Boot Fitting London

CFinigan · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2010, 11:01 PM

Can anyone recommend a London walking boot seller that will assist with boot fitting? I mean measuring, including width and instep, when sitting and standing etc. The only ones I can find are either in Yorkshire, or provide tailor made boots in an eccentric 1930s style.

My feet have spread. I've been into my local Millets, and they were very helpful indeed and I tried on all the common brands, but they did not have the range, or I think the expertise. I've also looked at the other posts about wide fitting boots on this forum, and conclude I'll probably need Scarpa or Meindl, but would have to treat such a purchase as an investment, so I need to be have confidence in them.

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 05:26 AM

I had a problem with boots and went to a specialist shop they said measuring tells you nothing much. They sat me down with a range of boots from different makers and left me to it. I tried boots above and below "my size" the variations were surprising. The best bit of advice was to walk a fair way to the shop so your feet swelled, take your own socks and put each boot on and let it warm up
before lacing. In my case the Meindl Burma held my narrow heel and broad foot perfectly. These can be bought online for around £30-£40 less than instore.

cybershot · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

I had a problem with boots and went to a specialist shop they said measuring tells you nothing much. They sat me down with a range of boots from different makers and left me to it. I tried boots above and below "my size" the variations were surprising. The best bit of advice was to walk a fair way to the shop so your feet swelled, take your own socks and put each boot on and let it warm up
before lacing. In my case the Meindl Burma held my narrow heel and broad foot perfectly. These can be bought online for around £30-£40 less than instore.

Here's further endorsement from someone who has trouble finding boots to fit broad feet and is now on his second pair of Meindl Burmas.

Boddie · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 07:34 AM

I would go for Scarpa as the are indicated for wide feet if you go for the BX or BXX fittings. Go Outdoors usually have a fantastic range in, and they are priced keenly too. You could always go in, find your size then procure elsewhere. Otherwise off to Yorkshire it is, for a good pair of Altberg.

Walking boots, or good ones anyway, are an investment. You should get a few years wear out of a good pair.

Deb London · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

I would go for Scarpa as the are indicated for wide feet if you go for the BX or BXX fittings. Go Outdoors usually have a fantastic range in, and they are priced keenly too. You could always go in, find your size then procure elsewhere. Otherwise off to Yorkshire it is, for a good pair of Altberg.

Walking boots, or good ones anyway, are an investment. You should get a few years wear out of a good pair.

There's a new "GO Outdoors" within easy walking distance of Colindale Station, if that helps. I haven't been there myself though.

EDIT Just checked their web page and it's the biggest outdoor shop in the UK and they do boot fitting. Tel. 0845 113 0291.

CFinigan · #6 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010, 09:42 PM

Thanks, all. Seems the consensus is that fitting is not that important. Would love to buy on-line but I really need to try them on.

burhinus · #7 (**permalink**) 14-08-2010, 08:28 PM

Not sure whether there is one near you but I find the staff in the Cotswold shops to be very helpful. I purchased a new pair of boots this week had my feet measured though I am not too sure that helped, but the guy showed me some new ways for tying boot laces. You can watch on their website.

burhinus