Buying narrow boots

Hello camad, Don't know about the narrow feet bit but I'd be inclined to go for a heavier duty full leather, commando sole, D ringed or hook laced style boots with a fold out tongue. I'm not a fan of internal paddings & linings apart from an innersole. I'd rather wear an extra pair of socks than have the built in padding that acts like a sponge when wet. Boots such as I described can be quite expensive but when you work back to the cost per day of use they are more economical than many of the commonly sold synthetic/vibram tramping boots. They also tend to perform better on the ground. Many of the mid range so called specialist tramping boots with fancy marketing backing are only really suitable for Great Walk Style tracks not what I'd call "pretty heavy tramping" I recently trialed a pair of Gri Sport vibram sole tramping boots that are one of many similar styles targeted at trampers. I discarded them after 61 days of use; hole in one toe, six seams failed, soles 75% gone, inners worn out, other holes about to occur as outer failing. (Others would probably have ditched the boots sooner!) On average I would get double the life from a leather/commando sole boot than a light leather/synthetic vibram sole boot. Like you I'd welcome suggestions on boots suitable for "pretty heavy tramping" I'm forever buying boots and two of my favoured styles from the past are no longer available. Glenn

I know the narrow boot problem. There are some brands that are more narrow, if you go into a good store, they know. I was told that the Stager Sport store in Alexandra is one of the best addresses to buy shoes that really fit your feet. My own hiking boots are the Meindl Borneo model. This model exists since over 20 years or so. It's a full leather boot, you can keep it easily waterproof and in good shape with boot oil or snowseal.

Zamberlan has a reputation for making narrow boots, so if you see any they'd be worth trying on. My one pair of Zamberlans lasted about 18 months of regular non-alpine tramping (I forget the model type but they set me back about $250), although I also used them to death. I didn't like the grip too much, but I think if I'd paid a little more I could've gotten better soles.

Glennj, for traditional tramping boots try Mainland Boots in Dunedin. They make traditional full leather boots with screwed on soles and I believe they can customise/custom fit any style of their boots. The prices are pretty reasonable too. www.nzbootz.com

Ta nzbazza, your link didn't work but I think I found the site. Frame boots from Dunedin/Bootz NZ? I haven't seen their product in retail stores for a few years but I see you can buy on line. The styles available look a bit anachronistic now but they are good hard wearing boots. I first had a pair of their green "Tramper" boots in 1973 and last wore a pair of their boots "Loggers" in 2008 (they are what I'm wearing in my profile picture) I see their "Tramper" boots retail for $250 which is a good price considering they will last at least twice as long as the similarly priced light leather/vibram sole boots such as the Gri Sport mentioned above. I find the stiffer soles & sharper edge to the tread profile better on the hills too. Think I'll buy a pair of the Trampers & start breaking them in. I'm running Shoen steel cap work boots as tramping boots at the moment partly for cost reasons. They have very good soles & last reasonably well but the Trampers from memory will be even better.

The correct link for all those who are interested is: http://bootznz.com/ Back in the late eighties a pair of the green trampers were my first real tramping boots. Once they were broken in they were bombproof. I'm quite keen to buy a pair too for old times sakes, as well as supporting a NZ shoe manufacturer. Glennj, you wear steal cap boots?!! Do you have any toenails left?!

nzbazza I got used to wearing steel cap boots in the early 80's when employers/Labour Department started insisting that they be worn when using sharp tools. e.g. when track cutting, felling out sites for huts, helipads etc. Prior to that I wore Buller gumboots a lot if in bush country. The steel caps can be a bit cold around the toes in winter & are probably a little heavier than similar boots without steel caps but that's a small downside really. Because I'm still doing bits & pieces of voluntuntary track cutting it makes sense to run a pair of steel caps.

I also have narrow feet, and got a pair of women's Asolos about 6 years ago and they are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. Unfortunately they spent about a week sitting out in the sun on a river bank and have dried out and the sole is coming off one foot. Hopefully they will last another season or too with some glue. Suggestions for repairs anyone?

I have a dreadful time buying narrow tramping boots I need a 10 1/2 in a women's boot but womens boots end at 10. My last boots were a 10 in Meindl which were the best fit I ve ever had but I ended up with black toe nails every time I did steep downhill which is almost every trip. I tramp every week mostly in rugged terain and do away trips several times a year. I've currently got Asolo men's which were the narowest I could get but have problems related to excess volume and sideways slip - blisters under foot etc. Does anyone know which mens boots are really narrow (to fit an AA)?