STEP-BY-STEP BOOT FITTING
SO, THE SHOP BEATS THE INTERNET FOR WHERE TO BUY BOOTS; BUT WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENS IN A BOOT FITTING – AND WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR?
Most reputable outdoor shops provide some level of boot fitting, where you’ll benefit from having your feet measured, seeing the boots yourself and trying them on. The advice you receive will help guide you to making the right purchase, which can make such a difference to your walking comfort.
Whalley Warm & Dry, based in Lancashire, is one company that offers a gold standard, customised boot fitting service, with the aim of revolutionising your walking comfort using the latest techniques and technologies.
Here, we find out just what’s involved in a specialist boot fitting.
MEASURING
1 A typical fitting with specially trained fitters can sometimes take 90 minutes or more (appointments are advised). Ten separate measurements are taken of your feet for length, width and volume, both standing and sitting. To allow the fitter insight into how the foot moves and what can be done to stabilise and support the foot inside the boot, pressure distribution across the foot and arch height are examined.
CONSULTATION
2 What sort of walker you are is crucial, and the fitter will establish your needs with a series of questions. Medical referrals from GPs or physiotherapists can also be catered for by appointment.
SELECT YOUR PERFECT BOOT
3 Whalley Warm & Dry stocks 150 different size fittings, including extra narrow, extra wide and half sizes. Fitters will help you select a boot suitable for your measurements and walking requirements.
INSOLES
4 You can select off-the-shelf insoles, or customised thermo-moulded insoles that are the exact shape of your foot. There are also various options for support, cushioning and shock absorption. Insoles can help address walking aches and pains associated with instability of the feet, including helping to alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
FINAL FIT
5 Once you have your perfect boot and insole, the fitter will check the final fit and advise on lacing techniques to optimise pressure and snugness to suit your preference and needs.
FINE-TUNING
6 Customers can benefit from a free service to gently steam and stretch the boot to fine-tune it for a perfect fit – especially useful if you have bunions, extra-wide feet or a heel spur, etc. This service is done instore and takes around 10 minutes.
FOLLOW-UP
7 Advice is provided on the care of your boots as well as buying a quality pair of socks to complement your new boots. If you do experience any issues or have any questions, Whalley Warm & Dry encourages you to return for a free followup fitting.
HAPPY FEET
8 The result – a comfortable boot, which will maximise your walking pleasure!