Hiking Boot Fit Question?

Question

I have a pair of Asolo FSN 85 boots that I truly love. I have about 300 miles logged and they feel great. I am looking to buy a few more pairs of boots now and break them in this winter so I have backups ready for an AT thru-hike.

Recently I tried on the Vasque Breeze and they felt great...but I'm about a size 12.5 and the 12 is too small, 13 is too big.

The salesman had me try a size 13 narrow, which felt about perfect - notably more comfortable than the first time I tried the Asolo's.

My question is this: I overpronate and have never worn narrow shoes before. I'm wary of starting now since I've never needed them before. Is there a significant difference between the narrow and regular widths? Am I asking for trouble?

Do you have any similar experiences? What would you do: stick with more Asolo's or try out the narrow Breeze? How about the idea of switching boots to a different model in the middle of a hike?

Thanks, and happy trails!

I appreciate the answers so far, but have a few clarifications:

I have hiked in trail runners and low-top hiking shoes and don't consider this a viable option. My current boots are about 3.3 lbs for the pair of size 12's. By comparison, my Asics running shoes weigh in at just a touch under 2.0lbs.

Considering that even the lightest trail runners weigh more than my running shoes, I consider my current boots to be a good combo of stability and comfort vs. weight.

That said, I'd appreciate it if you'd start with the assumption that I am not willing to change the general class of boot I'll be wearing. I am very conscious of ultralight philosophy, but for me a lighter shoe provides diminishing return.

Please focus instead on the question of mixing different models and of narrow vs. regular width, particularly if you have experience w/ Vasque or Asolo.

I should also point out that the Asolo website claims that my boots weigh 2lb 14 oz for a size 9, and the Asics website claims my running shoes weigh 1lb 6 oz for an undisclosed size.

The 2lb 14oz number is about the lightest I've ever seen for a boot, and even many trail shoes have estimated weights approaching this amount.

Answer 1

I would stick with what you have been doing.
I guess I'm a little biased, as the last two pair of hikers I bought have been Asolo (both pairs are still bombproof and cranking out miles). But more practically you don't want to throw in too much in the mix.

I'm assuming you sized them with the sock/sock liner combo you'll be hiking with?

I love a perfect fitting boot, but tend to size up if I have to and compensate with sock/liners that eat the difference (we all know that a loose boot will end a hike faster than anything so I'm not describing or recomending a loose fit).

Maybe a better time to audition a new boot size/brand/style would be on a less commited hike or a series of decent but not huge trial trips.

Answer 2

don't buy back up paires of boots before you start a AT thru hike. It just doesn't work! Many hikers notice real changes in the size of boot they need by the end of a hike and you end up with a bunch of shoes that don't fit any more. most of the thru hikers I run into here in CT have given up on heavy boots and are just wearing running shoes. whiteblaze is a great site for all things relating to AT

Answer 3

Limmer boots will last form Georgia to Maine. If an off the shelf size fits you will be in great shape. If you need a custom size be prepared to wait. White's boots in Spokane makes great boots, too. I am not personally familiar with their hiking boots but their logging boots are second to none. They make the boots to order and will fit your feet perfectly. You trace and measure each foot and send it to them. Don't wait. They sometimes have a waiting list. If you have hard to fit feet, White's are the boots to buy. The boots fit perfectly, so the break in is almost instant.

Answer 4

for my area, you're able to desire to discover a length that suits truly intense high quality and comfortable in the save... and then bypass a a million/2 length up. Your feet will swell on the direction, or you're able to be able to desire one greater pair of socks, faster or later. i admire my boots unfastened. i offered some that regarded ideas-blowing in the save, yet after some hours of hiking, my feet swelled and that i wasn't very happy in any respect. Tighter boots definitely supply you greater blisters than looser boots because of the fact there is greater friction in contact.

Answer 5

Asolo, Vasque, Danner, etc. all great boots - but dude if you're doing the AT you are a SERIOUS backpacker (not hiker, btw) - you should really consider Limmers - custom made to fit YOUR foot and absolutely bombproof - you'll be pushin' up daisies before they wear out (Norwegian welt allows resoling) - check 'em out - http://www.limmerboot.com/