Please Help!!!! I am going to the Tetons at end of May and have been trying to find a pair of step-in crampon compatible boot for my non-traditional woman's foot that is wide (7.5 US) Every retailer, dealer, etc... that I have called so far has agreed, yes you have a big challenge but have not offered any help. Men's boots seem to be great in toe box but too much room in heel box. Any suggestions?????

-- Maria Tupper (mgtupper@yahoo.com), April 25, 2003

Answers

Some useful info can be found at the link below. If you have the money and the time you may want to visit a podiatrist. A good custom insole can make a world of difference in making all of your boots/shoes fit better.

http://www.alaskamountaineering.com/Boots/Boot%20Modification%204.htm

-- Matt B (mattspokane@hotmail.com), April 29, 2003.

I too have a narrow heel and wide forefoot and had a hard time fitting this configuration. I owned several pairs of boots that were too narrow in the toes and left me with heel lift when front pointing ice. I finally settled on the Scarpa Cumbre and have been very happy with them. The soft upper really wraps my ankle to keep my heel down and the tow box feels good.

They might be a little warm for the Tetons though...maybe not in May. I am taking mine to Whitney in May, Rainier in June, and the Alps in August. I like them so much I think I will also buy a pair of the new Freney XT's that are built on the same last, but out of Schoeller synthetic material.

-- Matt Bowler (matt@mattbowler.com), May 04, 2003.