckee area I know a great orthotic maker - my son, a physical therapist and certified orthotist. He's crazy about feet (wonder where he got that) and has quite a following of hikers, skiers, cyclists, runners and anyone who pounds their feet in pursuit of outdoor adventure. I know at 'almost 57' I am back running after a lengthy hiatus because of a hip problem, doing long distance cycling in the mountains (training for the Death Ride these days) hiked Half Dome & back in a little over 6 hours last week, planning Mt. Whitney in early August, then Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim. All wearing his light weight custom orthotics. I do use a different one in my narrow, tight cycling shoes than I do in my running shoes & hiking boots.
Well worth the investment - but of course I got a good deal on mine!