Wide fit shoes

Alan Aitken said:

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Or should I try boots? I have always
found them heavy to put up with all day.

"Wide" can mean all sorts of things, with different degrees of width at
different points of the foot, so even if you get recommended a "wide"
brand you need to try it on in person.

Garmont might be worth a try, their tele boots are certainly the widest
going...

Boots won't be particularly wider than shoes, so if you don't feel a
need for an ankle cuff it's unlikely to do anything but add weight and
decrease comfort.

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/

Meindl make a pair of shoes and a pair of boots with a particularly
wide fitting at the front, using a special last with a "relaxed
fit". I posted about them at:

http://groups.google.com/group/uk.rec.walking/browse_frm/thread/ef076defdf083e62/d7e98290992231fc#d7e98290992231fc

NB: These are an entirely different fitting to other Meindl
shoes/boots, which I also find too narrow.

The shoes are not really trail shoes in the normal sense, just a solid
pair of leather shoes. I use them for a lot of general walking (both on
and off roads) but I wouldn't go up the fells in them.

Your problem may be finding them. Only a few retailers stock them.

Cheers,

Paul Gretton
(Schimmert, Holland)

"Paul Gretton" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Meindl make a pair of shoes and a pair of boots with a particularly
wide fitting at the front, using a special last with a "relaxed
fit". I posted about them at:

http://groups.google.com/group/uk.rec.walking/browse_frm/thread/ef076defdf083e62/d7e98290992231fc#d7e98290992231fc

NB: These are an entirely different fitting to other Meindl
shoes/boots, which I also find too narrow.

The shoes are not really trail shoes in the normal sense, just a solid
pair of leather shoes. I use them for a lot of general walking (both on
and off roads) but I wouldn't go up the fells in them.

Your problem may be finding them. Only a few retailers stock them.

Cheers,

Paul Gretton
(Schimmert, Holland)

Thanks for that. I'll try to locate them somewhere.

Alan

Peter Clinch said:

so even if you get recommended a "wide"
brand you need to try it on in person.

Errr.... How does one try on footwear otherwise than in person? ;-)

Cheers,

Paul Gretton

"Simon Caldwell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Alan Aitken said:

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Or should I try boots? I have
always
found them heavy to put up with all day.

I have wide feet, and the boots which fit me best are Zamberlans - I
don't know if they do shoes or not. My trail shoes are Salomons which
also fit well.

But as Peter said, feet are different, so just because these are good
for my wide feet doesn't mean they'll fit yours!

S.

--
Oppose ID cards and the database state - sign the pledge at
http://www.pledgebank.com/refuse

Thanks for the feedback. I came across this view on Zamberlans on a search
on Google which illustrates your point.

"just bought a pair as the heels fitted quite well with a minimal amount of
heel rise.

After wearing them at home for a few days I realised that my foot being
quite wide was being squashed!

Could someone recommend a brand that would cater to someone with a wide
forefoot and fairly narrow heels!

I do like the fact that they are all leather and without a lining."

Having said all that I haven't found anything yet that suits!

Alan

I really fancied some Meindl shoes/ boots, as I had heard great reviews. I
have large and broad feet (UK 11) and was gutted to find that on trying
various Meindl and Asolo shoes and boots, they all cramped toe box too much.

As for boots v Shoes question - I suppose a certain amount of personal
preference comes into play - I like to walk some fairly rugged stuff, and
prefer to avoid a twisted ankle. Boots can get a tad warm (especially those
with Gore linings (try new E Vent ones)), but small price to pay. I
personally dont find them too heavy, and just walked 40 miles in 18 hours
wearing boots all the way. Wouldn't have considered even starting that walk
in shoes to be honest with you.

Got some Raichle boots in the end, and they are superb. Also have some bog
standard Berghaus boots for trails, which are dead wide.

As for trail shoes - I wear Merrells - tried a few - some are narrow, some
wide - so go to a shop and try em on.

Pauljmuk

"Alan Aitken" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am great difficulty in finding broad enough trail walking shoes. Does
anyone know of a manufacturer that is particularly generous in width? I
have tried Merrell (too narrow) Meindl (same) Lowa (same). I have a brand
new pair of Mendl Kopenhagen Size 11 Leather and Goretex which are just a
tad too tight cost £110 available for sale (worn twice) for sale at
reasonable offer.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Or should I try boots? I have

always

Quoted message said:

found them heavy to put up with all day.

Hugh

Thanks Paul for that. I am willing to try any make to get comfort. I will
have a look for Raichle to try. Can you advise which model you have for
these and the Berghaus as there are so many different ones come on the
market?

Anyone interested in a pair of Meindl Kopenhagen Size 11? Worn twice
otherwise mint. Just a bit too tight for me.

Alan

"Paul Malam" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I really fancied some Meindl shoes/ boots, as I had heard great reviews. I
have large and broad feet (UK 11) and was gutted to find that on trying
various Meindl and Asolo shoes and boots, they all cramped toe box too
much.

As for boots v Shoes question - I suppose a certain amount of personal
preference comes into play - I like to walk some fairly rugged stuff, and
prefer to avoid a twisted ankle. Boots can get a tad warm (especially
those
with Gore linings (try new E Vent ones)), but small price to pay. I
personally dont find them too heavy, and just walked 40 miles in 18 hours
wearing boots all the way. Wouldn't have considered even starting that
walk
in shoes to be honest with you.

Got some Raichle boots in the end, and they are superb. Also have some
bog
standard Berghaus boots for trails, which are dead wide.

As for trail shoes - I wear Merrells - tried a few - some are narrow, some
wide - so go to a shop and try em on.

Pauljmuk

"Alan Aitken" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am great difficulty in finding broad enough trail walking shoes. Does
anyone know of a manufacturer that is particularly generous in width? I
have tried Merrell (too narrow) Meindl (same) Lowa (same). I have a
brand
new pair of Mendl Kopenhagen Size 11 Leather and Goretex which are just a
tad too tight cost £110 available for sale (worn twice) for sale at
reasonable offer.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Or should I try boots? I have

always

Quoted message said:

found them heavy to put up with all day.

Hugh

"Alan Aitken" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Thanks Paul for that. I am willing to try any make to get comfort. I

will

Quoted message said:

have a look for Raichle to try. Can you advise which model you have for
these and the Berghaus as there are so many different ones come on the
market?

Anyone interested in a pair of Meindl Kopenhagen Size 11? Worn twice
otherwise mint. Just a bit too tight for me.

Alan

"Paul Malam" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I really fancied some Meindl shoes/ boots, as I had heard great reviews.

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

have large and broad feet (UK 11) and was gutted to find that on trying
various Meindl and Asolo shoes and boots, they all cramped toe box too
much.

As for boots v Shoes question - I suppose a certain amount of personal
preference comes into play - I like to walk some fairly rugged stuff,

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

prefer to avoid a twisted ankle. Boots can get a tad warm (especially
those
with Gore linings (try new E Vent ones)), but small price to pay. I
personally dont find them too heavy, and just walked 40 miles in 18

hours

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

wearing boots all the way. Wouldn't have considered even starting that
walk
in shoes to be honest with you.

Got some Raichle boots in the end, and they are superb. Also have some
bog
standard Berghaus boots for trails, which are dead wide.

As for trail shoes - I wear Merrells - tried a few - some are narrow,

some

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

wide - so go to a shop and try em on.

Pauljmuk

"Alan Aitken" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am great difficulty in finding broad enough trail walking shoes.

Does

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

anyone know of a manufacturer that is particularly generous in width?

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

have tried Merrell (too narrow) Meindl (same) Lowa (same). I have a
brand
new pair of Mendl Kopenhagen Size 11 Leather and Goretex which are just

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

tad too tight cost £110 available for sale (worn twice) for sale at
reasonable offer.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Or should I try boots? I have

always

Quoted message said:

found them heavy to put up with all day.

Hugh

The Berghaus are pretty old, not sure on the model, but they are fabric
boots, and I think most are quite wide (the ones I've seen recently are)

Raichles are Mt Trail GTX

To be honst though - I'd get to a shop and try a few on. Most decent shops
will allow you to wear them round the house for a day or two to ensure you
are happy.
--
Pauljmuk:::

In article <[email hidden]>, Paul Malam
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Got some Raichle boots in the end, and they are superb. Also have some bog
standard Berghaus boots for trails, which are dead wide.

Agreed - Raichle "Scout" excellent boots.
--
Bill Grey
http://www.billboy.co.uk

Paul Malam said:

As for boots v Shoes question - I suppose a certain amount of personal
preference comes into play - I like to walk some fairly rugged stuff, and
prefer to avoid a twisted ankle.

But what is not generally well known is that boots don't have it all
their own way on such ground. By forcing the ankle over rather than
letting it conform to the ground, a boot cuff can lever your foot over,
making things worse. Only of you have weak ankles should they need
extra support, or if you're doing something well beyond the "design
limits", like front-point cramponing.

It isn't the no-brainer some seem to think it is. Spent fair chunks of
yesterday going over very tussocky terrain I would've characterised as
ankle-killing years ago, wearing shoes rather than boots. Never wished
I had big ankle cuffs to prevent my feet from conforming to the ground.

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/

Paul Gretton said:

Errr.... How does one try on footwear otherwise than in person? ;-)

By looking at a picture and reading a shoe size. Some people really
/do/ think that's all you'll ever need.

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/

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Paul Gretton said:

Errr.... How does one try on footwear otherwise than in person? ;-)

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

By looking at a picture and reading a shoe size. Some people really
/do/ think that's all you'll ever need.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Pete.

Not exactly what I'd call "trying on" but I do see what you mean.

Cheers,

Paul

Paul Gretton said:

Not exactly what I'd call "trying on" but I do see what you mean.

I agree with you, but I find it is worth emphasizing the getting it onto
your foot aspect with comparisons to hand, because lots of people don't :-(

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/

Altberg do all kinds of shoes and boots in a range of width fittings.
I'm not sure if they sell via retailers or just through their factory
and shop in Richmond (Yorks). (I don't see any mention of retailers
on their website, http://www.altberg.co.uk.)

You might also consider getting customized (or even fully
made-to-measure) footwear from them. I bought a pair of extra-wide fell
boots from Altberg a couple of years ago and had them customized to
allow for my retracted toes. This involved "plating" the last so as
to provide extra height in the toebox. They also fitted a soft
"toe-puff" instead of the standard one. This customization cost me
£ 30 on top of the price of the boots and I had to wait a couple of
months for them after being measured. For this service, you need to go
to Richmond twice, once to be measured and once for a fitting. Not
really an imposition a far as I'm concerned. Any excuse to go to the
Dales!

For an extra £ 300- £500 they will even do you full-scale
made-to-measure on your own personal last. Seemingly very reasonable
given that bespoke shoes down in that there London start at around
£850/pr and it's not unusual to pay up to £1500. I was happy enough
with the 30 quid customisation!

Cheers, Paul

Peter Clinch said:

But what is not generally well known is that boots don't have it all
their own way on such ground. By forcing the ankle over rather than
letting it conform to the ground, a boot cuff can lever your foot over,
making things worse.

Which is a large part of the reason that fell runners and mountain
marathoners wear shoes and not boots. That and the lack of a raised
heel, which also makes you more likely to twist an ankle.

S.
--
Oppose ID cards and the database state - sign the pledge at
http://www.pledgebank.com/refuse

Fair comment - but you know what I mean - not buying on the net in other
words.

"Paul Gretton" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Peter Clinch said:

so even if you get recommended a "wide"
brand you need to try it on in person.

Errr.... How does one try on footwear otherwise than in person? ;-)

Cheers,

Paul Gretton

How about them new Scarpas with major flex (in the right directions) in the
cuff?

"Peter Clinch" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Paul Malam said:

As for boots v Shoes question - I suppose a certain amount of personal
preference comes into play - I like to walk some fairly rugged stuff,

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

prefer to avoid a twisted ankle.

But what is not generally well known is that boots don't have it all
their own way on such ground. By forcing the ankle over rather than
letting it conform to the ground, a boot cuff can lever your foot over,
making things worse. Only of you have weak ankles should they need
extra support, or if you're doing something well beyond the "design
limits", like front-point cramponing.

It isn't the no-brainer some seem to think it is. Spent fair chunks of
yesterday going over very tussocky terrain I would've characterised as
ankle-killing years ago, wearing shoes rather than boots. Never wished
I had big ankle cuffs to prevent my feet from conforming to the ground.

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/

Paul Malam said:

How about them new Scarpas with major flex (in the right directions) in the
cuff?

Dunno, haven't tried them, but if they flex so much you can hardly tell
they're there then, well, one does wonder if there's much point in them
being there...

The primary point remains: you don't necessarily invite a twisted ankle
by not having an ankle cuff, at least as far as much recreational
walking is concerned. I used to assume you did, saw lots of people
without them on mountain marathons, tried it myself, didn't make a habit
of twisting my ankle... I think moit is felt you should use boots if
you're a "proper" walking doing "proper" walking, and since everyone's
using them they must be best for the job. That was certainly why I used
boots: I was told, and the general culture reinforced, that I needed
them, so that's what I used. I was told, and the culture reinforced,
that I needed lots of extra ankle support. Empirical experimentation
reveals that I'd been misled!

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/

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful person
Peter Clinch <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Paul Malam said:

How about them new Scarpas with major flex (in the right directions) in the
cuff?

Dunno, haven't tried them, but if they flex so much you can hardly tell
they're there then, well, one does wonder if there's much point in them
being there...

They keep (some of) the Cr&p from falling down inside the shoe or
getting in your socks, assuming you're out gaiterless.

--
GSV Three Minds in a Can
Contact recommends the use of Firefox; SC recommends it at gunpoint.