I'm going to be spending some time up in the lakes next week and am looking to replace my existing boots.

They are wicked comfortable climbing uphill but much less so going down. Problem is I have feet of slightly differing sizes and they seem to be relatively narrow and I'm having trouble finding my ideal boots.

Where would people recommend in the Lakes for the best possible boot fitting? I don't mind paying extra for the service since I reckon if I can get it sorted it'll stop me having to buy boots so frequently!

Cheers,
Stephen.

I'm not sure there's a definitive 'best', but George Fisher are very good in Keswick. I've always been very fond of The Climbers' Shop in Ambleside too. If it was me I'd probably go for George Fisher & Co.

Good luck :) Have a great time in the Lakes.

I'd certainly recommend George Fisher in Keswick. They have a huge range of boots and very knowledgeable and patient staff. They'll also take back boots that have been worn, but will of course charge a surcharge.

George Fishers

I recently bought my new winter boots at George Fisher in Keswick; excellent service, and *really* patient staff who are willing to make the effort to find the right boot. Make sure you've got plenty of time for the fitting. And take your old boots with you.

The pair I ended up with were on sale. That's the first time I've ever had a sales man recommending something was well under the amount I'd planned to spend ;)

Also try needlesports in keswick. It's only tiny but I've usually had good service in there.

I also second Judith's suggestion. Needle Sports is a great little shop with really nice people and they do actually stock a few brands that George Fisher doesn't i.e. Lowa.

George Fishers, or Rock and Run in Ambleside.

Isn't there a full on boot specialist in Ambleside - the only one in the Lakes. Boots and nothing else. Can't think of the name at the mo.?

George Fisher's is excellent. Last time I was in Cotswold's (Keswick) I noticed they do the bespoke Superfeet. Don't know if their ability to do that reflect's on their bootfitting expertise.

I've bought my last two pairs of boots from Cotswold in Keswick. From personal experience, I know that a couple of the guys in there are very knowledgeable about boots. One of them spent well over an hour with me whilst I tried on different boots. He also explained and showed me all the different lacing techniques.

A couple of months ago I went in to buy some Superfeet for my running shoes and once again the service I got was excellent. I also get a discount in there, unlike Fishers who don't give any at all.

My last pair came from Gaynors in Ambleside. Took over an hour working through different combinations of volume adjustors, lacing patterns and the like. Very pleased with the help I got - I hadn't realised lacing patterns could make such a difference.

Thanks guys. Sounds like the concensus is George Fishers.

But don't rule out Cotswold's in Keswick. The discount may well be worth having, all else being equal. Cotswold give a discount for all sorts of memberships, such as Rambler's YHA, any recognised mountain/walking association. I reckon if you ask nicely they will discount.

Gaynors in Ambleside is good for boot fitting, knowledgeable staff, very patient and take time to find you a good fitting boot for your intended use. Always get our boots there, competitively priced too.