View Full Version : Finding the shoe that fits..
Dholmblad
03-24-2008, 01:13
I am having the hardest time finding a pair of trail runners(or mby boots) for an upcoming section hike. I hiked an 800 mile section in Vasque switchbacks, but those were too narrow. I currently have a pair of TNF ultra 103s but I dont like them very much. I have gone to the three outfitters in the area of Roanoke va but have found nothing that fits well. What should I do.....
Appalachian Tater
03-24-2008, 01:20
I have wide flat feet and have had good luck with New Balance. Also, lacing is very important. Don't over-tighten.
Dholmblad
03-24-2008, 01:28
I have flat feet as well. I guess there just isnt much selection down here in south west VA.
Zappos. Plug in your shoe size, and check it out!
FYI. Mostly premium pricing. But good selection.
Dholmblad
03-24-2008, 13:01
So if I am buying off line whats the best thing to do about sizing, since I know not all brands are sized exactly the same. Can you recommend and pair of NB?
wilconow
03-24-2008, 13:04
if for whatever reason you don't want to buy online, there's still a lot of good research you can do at places like zappos and running warehouse. zappos has lots of user reviews and running warehouse gives detailed sizing info.
take-a-knee
03-24-2008, 14:31
I've only done a few 10-12 mile days in these boots but they have yet to cause any soreness or a hot spot with no break in:
http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=432
I got mine from Sierra Trading Post dirt cheap and mine are non-goretex, I don't know if they make those anymore. I normally wear EE's in New Balance 801's and these fit (wide) fine with one pair of smartwools.
Blissful
03-24-2008, 14:39
Try a running shop that specializes in running shoes. That's where I got mine - Brooks Adrenaline ASR (for pronators) trail runners. If you're ever here in Charlottesville, the running shop here is excellent.
Try on everything you can find before buying. I like to try on the shoes in store, then go online and find the best price! I also find that even though one model from a particular manufacturer fits/feels great, another model just kills my feet and the sizing is not the same... Try on everything!
Dholmblad
03-24-2008, 19:01
I guess Ill have to go home to northern virginia before I start my hike.. No way to find any good shoes down here where I am.
Feral Bill
03-24-2008, 20:33
New balance makes the only trail shoes that fit my wife and son. (very narrow feet) They do run small. Try a size up.
Dholmblad
03-25-2008, 11:46
Well I dont have narrow feet, I have flat feet.
Feral Bill
03-25-2008, 20:02
Well I dont have narrow feet, I have flat feet.
Yes, but NB has a full range of sizes. Probably your best shot at a fit. Most companies have 100 nearly identical styles in a tiny range of sizes. makes me grumpy.:mad:
They can be a little pricey, but I have had good luck with my last pairs of hiking shoes from Garmont. They tend to be a bit wider then a lot of other brands. I also walked a couple of hundred miles in a pair of LaSportiva's this past year, again a little pricey, but also wider, and technically probably the best hiking shoes I've ever worn, relatively light, extremely durable, never even a hint of a blister and very good traction.
I have found that I am better off buying shoes that fit loosely as it seems that on the trail my feet swell slightly, and what seemed like a "good fit" in the store became a pain (literally) later in the day. I make sure I have plenty of room in the toe box and then simply adjust laces as needed.