Bushwalk Australia

Ok, so I've just annoyed every sales staff in every shop on little Bourke while trying on my first pair of boots (normally a trail runner guy, trying something different)

The closest to a comfy boot I've found is the scarpa... both terra gtx or delta fly. Instantly comfy when on, no movement, cup my heel well ect.

BUT when I am at full flexation of my toe, the stud for the laces presses in just behind my big toe. Is this going to be something I can fix with some warm water and stretching? Or is it a deal breaker? At the moment I think I'll get the answer by flipping a coin.... but I'm hoping some more experienced here can point me in the right direction.

What socks were you wearing when you tried the boots on? I have had a similar sensation/problem in the past with steel capped safety boots and I needed very thick socks. Never with walking boots or mountain boots tho Did this happen with all the boots?

Interesting on the thicker sock.

Just thin cotton business socks. I typically wear ultra thin sports socks in my runners, thicker ones give me blisters... but are uber comfy in my work steel caps.

For what it's worth I had a very similar issue with some dressy boots and some newspaper and warm water to bend them the right way fixed it. Pretty much the main reason I'm entertaining the idea.

Had the same issue with some scarpa trek boots many years ago. Nothing worked for me and I left them outside a backpackers in Christchurch.
Somewhere in NZ there is a hobo still wearing them, I'm sure...

Don’t buy boots with ANY level of discomfort. Any discomfort will get worse with the repetition of many steps of walking.

If the salesman tells you that they just need breaking in, ask them if you can get a full refund if they are still uncomfortable after breaking in.

Damn. In every other aspect these fitted perfectly. And far and above the rest I tried.

How acceptable is it to spend an hour in the store doing laps of the staircase?

drakkar wrote:The closest to a comfy boot I've found is the scarpa... both terra gtx or delta fly. Instantly comfy when on, no movement, cup my heel well ect.

BUT when I am at full flexation of my toe, the stud for the laces presses in just behind my big toe. Is this going to be something I can fix with some warm water and stretching?

Leather ... could be fixed with stretching. If you can find someone with an adjustable last or make a bit of wood to fit and leave it there to stretch things it should be fine. But it will be your risk.
https://www.altberg.co.uk/fitting/boot- ... t-altberg/
I have been to this factory.. they are good. They can make boots for me, ~ 2 months later fit it in the factory .. and if it needs stretching I'd have to come back the next day for another fitting... they don't usually need to do another adjustment but that is there if required.

So as an update to this.. I’ve annoyed every salesman in Melbourne. But did purchase a pair of Vasque Erickson’s today.

Initial 5k loop in the Collingwood end of the Yarra trail and they fit well.

Me too. I bought some GTXs and they were a nightmare. I simply thought they would stretch out but they didn't. I took them to a bootmaker that has the type of last mentioned but it didn't really fix it satisfactorily, plus I was then concerned about ruining the gortex lining. Next time around I will try the next size up and maybe look for a brand that has a wide fit. Strictly for winter use and figure the next size up will suit heavy socks and be a better alround fit. As they are , my little toes rub against the others and burn after a few hrs of walking.

markg I have that problem in my ski boots, I fixed it by swapping to Injinji liners

I was getting my little toe on my gimpy right foot rubbing on long descents in my new boots.
Lacing like below helped far more than I expected it to. First proper tramp in a fortnight around hotham, hopefully it helps there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbUAMPQDjyk

After years walking in Scarpa GTX 65 boots, and liking my Soloman XA pro 3 trail runners, in my quest to lighter gear decided to try a pair of Soloman Eskape GTX boots.

Sales advised same size as the XA's since they have been great.

Initial walking around at home was fine. A day at the office however revealed the same issue as yours, pressure from the lace keeper just behind my big toe and not to be ignored.

Too late to return so doubled socked with thick socks, stuffed my foot in and heated the offending area with a heat gun.

After cooling, perfect with my usual hike socks. Have done a couple of long day walks and an overnighter since and they are great.

drakkar wrote:...but I'm hoping some more experienced here can point me in the right direction.

Are boots a must-have for you? If not, you should give approach shoes a go. Here are some:

1. La Sportiva TX4, Boulder X
2. Five Ten Guide Tennie
3. Scarpa Zen

gbagua wrote:

drakkar wrote:...but I'm hoping some more experienced here can point me in the right direction.

Are boots a must-have for you? If not, you should give approach shoes a go. Here are some:

1. La Sportiva TX4, Boulder X
2. Five Ten Guide Tennie
3. Scarpa Zen

Ive never worn boots and I love my Salomon XA trail runners.