Gear

If they don't fit send them back, trying to "make them fit " won't work in my experience

Kevin

If they are too large send them back.  You're not the first one who thinks that walking boots should be a larger size than everyday footwear but where this idea comes from I don't know; in reality peoples feet remain the size whatever they are doing.

One thing I am intrigued about is how you managed to find a pair of boots 3/4 of a size up; half sizes are rare nowadays! 

 Kevin,

 The idea of buying 'larger size boots' for outdoor use is for the extra room, especially at the toe box, (to stop toes 'bashing' against it) and to allow for feet to swell during day. You don't need to allow for this in "everyday" footwear, it's very unlikely you'll be going up or down steep slopes in fashion shoes.

 You'll probably be wearing thicker socks than normal, so will take up some space. You would also be surprised, that after just a few hours walking, if you take your boots off, how tight a squeeze it can be to get them back on. Happens more in hot weather as feet swell more, I've found myself 'paddling' in a stream to get feet cool enough to fit back into boots.

 Though as said before and by others, don't try to make them fit, if necessary send them back, more than once if requried, until you get a pair that does fit and your happy with.

 Boots are expensive and depending on how much you use them, you want to get as much use out of them as possible. The 'wrong pair' will not only hurt, but could put you going out, therefore be a waste of money.

 Paul.

I used to be an 8 until 10 years ago.  Now one foots 8.5 the other is 9 - bit bizarre as my arches seem ok.  I discovered that after some comfy old boots started to mash my toes & Altberg measured my feet.  I got size 9 boots from them. I also wear size 9 shoes now.  When I was a size 8 & wore Scarpa Manta's they were also size 8's.

I just bought some new fabric Mendl boots & bought a 9.5. That was at a shop, trying different sizes.  So a whole size to big for one foot.  They've been used 2 weekends & have been really comfortable throughout.   Other boots I tried at the time were ok for length at size 9 so it can obviously vary by manufacturer.    These are the first boots I've bought 'over-size' which make me thinks most makers are allowing for thicker socks in their sizing.

Hope it works out for you but unless you already know the boot & size you need buying by mail order can be a lottery  - not just for size but also for width & internal height.   There's so much variation it's bad enough buying them in a shop if you feet are outside the norm.  One of my least favourite outdoor retail experiences!