"Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Brian said:
My wife is coming up to replace her boots. She has sufferd with the dreaded black toe syndrome with the last two pairs of boots she has had. Her toe nails hit the front on the boot and this leads to significant bruising under the nail. She's tried a variety of socks, different ways of tieing the laces, knots part way up, the Australian knot, padding on the toes etc etc, but to no avail.
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where we can go to get her measured and fitted properly by someone who REALLY knows what they are talking about. Or is there a company that can adjust boots to your feet. We live London/Essex part of the world, but would be willing to travel if it's worth it.
I suspect several factors and they need to be ruled out:
a) boots too short, so toes hit front. Longer size helps. b) volume too high, so foot moves around inside. Different shape of boot helps, or "volume reducers", which are plastic/rubber wedges under the footbed. c) foot lengthening in strides, commonly pronation, different footbed might help (eg. Superfeet, but not the only name in town).
Recommended retailers; hard call. I used to like Braemar Mountain(*), buts its a hell of a long way from Essex! Field and Trek (Chelmsford) have a Superfeet custom fit capability, so might know what they are doing ? I've never shopped with them.
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
"Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Brian said:
My wife is coming up to replace her boots. She has sufferd with the dreaded black toe syndrome with the last two pairs of boots she has had. Her toe nails hit the front on the boot and this leads to significant bruising under the nail. She's tried a variety of socks, different ways of tieing the laces, knots part way up, the Australian knot, padding on the toes etc etc, but to no avail.
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where we can go to get her measured and fitted properly by someone who REALLY knows what they are talking about. Or is there a company that can adjust boots to your feet. We live London/Essex part of the world, but would be willing to travel if it's worth it.
I suspect several factors and they need to be ruled out:
a) boots too short, so toes hit front. Longer size helps. b) volume too high, so foot moves around inside. Different shape of boot helps, or "volume reducers", which are plastic/rubber wedges under the footbed. c) foot lengthening in strides, commonly pronation, different footbed might help (eg. Superfeet, but not the only name in town).
Recommended retailers; hard call. I used to like Braemar Mountain(*), buts its a hell of a long way from Essex! Field and Trek (Chelmsford) have a Superfeet custom fit capability, so might know what they are doing ? I've never shopped with them.
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
"Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Recommended retailers; hard call. I used to like Braemar Mountain(*), buts its a hell of a long way from Essex! Field and Trek (Chelmsford) have a Superfeet custom fit capability, so might know what they are doing ? I've never shopped with them.
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
Quoted message said:
Think that's a Superfeet guarantee. Any way 60 days to return even used Superfeet at Field and Trek and the Climber's Shop in Ambleside.
No, it was a shop committment on any boot bought. They stood by their recommendations and boot fitting abilities. I have no idea if the commitment is still made on boots bought there.
I had several boots from them over the years, and only once bought any footbeds (on a different trip).
"Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Recommended retailers; hard call. I used to like Braemar Mountain(*), buts its a hell of a long way from Essex! Field and Trek (Chelmsford) have a Superfeet custom fit capability, so might know what they are doing ? I've never shopped with them.
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
Quoted message said:
Think that's a Superfeet guarantee. Any way 60 days to return even used Superfeet at Field and Trek and the Climber's Shop in Ambleside.
No, it was a shop committment on any boot bought. They stood by their recommendations and boot fitting abilities. I have no idea if the commitment is still made on boots bought there.
I had several boots from them over the years, and only once bought any footbeds (on a different trip).
"Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Recommended retailers; hard call. I used to like Braemar Mountain(*), buts its a hell of a long way from Essex! Field and Trek (Chelmsford) have a Superfeet custom fit capability, so might know what they are doing ? I've never shopped with them.
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
Quoted message said:
Think that's a Superfeet guarantee. Any way 60 days to return even used Superfeet at Field and Trek and the Climber's Shop in Ambleside.
No, it was a shop committment on any boot bought. They stood by their recommendations and boot fitting abilities. I have no idea if the commitment is still made on boots bought there.
I had several boots from them over the years, and only once bought any footbeds (on a different trip).
A trick taught to me by a wonderfully knowledgeable sales girl in the YHA shop in Reading, which (like much of the formerly great parts of this once great institution) has now sadly shut:
Always put your boots on sitting down. Once you've got your foot in a boot, before you lace it up thump it backwards into the ground so that your foot is forced as far backwards in the boot as it will go. Now lace it up tightly - providing your boot is a reasonable fit and has decent ankle support, your foot will bill held firmly in the proper position at the back of the boot, and your toes won't rub. Worked wonders for me!
Also make sure your socks don't have a prominent seam at the front - Bridgedale socks seem very bad for this.
A trick taught to me by a wonderfully knowledgeable sales girl in the YHA shop in Reading, which (like much of the formerly great parts of this once great institution) has now sadly shut:
Always put your boots on sitting down. Once you've got your foot in a boot, before you lace it up thump it backwards into the ground so that your foot is forced as far backwards in the boot as it will go. Now lace it up tightly - providing your boot is a reasonable fit and has decent ankle support, your foot will bill held firmly in the proper position at the back of the boot, and your toes won't rub. Worked wonders for me!
Also make sure your socks don't have a prominent seam at the front - Bridgedale socks seem very bad for this.
A trick taught to me by a wonderfully knowledgeable sales girl in the YHA shop in Reading, which (like much of the formerly great parts of this once great institution) has now sadly shut:
Always put your boots on sitting down. Once you've got your foot in a boot, before you lace it up thump it backwards into the ground so that your foot is forced as far backwards in the boot as it will go. Now lace it up tightly - providing your boot is a reasonable fit and has decent ankle support, your foot will bill held firmly in the proper position at the back of the boot, and your toes won't rub. Worked wonders for me!
Also make sure your socks don't have a prominent seam at the front - Bridgedale socks seem very bad for this.
A trick taught to me by a wonderfully knowledgeable sales girl in the YHA shop in Reading, which (like much of the formerly great parts of this once great institution) has now sadly shut:
Always put your boots on sitting down. Once you've got your foot in a boot, before you lace it up thump it backwards into the ground so that your foot is forced as far backwards in the boot as it will go. Now lace it up tightly - providing your boot is a reasonable fit and has decent ankle support, your foot will bill held firmly in the proper position at the back of the boot, and your toes won't rub. Worked wonders for me!
Also make sure your socks don't have a prominent seam at the front - Bridgedale socks seem very bad for this.
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
Quoted message said:
Think that's a Superfeet guarantee. Any way 60 days to return even used Superfeet at Field and Trek and the Climber's Shop in Ambleside.
No, it was the boots. They would charge you a "hire fee" if you took boots back (can't remember how much, but it wasn't stupid), probably to prevent abuse, but even so it's a whole lot better than "wear them outside or put anything on them and they're yours", which is what practically everyone else has always done.
Don't know if they still do it, but it has always been an outfit that understood the value of good customer service IME.
Pete. -- Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
Quoted message said:
Think that's a Superfeet guarantee. Any way 60 days to return even used Superfeet at Field and Trek and the Climber's Shop in Ambleside.
No, it was the boots. They would charge you a "hire fee" if you took boots back (can't remember how much, but it wasn't stupid), probably to prevent abuse, but even so it's a whole lot better than "wear them outside or put anything on them and they're yours", which is what practically everyone else has always done.
Don't know if they still do it, but it has always been an outfit that understood the value of good customer service IME.
Pete. -- Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
Quoted message said:
Think that's a Superfeet guarantee. Any way 60 days to return even used Superfeet at Field and Trek and the Climber's Shop in Ambleside.
No, it was the boots. They would charge you a "hire fee" if you took boots back (can't remember how much, but it wasn't stupid), probably to prevent abuse, but even so it's a whole lot better than "wear them outside or put anything on them and they're yours", which is what practically everyone else has always done.
Don't know if they still do it, but it has always been an outfit that understood the value of good customer service IME.
Pete. -- Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
(* because as well as measuring feet properly, they had a real guarantee; if the boots they'd recommended didn't fit properly months later, they would refund. That was explicitly months of walking outdoors up/down mountains, not just use indoors on your living room carpet. Its a while since I've been there.).
Quoted message said:
Think that's a Superfeet guarantee. Any way 60 days to return even used Superfeet at Field and Trek and the Climber's Shop in Ambleside.
No, it was the boots. They would charge you a "hire fee" if you took boots back (can't remember how much, but it wasn't stupid), probably to prevent abuse, but even so it's a whole lot better than "wear them outside or put anything on them and they're yours", which is what practically everyone else has always done.
Don't know if they still do it, but it has always been an outfit that understood the value of good customer service IME.
Pete. -- Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
My wife is coming up to replace her boots. She has sufferd with the dreaded black toe syndrome with the last two pairs of boots she has had. Her toe nails hit the front on the boot and this leads to significant bruising under the nail. She's tried a variety of socks, different ways of tieing the laces, knots part way up, the Australian knot, padding on the toes etc etc, but to no avail.
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where we can go to get her measured and fitted properly by someone who REALLY knows what they are talking about. Or is there a company that can adjust boots to your feet. We live London/Essex part of the world, but would be willing to travel if it's worth it.
TIA
Brian
I've just ordered a pair of altberg botts, http://www.altberg.co.uk/, from outside at Hathersafe, not cheap but British made, the measure your feet and then order the boot to fit your measurement. I belive they come in 5 width sizes. This may be an option for you.
I have been having problems getting boots that are wide enough, hopefully these will work. I have read good reports about them.
My wife is coming up to replace her boots. She has sufferd with the dreaded black toe syndrome with the last two pairs of boots she has had. Her toe nails hit the front on the boot and this leads to significant bruising under the nail. She's tried a variety of socks, different ways of tieing the laces, knots part way up, the Australian knot, padding on the toes etc etc, but to no avail.
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where we can go to get her measured and fitted properly by someone who REALLY knows what they are talking about. Or is there a company that can adjust boots to your feet. We live London/Essex part of the world, but would be willing to travel if it's worth it.
TIA
Brian
I've just ordered a pair of altberg botts, http://www.altberg.co.uk/, from outside at Hathersafe, not cheap but British made, the measure your feet and then order the boot to fit your measurement. I belive they come in 5 width sizes. This may be an option for you.
I have been having problems getting boots that are wide enough, hopefully these will work. I have read good reports about them.
My wife is coming up to replace her boots. She has sufferd with the dreaded black toe syndrome with the last two pairs of boots she has had. Her toe nails hit the front on the boot and this leads to significant bruising under the nail. She's tried a variety of socks, different ways of tieing the laces, knots part way up, the Australian knot, padding on the toes etc etc, but to no avail.
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where we can go to get her measured and fitted properly by someone who REALLY knows what they are talking about. Or is there a company that can adjust boots to your feet. We live London/Essex part of the world, but would be willing to travel if it's worth it.
TIA
Brian
I've just ordered a pair of altberg botts, http://www.altberg.co.uk/, from outside at Hathersafe, not cheap but British made, the measure your feet and then order the boot to fit your measurement. I belive they come in 5 width sizes. This may be an option for you.
I have been having problems getting boots that are wide enough, hopefully these will work. I have read good reports about them.
My wife is coming up to replace her boots. She has sufferd with the dreaded black toe syndrome with the last two pairs of boots she has had. Her toe nails hit the front on the boot and this leads to significant bruising under the nail. She's tried a variety of socks, different ways of tieing the laces, knots part way up, the Australian knot, padding on the toes etc etc, but to no avail.
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where we can go to get her measured and fitted properly by someone who REALLY knows what they are talking about. Or is there a company that can adjust boots to your feet. We live London/Essex part of the world, but would be willing to travel if it's worth it.
TIA
Brian
I've just ordered a pair of altberg botts, http://www.altberg.co.uk/, from outside at Hathersafe, not cheap but British made, the measure your feet and then order the boot to fit your measurement. I belive they come in 5 width sizes. This may be an option for you.
I have been having problems getting boots that are wide enough, hopefully these will work. I have read good reports about them.
In message <[email hidden]>, Brian <[email hidden]> writes
Quoted message said:
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
I'd like to know the answer to this one too.
I have a pair of Berghaus Expedition Boots which have served me well over the last 5 - 7 years. But the downhill toe bashing still persists :-( -- Bill Grey
In message <[email hidden]>, Brian <[email hidden]> writes
Quoted message said:
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
I'd like to know the answer to this one too.
I have a pair of Berghaus Expedition Boots which have served me well over the last 5 - 7 years. But the downhill toe bashing still persists :-( -- Bill Grey
In message <[email hidden]>, Brian <[email hidden]> writes
Quoted message said:
The boots feel fine on the flat and uphill, but as soon as she starts to go downhill the pain kicks in and the inevitable bruising happens. She used to have a fantastic pair of boots that were comfortable and very supportive, but of course as all things do, they came to an end.
I'd like to know the answer to this one too.
I have a pair of Berghaus Expedition Boots which have served me well over the last 5 - 7 years. But the downhill toe bashing still persists :-( -- Bill Grey
