[at-l] Howdy

[m_factor@hotmail.com (Mara Factor)]

Welcome to the list.  Glad to see you've left the land of the lurkers.

The boots may be a bit narrow but it sounds to me like they are just plain 
too short.  In general, hiking boots should be about a half size bigger than 
your "regular" shoes.  There is a huge variety in the last (the "model" used 
to determine shape) used to make the boots so you must try them on to 
determine if they fit properly.

To check the length, wear the socks that you will wear when hiking, 
completely loosen the laces, and then put your foot in the boot.  If you 
stand up and push your foot forward so that your toes JUST touch the front 
of the boot (do not jam them), then you should be able to get at least one 
finger down behind your heel to the bottom of the boot.  Much more than a 
finger and the boot will be too long.

Hope this helps,

Mara
Stitches, GAME99

>From: "Robert Smith" <rociiirociii@hotmail.com>
>To: at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>Subject: [at-l] Howdy
>Date: Wed, 07 Mar 2001 18:59:33 -0500
>
>...Just bought my first pair of serious boots and I'm
>thinking I've made a mistake with the purchase...damn things are killing 
>the
>tops of my toes right on the joint. The boots are Vasque Skywalk's and they
>are leather. Maybe I just need to break them in more, I've done about 15
>miles in them I would guess. Anybody out there own these boots or has had
>similar problems with new boots and would like to comment I would be most
>appreciative.  Good luck to all you through hikers this year, sure hope to
>be joining you one day!
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com