Find your sole mate

Before you even start looking at boots, check out the 7 steps to matching you to your perfect boot with the fitting experts at Whalley Warm & Dry.

The infinite diversity of human feet means it’s a very rare and lucky walker who finds a pair of boots straight off the shelf that fits them perfectly. The surest way to avoid rubs, rolls, pinches and plantar is to get fitted. Not just the standard size measurement, but a detailed fitting that can match you to the boot that was built for your feet. There are a select few places round the country which offer specialised fitting – but few do it with as much passion and skill (and in such fine surroundings) as Whalley Warm & Dry in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley.

1. THE CONSULTATION

A pre-booked fitting session at Whalley is infinitely more relaxing and reassuring than the average rushed visit to an outdoor store. It begins with a chat with a specially trained fitter, covering what type of footwear you’d like, the activities you need it for, and any pre-existing podiatric issues.

2. THE MEASURING

The fitters then take 10 detailed measurements of your feet to provide the fullest picture of their length, width and volume.

3. THE SCAN

An electronic scan of your soles analyses the pressure distribution across your feet, as well as measuring vital details like the height of your arches and the splay of the toes. This gives the fitters a detailed insight into how your feet move and what your footwear will need to do to stabilise and support them.

4. THE MATCH

The fitters use this data to help you select footwear that is the right size, width, volume and shape for your feet. Their range includes scores of brands and styles (including many that are featured in this guide, and exclusive boots not found anywhere else in the UK), in over 170 fittings.

5. THE ADJUSTMENT

Once you’ve chosen the footwear that fits best, the team can personalise the fit to match the unique features of your feet in a way that no boot could do straight from the box. The boot is gently steamed and stretched in the correct places to fine-tune the fit. (This is especially helpful for walkers who suffer from bunions or squashed toes.)

6. THE FOOTBED

For the perfect underfoot support, the team can offer a wide range of off-theshelf insole options. Alternatively, for those with more problematic or painful feet an assessment can be booked with on-site partner The Foot & Insole

Specialist to create bespoke hand-built custom insoles to help improve your stance and gait and alleviate pain.

7. THE ADVENTURE

And you’re good to go. The Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District are not far away, and (after trying the boots on inside) are all perfect places to put your personalised boots to the test.