Now that your boots are done up properly stand up on your tiptoes and walk on the spot on the balls of your feet as if you are walking up a steep hill. If your heels lift more than approximately 5mm from the footbed you may need to pull the laces tighter, or the boots may just be the wrong shape for you. Stand on the A4 paper with your heel pressed firmly against the wall and your foot pointed forward with the edge of your big toe aligned with the edge of the paper. However, even after the most rigorous assessment and testing, there is no better way to be absolutely sure than to have the boots on your feet for an extended period of time. We therefore offer our Home Trial Period which gives you the opportunity to wear the boots around your house to give you an indication of how they feel before you venture outside. We recommend that during the Home Trial Period that you wear the boots for as long as possible and at different times of the day, wear them up and down stairs, when moving around and when resting, you can even sleep in them if you want.

The Sapuen is constructed from a mixture of both synthetic and natural materials. The majority of the upper is made from high-quality velour leather, which is extremely soft, comfortable, and warm; perfect for high alpine environments. The remainder is formed of Double Engineered Mesh and stretch fabric that provide exceptional dexterity and comfort. The Mammut Sapuen has the structure to handle heavy loads, but is still comfortable to wear. Best All-Around: Mammut Sapuen High GTX We were able to take the versatile Oboz Sypes Low Leather B-DRY almost anywhere we wanted. Photo: Courtesy Most Versatile: Oboz Sypes Low Leather B-DRY Membrane: A GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining has been added to the Sapuen. This fully waterproof and protective membrane has been integrated into the upper of the shoe, saving weight, reducing pressure points and helping to ensure reliable waterproofing.NOTE: The above table is only a guide. Manufactures don’t like tomake it easy as every single oneof them strays from the measurements above. In our Hereford shop we offer a professional boot fitting service where we assess your feet, find a selection of boots that match you foot shape and most importantly we make sure that they are comfortable.This iseasy to do in the shop, where we have access tothe right tools, the option of letting you try on as many styles as you like and a knowledgeable member of staff that cancommunicate directly with you regarding your needs. Outsole: The outsole features a Vibram Flextron II rubber blend that provides grip thathad been specifically designed for secure grip on outdoor surfaces. The sole has reasonably aggressive lugs that will keep you upright even if the going gets a little slippy and handily they have also been designed to shed excess mud, keeping that traction when you need it the most. The Sapuen High GTX from Mammut are a lightweight, waterproof, and stable pair of boots, perfect for your latest outdoor adventure. Thanks to Mammut Flextron Technology which supports the natural rolling of the foot and Mammut Georganic 3D Technology for maximum comfort, the Sapuen High boots are a very comfortable pair of boots for all-day wear when out hiking. Hiking boots get dirty—that’s just a fact, especially when you’re taking them on muddy or dusty trails. Knowing how to clean your boots will extend their life and protect your investment. Resist the temptation to toss your hiking boots or hiking shoes in the wash, as you risk wearing out the upper or even warping the shape of the footwear. Instead, clean off mud and dirt from the outsole of your hiking boot or hiking shoe with a stiff brush (it may be easier if you let the mud dry first.) Using a rag, clean the upper of your boot with a solution of warm water and dishwashing soap or specialized boot cleaner. If your hiking boots or hiking shoes are made of leather, you can use a specialized leather conditioner to keep it soft and supple, but don’t use mink oil or similar products meant for work boots, as they’re too powerful for the flexible leather used in hiking boots.

You should now be able to see approximately 2 cm (about an index fingers width) of the footbed poking out in front of your toes. This test will tell you if the shape of the internal heel cup matches your heel to ensure it holds you securely, especially when ascending steep ground. We are trying to eliminate the dreaded heel blister. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!But let’s not dwell on what you don’t have, instead we shall teach you how to ascertain your size using some common household objects. If you can see this amount of space then you are pretty much on the way to making sure that your boots are the correct size. This space between your toes and the end of the footbed ensures that you will not stub your toes on the inside of the boot when you descend. This can be excruciatingly painful. If you can’t see this amount of space then it’s a good bet that the boots will be too small. These stripped-down shoes will help you move fast and stay comfortable. Lightest: Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2