Boot size

[smithjv]

Been using trail runners in my size 10.5 wide, but usually lose a couple toe nails due to shoving into shoe front. Want to look at alternatives:

If I keep with trail runners, should I get a 11 for the added room?

If I go with mid-boots for the added toe protection, should I get them in a 10.5W or try a 11.0 (do boots need an extra half inch?)

[Gambit McCrae]

Stick with shoes and go up a size

[Hatchet_1697]

I wear a 12, my Ultra Raptors are a size 13, and I put a little hikers wool in the toe box.

Pluses: I keep my toenails where they belong, fewer blisters, there is room for my feet to expand after 10h of hiking, and I get enough width in the toe box (La Sportiva runs narrow in the toe box but are excellent otherwise; going 1 size up solves the narrow issue for me).

Minuses: need to realize there is a little extra length that might catch on things until you get used to it (minor issue).

Another advantage is in camp I pull the insoles out, loosen the laces, and with that little extra room they make great comfy camp shoes.

I’ve been told always go a full size up for hiking / running shoes— seems like solid advice. Just hiked across Massachusetts with no issues. I use custom orthotics so that might compensate for the larger shoe’s support structure being a bit off. It works for me. Good luck


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[Traveler]

Before you replace the shoes, look at lacing techniques that will keep your foot from sliding forward in the shoe. Google will deliver more than you can count and among them are probably a few that will work well and keep the foot in place. I never thought changing a lacing pattern would avoid having to purchase a larger shoe size (as Hatchet said there are some minuses in doing that) and can be applied to other shoes that have heel lift problems causing blisters.

[AllDownhillFromHere]

Been using trail runners in my size 10.5 wide, but usually lose a couple toe nails due to shoving into shoe front. Want to look at alternatives:
If I keep with trail runners, should I get a 11 for the added room?
If I go with mid-boots for the added toe protection, should I get them in a 10.5W or try a 11.0 (do boots need an extra half inch?)
You should try shoes that fit.

[greentick]

Before you replace the shoes, look at lacing techniques that will keep your foot from sliding forward in the shoe. Google will deliver more than you can count and among them are probably a few that will work well and keep the foot in place. I never thought changing a lacing pattern would avoid having to purchase a larger shoe size (as Hatchet said there are some minuses in doing that) and can be applied to other shoes that have heel lift problems causing blisters.

This worked for me. When I took a couple of my kids on their first "real hike" I had to relace one of them as well. I have wide, high arched, high volume feet.