1) TEST THE LENGTH OF THE BOOT

With the boot unlaced, gently tap your toe into the front of the boot and plant your foot flat on the ground. Insert your index finger down the back of the boot, along your Achilles. There should be enough room to snugly put your finger deep into the boot, without having to force it. If your finger is tight along the back of your heel or squashed against the back of the boot, this is the first sign that the boot may be too short. Similarly, too much space may mean the boot is too long. 

 

2) PLANT THE FOOT AND LACE THE BOOT

The next step is to see how the boot feels once it's laced up. From a seated position, gently tap your heel into the back of the boot and plant your foot flat on an even surface. Then, beginning at the toes, start to tighten up the laces. Pressure should be even and firm, but not restrictive. Remaining seated, follow the laces all the way up the boot, hooking onto any eyelets and finishing off with a secure bow. This process gives you a good idea of the amount of space your foot is occupying inside the boot. If the boot is too small, the laces will be bulging outwards; too big and excessive tension will be required. 

3) STAND UP

Standing up will allow you to check the overall fit of your boots. As you stand, you will notice the feel of the boot changes, because your body weight naturally elongates and expands your foot. If your toes are now touching the ends, you should consider a larger pair to make sure your boots stay comfortable on long walks for years to come. 

4) SHIFT YOUR WEIGHT

Shifting your weight around inside the boots lets you check the width and amount of internal support. Your feet should feel well supported and comfortably held in place on all sides as well as from above.  

5) USE YOUR HANDS

Use your hands to feel all around the boots, making sure you squeeze to find any points where the foot is bulging outwards, or where the boot feels baggy and empty. Ideally, you should feel that the foot is evenly filling the entirety of the boot. A little bit of variation here and there is ok, but excessive bulging or bagging is not.  

6) CHECK THE FLEX POINT

Depending on the mobility of your foot, your flex point is from the ball of your foot, into your toes. This area of the boot undergoes considerable and repeated strain, so it's really important to get it right. If the material is excessively creasing, your boots may be too big or wide. If the material is pinching, rubbing or putting pressure on your foot, your boots may be too narrow.  

7) GET USED TO THEM

Wear your boots indoors to adjust to how they feel. Walk around, go up and down stairs, and generally just allow your feet to get used to the new sensation. Boots are much more supportive, and often heavier, than the majority of shoes, and this often means that even the most perfectly fitting boots feel uncomfortable at first. Generally speaking, if you can walk around the house for an hour or two feeling supported, without any rubbing or pinching, then your boots are probably a good fit. 

Cotswold Outdoor's in-store experts who provide a free boot fitting service are trained to a high level and the process involves a series of highly accurate measurements, along with a discussion about footwear needs and any existing foot injuries and type of activity.

Once you've found the perfect boots, you'll be ready for your next KE Adventure and don't forget, all KE Travellers receive a 15% discount voucher to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock, Runners Need and Cycle Surgery.

FIND YOUR PERFECT KE ADVENTURE WALKING AND TREKKING HOLIDAY
 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR EXPERT BOOT FITTING SERVICE IN THIS VIDEO.

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com