Do my boots fit?

[nathanashton]

HI All,

First time poster

The other week I purchased a pair of Mammut Sierra GTX boots (Mens). I tried them on in the store with a pair of Coolmax socks (medium thickness), and they were a perfect fit. For my first hike I overdid it a little, 22km later and I had blisters. I found that my boots that fit perfectly in the store now seemed too large.

I went for a hike again yesterday (10km) with a thick pair of socks. With the boots as tight as I could get them they still seemed a little roomy. At the lunch stop I though I'd try on the coolmax socks AND the thick socks. Surprisingly they both sit and the boots seemed quite comfy. Finished the hike with no blisters.

What I'm curious on, is have my boots stretched? Do you think they might be too big?

Cheers

[Franco]

Well it is a bit too late now to take them back, however...
I have a similar pair by Reichle (now Mamutt) , a bit heavy for my usual walks but they do fit me well.
Feet do expand when you are walking and at the same time your boots may have just soften a bit, one sort of compensating the other.
Many have commented that after clocking up many Kms their feet have gone up a size or so. That was my experience a few years ago when size 41 (since I was 18-20) became too small, I am now on 42.5.
Not that uncommon for hikers to use 2 pair of socks, usually to either keep the feet dry (ish) from perspiration , in this case often it is done with Coolmax under wool or wool mix, or simply to get that 1/2 size not available, or just for the start of a long walk (on a long multi day trail)
So maybe you do have the right size after all. No blister is a good indication of a good fit.
Don't do the laces up TOO tight, your toes need some blood too.
Franco
(BTW, I like the sole in them. Grippy but not too soft)

[ILUVSWTAS]

(BTW, I like the sole in them. Grippy but not too soft)

Of all the people I know who have had Raichle shoes, 3 pairs by me, one by Stu, one by MJD and one by Scrubmaster, they all fell to bits!! The sole came off off most pairs but the stitching came undone on 2 pairs I had.
They are a very poorly made shoe and for the price it is not acceptable. anyway I know thats a bit off topic but I hate these shoes and just want to warn people at any given chance.... They are very comfortable, and very waterproof, just very poorly made.

[sailfish]

I have a blistering theory. Firstly, I arrived at this using Korkers wading boots. These boots have interchangeable soles, so I thought rather than wear hiking boots and carry wading boots for the fishing, I’d get the Korkers so I’d just have to carry spare soles (felt is king on slimy rocks).
So whit these boots, neoprene socks are the go to pad out compensating for the absence of stocking foot waders. The Neoprene socks work fine for wading but for working a trail, they stick to your skin so even the slightest movement (there is always some) pulls and drags on the skin and this is what causes blisters. Not the movement itself but the fact that the shear is taking place within the skin itself. Enter the 2nd pair of socks, If you wear 2 pairs, these slight movements can take place between them with little friction or heat being generated on or in the skin. No more blisters. Well, That’s my theory, it’s not about eliminating movement, you can’t, it is about where it happens and how much friction is involved. Since wearing a thin slippery lining sock and thicker outer sock, I have never had a blister in any boot on any walk.


Regards,
Ken

[Franco]

I believe that the North Korean factory that made the Reichle (now Mammut) had had problems with the a type of glue they used and some Vibram compounds.
Either worked independently , just not together.
.One of mine was made there, the other I don't know because I cannot read the label (mostly because it isn't there anymore...) but both have the soles firmly attached unlike my recently departed, and beloved, Garmont.
Pro and cons for wearing two pairs come up every so often. My take on that is that if it works for you stick to it (!) , the converse is also true.
Blisters are a "burn" so if you can reduce or stop friction, it should work.
On a particular walk in the US I tested three different types of Coolmax socks that were sent to me by the makers. In the end the ones that worked best for me (same shoes) where the thinnest.
So much for my love for thick wool socks. (warm weather, light "runner" type shoes)
Franco

[johnw]

I'd take the boots back to the store if you still have concerns about them. It's not unreasonable to do that if, after use, something develops a problem. I suspect it could be covered by the statutory warranty under the Trade Practices Act. Regardless, in my experience, most reputable outdoor stores will do their best to rectify problems with gear bought from them. Not sure what happens if it's decided that sizing was incorrect at time of purchase. Did someone advise/assist you with fitting?

I generally use the thin coolmax liner/thicker outer sock combo also. That has worked well for me for many years (very rare to get a blister).