UKC

I’m buying my first pair of mountain boots for a very long time and can’t decide on the correct size. As I normally wear trainers I’ve not thought about how much my feet swell. Anyone got any info on this anecdotal or otherwise?

If it makes a difference I’m going up to 4000 meters (possibly), male, mid 50’s.

Thank you

Cue the “How much do your feet smell?” thread…

I do remember being told to buy boots (and indeed any climbing footwear) late in the day, after having been on my feet a fair bit. The reasoning being that feet do swell as the day goes on - as well as being "on your feet" does also.

I'm certainly no expert on this, but if you go to a reputable shop then better advice must surely be available.

If however you intend buying "on line", then you're taking pot luck and risking getting it wrong.

Anecdotally... foot swelling increases with increasing age and with increased bodyweight 

If you can't decide then buy big. That can usually be fixed with socks/insoles.

If you buy too small then it can't be fixed. Your toenails will grow back in time however

Just go with something that fits comfortably in the shop, and after walking around the house on them for a couple of hours. Most good shops will have a fairly sympathetic returns policy as long as shoes have not been worn outside. 

If you're doubting between two sizes that seem equally comfortable, go for the bigger one. 

I tend to wear the same size in sneakers/trainers as I wear in mountain boots, for what it's worth (depends a bit on brand though). 

If your feet swell, they won't get longer, but they will get fatter.  L:aces should cover that...

I find that my feet shrink as the day goes on,  that or the boot uppers pack down. Either way I have to keep tying my laces tighter as the day goes on.

Don't buy boots that are too big just incase, buy boots that fit snuggly in the shop/house.  If they are too big they will move around and cause blisters. I made that mistake with my first mountaineering boots. Took the advice of having a little extra space in the front so that when you kick into ice your toes don't bash the front. That was terrible advice, my feet just moved around in them. Now I have boots that fit snug and they are comfy all day.

I think you have a point here. I was measured in 2 different quality shops for some B2 boots and both shops said 2 sizes above my street size. So now i have to wear double thick socks inside to fit properly. 

I later bought a simple pair of less technical hill boots and was also measured up a size. I have to pre-tape to prevent blisters. 

I'm really not convinced about this "buy bigger" mantra.