Bushwalk Australia

Hi folks,
Just joined this site. Hope someone can help me! I have been searching on the net ( to no avail ) for a light weight, waterproof women's hiking boot. That's not the problem, there are heaps of brands etc.. The problem is I can't seem to find any D width women's boots. I live in Bundaberg Queensland ( great town) but not a lot of choice in hiking boots. I have a pair of Colorado at the moment but my feet have got wider over the years ( as I have) and now need D width. I am travelling to Brisbane in 3 weeks time. Can any body suggest a shop that may help me out??? Please.

My feet are officially EEE (No, they couldn't believe it when they measured them, either. Checked it three times. They don't look that wide). I wear Asolo boots. Their standard women's boot is a wide fitting and very comfortable - the only boot I've found in over 40 years of looking that actually fits. It doesn't even cramp my abnormally high instep.

Trouble is, they aren't cheap. Doubt if they'd be what you call 'lightweight', either.

Farmer Wendy wrote:Hi folks,
Just joined this site. Hope someone can help me! I have been searching on the net ( to no avail ) for a light weight, waterproof women's hiking boot. That's not the problem, there are heaps of brands etc.. The problem is I can't seem to find any D width women's boots. I live in Bundaberg Queensland ( great town) but not a lot of choice in hiking boots. I have a pair of Colorado at the moment but my feet have got wider over the years ( as I have) and now need D width. I am travelling to Brisbane in 3 weeks time. Can any body suggest a shop that may help me out??? Please.

Hello Farmer Wendy.

I wish you luck in finding water proof boots to fit us with wide feet. I've given up the challenge of trying to keep my feet dry. It's taken me a while, but wearing lightweight quick drying shoes is far better, than those heavy boots. I'm also from Bundaberg.

When you get to Brisbane find a specialist shoe shop (like Athletes Foot if they are there).
Get them to size up your foot properly and your gait etc.
If you wish, reward them by buying a pair of boots or shoes there.
What you need to know is what shoe type and size is the best fit.
There are several types of shoe sizing in the world. American, European and a couple of lesser known (asian) ones etc.
They all have slightly different toe widths and shapes or LASTS. http://shoes.about.com/od/footwear/g/shoe_lasts.htm
Finding the right type and size that suits you is more important than any other indvidual difference. All reputable manufacturers make good shoes/boots.
Once you know which is the right shoe last for you, you can buy online with confidence and considerable saving from Bundaberg.
For example I love my Merrells because they fit my feet but others may hate them and find different manufacturers suit better.
I actually have a slight size difference between my feet (common) and have a sizing that fits one excellently and the other comfortably. The alternative is expensive individual matching to both feet. I have been caught in the past before I learnt by being very happy with the fit on one foot and buying prematurely (I'm male - I shop quickly) and then having the other foot suffer.

Cheers
Jacko

Thanks Jacko for your advice. I do know I am a US 8.5 D width. I will now go and try the various brands on. As you said they do have to fit comfortably. I do appreciate your imput. Thanks and Happy Hiking.

"D" isn't a particularly wide foot, my beloved is a EEEEE imagine her trouble