My feet do not agree with one another

[dec0y]

Last year I bought a pair of Lowa Tibets for a September archery hunt. They worked relatively well, however I had a much thicker sock than I needed on that trip and dealt with some extra heat in the boot because of it. And they were heavier than what I am used to (I generally backpack in tennis shoes). But I didn't blister despite a minor heel lift in the left foot.

Fast forward to present day and I am beginning to edit my gear list for the 2017 archery season. Of course, the boots are a major part component.

In the last several weeks I have tried on several boots from different manufacturers with the same general fact pattern--perfect fits in the right foot, and heel slipping in the left while ascending with a medium weight sock (all were stock insoles). My right foot apparently is tolerant of most boots, but the left I cannot seem to get to fit right in ANYTHING. I've tried the other Lowa offerings, Salewas, the Meindl boots that Cabelas carries, and some other brands. This weekend I'll have a chance to try on the Zamberlan offerings and perhaps Crispi. I believe that I have a wide forefoot and midfoot, with a narrow heel.

Does anyone else have this problem? If so, are there any remedies for a left-right disagreement?

I would say overall that I am not prone to blistering in my heel (30 miles in my Tibets didn't result in a blister, even with the heel slip, but it is annoying), although given my relatively recent foray into boots I'm not sure I'm willing to gamble that on a 7-10 day hunt.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Akicita]

You can try different lacing techniques to get the fit and comfort close to being the same. If your heel is slipping on your left foot try a heel lock box lace above the back-set eye and the first ankle eye from the bottom. I often have different lacing on my boots from day to day depending on swelling or inner boot pack out.

 

[fishslap]

I have the same issue due to a fallen arch in my right foot from a severe sprain in high school. The only two things that work are more stretching and flexible boots. Stiffer hiking or mountaineering boots won't work.

 

[njdoxie]

why not try a thicker sock on the foot that's slipping?

 

[Ghost]

Add a thin sole insert to the right boot. I wear walk fits in both boots, in order to get the right one to fit I have an additional insert as well as the font half of another insert. I can put 14 miles on with a heavy pack and ever have a blister. I pretty much have to do this with all my foot wear because of the walk fits.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

If the alternative lacing techniques don't work perhaps you have different sized feet?

Esse quam videri

 

[Blockcaver]

The Meindl Perfekt Hunter boot works great for my feet, which sound about identical to the original poster's. Narrow heel, wider in the front, need a lift on one foot plus orthotics. No blisters or issues with the combo. I like to wear them with a single pair of wool socks. Doubling up socks
make them bunch up in steep terrain in my experience.

 

[dec0y]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I think I found the solution after spending 2 hours at the local REI:

Superfeet orange in size 15(?!?) cut down to size 10.5. Apparently I have VERY long arches. This with a heel lock lace per Akicita seems to do the trick. Hopefully it will hold up over distance!

Glad to not have to invest in new boots just yet. Thanks again.