In 1990's a new pair of Scarpa Fitzroy leather winter boots gave me blisters after about 10 k. They have become good gardening boots. At that time I changed to plastic Koflach boots. Now thinking of spoiling myself with pair of Scarpa Charmoz whuich I hope will be OK with my Charlet Moser crampons. Is the Scarpa last the same? Would they give me blisters in same places which were spots outside achilles above heel pad.
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 The Charmoz use a different last to Fitzroy's, it's a slimmer fit as Charmoz are not designed for the same things as the Fitz's, (B2 compared to B3), the only thing I can suggest is you try them on to see if they fit your feet. Don't know about Moser's, if buying from a shop take them with you and see if they fit.
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Good tip. Will do tomorrow.
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 Yep, definitely take the crampons along and don't limit yourself to Scarpa. Yes they make very good boots, but so do plenty of other brands and what you're looking for is the last that suits your foot - try a load of different brands and ideally, shop in the afternoon because your feet will swell during the day by as much as half a size.
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As Jon says, plus when you get home wear them as much as you can, (inside), as most shops will exchange them if they don't fit properly, if you have tried for around a week or so. As long as you haven't worn outside or damaged sole, uppers in some way.
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 I wear liner socks and don't seem to get blisters. Cheaper alternative than a new pair of boots.
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Thanks Jon. What I didnt include was that I've been wearing Meindl Pro, Burma and Borneo for 15 years without any problem at all 'from the box' - now on about 8th pair. Unfortunately they don't seem to do a B2 boot. I've been using Koflach viva soft for winter/alpine use but would like something lighter for my old legs. Hence attraction of Scarpa Charmoz which are incredibly light. I've just bee trying on Charmoz and Manta in Cotswold Watford. Do seem more snug than Fitzroy but detect some heel movement when stepping up. Crampons seem Ok but I see the Grivel units recommended for Scarp are also increwdibly light. And thanks Lindsay. I used to use liner socks until I joined Meindl camp. Maybe go back to them. Any other ideas welcome
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 Alan, have a look on the Meindl website, particularly at their 'Alpine' range and their 'Air Revolution' range (the latter being lightweight boots in different stiffnesses). Kayland Apex Trek and Apex Rock are lightweight boots, though perhaps B1.5-2 rather than full B2. Can be hard to find them though! Lakes Runner & Climber have been selling the Rocks, Rock and Run the Treks on a special offer.
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The Kaylands look v interesting - new brand to me - need to get a feel of their 'stiffness' scale. I'll pop into London if Kathmandu have some stock (it seems to be next to Paramo) or I may be passing near Helmsley next week. . The Meindl Aior Revolution lites dont seem stiff enough but I'll try to find some. Their B scale still is too soft for crampon?Thanks Kate
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Alan, if heel lift is causing probs, you could try tying laces differently. When you do them up, miss out the second highest hooks, go straight to the top ones. Cross over above the top ones and bring the laces back down to the second top ones, so you end up tying them under the second top hooks. This puts presure onto the front of the ankle thus holding the heel in the back of the boot better. It may still not solve it, and definately try other models also, but worth trying this also
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Thanks Monkey Girl. Reminds me of lacing leather ski boots back in dark ages. I've found Kayland Apex at Itchy Feet in Wardour Street - never thought I'd go to Soho for mountain gear! I'll go to try soon.
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