Hack My Boots

May 24, 2021 6:14 PM

Do you know a hack for getting a better hiking boot fit?

i have weird feet. i need a really large toe-box in my hiking boots. i found keens (w wide size) that have that. however, the 9.5 is too small and crushes my toes in downhills. the 10 has heel slippage. got any secrets for making the 10 fit better? is there any kind of durable, non-injurious insert for the heel? something else?

thx! j_

posted by j_curiouser to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (13 answers total)

I need a really large toe box, and I never had any luck with Keens. It's not just a question of width, but also volume/height and shape of your forefoot.

For what it's worth, I've had much better luck with Xero boots lately-- they are roomy enough in the toes that I can wear my proper size instead of sizing way up and having the rest of the shoe be too long. But YMMV.
posted by Bardolph at 6:22 PM on May 24, 2021 [1 favorite]

Adhesive backed pads - on tongue or around heel can help with need for bigger toe box and narrower heel. A good store should know the shape of their boots and be able to help you get a good fit.
posted by leslies at 6:30 PM on May 24, 2021

There are certain ways you can lace your boots to adjust the fit. Tying your shoes a different way can make a huge difference to how they wear and fit on your foot.
posted by phunniemee at 6:52 PM on May 24, 2021 [9 favorites]

My mom and I have similar feet to you. I’ve got a pair of Keens that work okay if I wear thick enough socks.

My mom swears by Altras, though we both prefer trail running shoes over boots (for hiking). I’m going to REI soon (tomorrow, probably) to get a pair for myself, since I’ve had similar problems to you.
posted by danielparks at 6:58 PM on May 24, 2021 [1 favorite]

"Barefoot" or minimalist-style shoes generally have a wider toebox than most shoes - I'd start by looking there. Anya's Reviews is a good website describing a lot of the barefoot shoes out there - here's a page breaking down five of different hiking boot contenders. They do tend to be more expensive than brands like Keen, but they also stand up to a LOT of wear, ime, and sometimes you can find good sales of the previous year's model.
posted by Jaclyn at 7:52 PM on May 24, 2021

If you don’t have what’s called a “large volume” foot (ie high arches/instep), you may have some luck with adding or replacing the insole. This would take up some of the volume at the instep that could be causing slippage.
Alternatively, ask at someplace like REI about a brand where the heel cup runs narrower.
Good luck.
posted by dbmcd at 8:13 PM on May 24, 2021

Try women's wide the heel should be narrow enough to hold your heel and the toe box should be wider.
posted by evilDoug at 8:14 PM on May 24, 2021 [1 favorite]

If your feet are sliding forward on downhills, I'd guess that those boots are higher volume inside (I think Keens have that reputation in general), so an insole that lifts up your foot may help preventing sliding - combine that with advanced lacing techniques (heel lock, surgeon's knot, others). I really like Sole cork insoles, and there's always Superfeet too. If you can get the toe jamming under control, then you may be able to size down to the 9.5s to keep your heel from lifting, or stick with the 10s if the lacing and insoles help the heel lift issue.

But, given what you're describing, definitely also consider other boot brands or just switch to trail runners - I'm happy to give a testimonial for how well they've worked for me and my messed up feet on semi-nuts mountain adventures.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 8:59 PM on May 24, 2021 [4 favorites]

Try different brands. I have duck feet myself, and need a wide toe box or I'm in misery. I've had luck with Hanwag, Saloman, Meindl shoes/boots. I can't wear Keens or Lowa to save my life.
posted by frumiousb at 5:52 AM on May 25, 2021 [1 favorite]

But, in a pinch, I go up a size or two, wear proper hiking socks, and lace tightly. It will do fine on uphill, but kiss your toenails goodbye on the down. The biggest continual problem will be slipping into the toe box on a long steep down.
posted by frumiousb at 5:56 AM on May 25, 2021

I tend to get blisters on my heels when hiking.
I have found ENGO Blister Patches (which go inside your boots) to be part of the solution to my problem (in addition to the other great comments listed here).
posted by elmay at 7:32 AM on May 25, 2021

Seconding frumiousb, I also have duck feet and love my Salomon boots. My toes have plenty of room but my heel stays locked in. No sliding forward on descents, no toes banging into the front of the toebox.
posted by keep it under cover at 10:14 AM on May 25, 2021

Keens + tying your shoes differently in one of the slip-prevention ways will probably work.

That said, I have not looked back after switching to trail runners (Solomons with elastic laces, I am lazy).
posted by charmedimsure at 12:09 PM on May 25, 2021