Question:
Just a quick question, might sounds stupid. I have been trying on
numerous boots and have had salespeople tell me both...
When they say to have at least 1-2 snug fingers between the heel and
the back of the boot do they mean 2 fingers on top of each other or
beside each other?
Answer:
There is something to be said for personal preference as well. I tend to walk
on trails with a fair bit of up-down to them. Such as this wknd,
when I'll be on the Bruce trail, which goes up and down the Niagara
escarpment fairly often. So I tend to like my boots somewhat tighter
than the usual suggested fit. I really find it annoying
when my boots slide around on my feet when I walk up or down a hill.
I tend to go against conventional wisdom when it comes to footwear. I buy
most of my shoes and boots online or mail order. I live in a rural area
with no local outfitters who specialize in backpacking equipment.
I buy quality footwear from three companies, Vasque, Rockport, New Balance
or Asics. I know my foot size and these companies provide consistent sizing
and quality. Boots and shoes will stretch, flex and adjust to the movement
and shape of a person's foot. The conventional wisdom that new boots must
fit like a glove does not hold true for me. A boot will conform to a foot.
The foot will not conform to a boot. Some people have blisters from new
boots, because the boot has not had a change to mold itself to the foot.
Walking will cure this most of the time.
This is not to say that I have not had to send footwear back that did not
fit, but the companies listed above have proven to be consistent in sizing.
