Mountaineering boot advice

[BroChaos]

Hey all,

This probably applies to people that have bigger/wider feet. I wear a size 13/48. I have never needed a "wide" size before. I currently own a pair of Zamberlan 2080 Pamir (http://www.backcountry.com/zamberlan-20 ... ozOnBhbWly" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). They felt great initially, but after keeping them on for an extended amount of time, my foot starts to cramp up on the outside, near the middle. However, I have a pair of European hockey rollerblades, and I get the same pain there, I've also rented ice hockey skates up at Evergreen, pretty sure they were a Euro brand as well, and I got the same pain in those. Without being able to find my size in local stores, it's hard to try to get a feel in person.

So I've basically come up with two ideas, one is to return these and try a different brand and cross my fingers. I've heard Scarpas are wider, but I think that is more in the toes, not the midfoot area. The other would be to see what options a cobbler could provide. I've read about "punching" boots out, but that seemed to be more related to downhill boots and AT boots. Is something like that even possible for my current boot?

Thanks!!

[Mike Shepherd]

...... They felt great initially, but after keeping them on for an extended amount of time, my foot starts to cramp up on the outside, near the middle.

Have you had anyone look at your feet specifically to determine if there is an underlying problem with your foot structure? i.e. Foot specialist/Dr.

Some people have had success with custom orthotics in mountain boots.

Also how long is a while? Have you determined what type of terrain you were in when this occurs? How tight is the boot?

So I've basically come up with two ideas, one is to return these and try a different brand and cross my fingers. I've heard Scarpas are wider, but I think that is more in the toes, not the midfoot area.

How wide is your foot? Like what size: D, E, EE, EEE ? Salewa makes boots that accommodate wider feet. I am uncertain if Scarpa does or not. Why are you certain a wider boot will fix this?

I have no idea what boot punching is.

[Traveler]

I've heard Scarpas are wider, but I think that is more in the toes, not the midfoot area.

My experience has been that Scarpas are wider in the heel--not in the toe box.

[BroChaos]

...... They felt great initially, but after keeping them on for an extended amount of time, my foot starts to cramp up on the outside, near the middle.

Have you had anyone look at your feet specifically to determine if there is an underlying problem with your foot structure? i.e. Foot specialist/Dr.

Some people have had success with custom orthotics in mountain boots.

Also how long is a while? Have you determined what type of terrain you were in when this occurs? How tight is the boot?

So I've basically come up with two ideas, one is to return these and try a different brand and cross my fingers. I've heard Scarpas are wider, but I think that is more in the toes, not the midfoot area.

How wide is your foot? Like what size: D, E, EE, EEE ? Salewa makes boots that accommodate wider feet. I am uncertain if Scarpa does or not. Why are you certain a wider boot will fix this?

I have no idea what boot punching is.

I have not had my feet examined by a specialist before. Normally, I do not have any feet issues, so there was never a need. Might be worth doing, so at least they can tell me what I need to look for (or avoid). The cramping starts after about 30-45 minutes. This was just doing regular walking in the snow. I tried different lacing patterns/styles, heel and toes felt good, etc. I've always wore a normal width show (D?), at least for running and tennis shoes. I recently saw a pair of E width shoes and tried them on for the heck of it, and it felt like my foot was swimming in the shoe. I've attached a footprint showing the area that hurts.

2015-11-16 10.29.33-1.jpg (31.91 KiB) Viewed 2326 times

[Mike Shepherd]

It might be worth looking into seeing someone, or going the orthotics route.

I don't really know enough about feet to have an idea why your foot is cramping up right there.

I'm not sure that a wider boot will really change anything though.

[scottaskinger]

I've got really messed up feet. Very flat, narrow and a collapsed arch that leads to an "ankle" bone protruding out on my right foot. Any footwear...shoe, boot, skate is a process and a pain in the ass. Here are some thoughts and my own experiences, hopefully some of this will help you.

1. Ski boots are a bitch for me, I would experience the same pain that you are describing (and more). I have 95% solved my problem with custom ski boots from SureFoot. I sometimes still have pain on long days or if I hike, but very manageable.

2. I have custom orthotics (insoles) that I can place inside my shoes. I went to a foot doctor, had scans taken and they cost about $350. I use these orthotics in running shoes, hiking boots and sometimes my hockey skates. The good news for me is that they position my foot properly to help alleviate foot/ankle and other body pain (i.e. knees, back if you're always compensating while your walking). The bad news is that position your foot higher in your shoe. In a trail runner my heel sometimes feels like it is going to slip out of my shoe. I tie the shoe tighter. In a skate different parts of my foot are now making contacts with different parts of the skate that they shouldn't be which causes other pain over time. In a boot, they work pretty good overall. I have gotten a blister before from my foot rubbing on the orthotic over a long hike. I removed the orthotic to finish the hike. I could have also padded the blister and been fine.

3. Hockey skates and ski boots are moldable and can be "punched" by heating them up and using a metal tool that pushes out the part of the boot that is causing discomfort. I'm not sure that this can be done with a hiking boot as your dealing with leather/rubber.

4. I tried on several pairs of hiking boots to get the right fit. Obviously, you can go to a store in person or you can order a bunch of pairs off of Zappos and return what you don't want. You will find a large variance between shoes/boots. I have narrow feet but I also need a wide toe box...I found a pair of boots that work great for "my size" foot. You will have to experiment to find a pair that fit "your size" foot.

Overall, I have experienced the pain/cramping that you describe. If I tie my hockey skates too tight I can have intense cramping and pain for about 5 minutes after my game is over and I take off my skates. Same when I first start skiing and have my boots too tight. I think you need to find the right pair of boots/shoes that fit "your feet". Be sure to try on your shoes with insoles (you might use an aftermarket insole like Superfeet) and the types of socks you will use while hiking. You can also go the custom route if nothing else works. Here is one site that I know of, http://www.limmercustomboot.com/cgi-bin ... t/index.pl" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good Luck,
Scott

[piolet]

I would recommend giving the guys at The Custom Foot a call. They have a shop in Englewood where they can do a variety of things to make your footwear work for you (custom orthotics, modifying existing footwear, etc). They probably won't answer when you call, just leave a message and they will call you back. Then you can discuss your situation with them on the phone and decide if it is worth making an appointment to meet with one of their techs.

http://thecustomfoot.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BroChaos]

I would recommend giving the guys at The Custom Foot a call. They have a shop in Englewood where they can do a variety of things to make your footwear work for you (custom orthotics, modifying existing footwear, etc). They probably won't answer when you call, just leave a message and they will call you back. Then you can discuss your situation with them on the phone and decide if it is worth making an appointment to meet with one of their techs.

http://thecustomfoot.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

thanks guys. that custom foot place looks good. i will be giving them a call!