How to check boot size and fit for mountaineering shoe

A larger boot size causes blisters, a tight fitting shoe causes discomfort!

Lets gain clarity about what works and what doesn’t:

Foremost consideration is about your mountain boot/sock/insole combination choice. This is usually quite different than your normal “town” footwear and boot size.

Are you going to use crampons? A lot of boots tighten up when you strap crampons on them. So a half a size larger is definitely worth considering.

My usual sock setup is poly liner sock, either Thorlo Mountaineering or Lorpen T3 socks then optional Rab vapor barrier sock. Fully converted to vapor barriers years ago after reading Extreme Alpinism and testing out the concept with socks and jackets. Works wonders, although you do have to deal with wetness, which I found ways to manage. Started at 5 and now thinking 6.5 is best fit.

Are you going at altitude? If you plan to go mountaineering at altitude or spend long days walking, your feet are going to swell and they need space to adjust inside.

Will you be going ice- climbing?

Ice climbing is technical sport. You need to be focused on eliminating heel lift. It’s always been a balance between snug for good foot technique and having enough room to avoid pinch points and enable good circulation.

Considerations for insoles:

Insoles are proper moulded footbeds, so often overlooked. They do improve circulation and fit massively. Also reducing fore aft slippage – for me helps reduce toe-bang.

These are just some pointers to help get you thinking. That’s a lot of maybes but it’s all subjective by definition.

Shout out to Mishmi Takin Boots for being reliable partner in snow and all my hikes in Himalayas and Appalachian Mountains for past 3 years!

Let me know how you choose your boot size in comments below!