Zamberlan 981 boots or

[Schw15]

So with the huge sale on the zamberlan 981 I grabbed a pair 11.5 from go hunt. I just got them and put them on and I was shocked they were a touch narrow and in the toe box they get very low. My feet were crammed so have to return them. They said they fit true to size. But anyone else have this issue and what boot brand or boot did you go to?
I have a pair of Hangwag I love them but they are also narrow and hurt my feet after awhile. I have terrible luck with boots and my feet. I get custom insoles for my high arches

 

[dfanonymous]

"true to size" is not really a thing with boots.
Most boots try to say that "true to size" is like whatever your tennis/running shoes are. It's a start, but often times different models of the same brand will be on a different last. These last tend to be all over the place in shapes and sizes, in the toe box, in the general width, and in the heel cup.


That said, I don't 100% agree with boots not fitting peoples feet. While it can be the case, often times, because of how it's lasted, it's just a matter of finding the size that you fit on said last.

Theres also something to be said about understanding who's making your boots. Zamberlan is an Italian company. They use Italian last sometimes. European last tend to me smaller than American. That's not the case with all Crispi's, because Crispi hunting boots are spec'd out of the USA, but made in Italy on an American last. Theres still a difference in the models. The Lapponias don't fit like the Nevadas for some people.

 

[Schw15]

I'm thinking on trying the crispi nevadas next they seem to have a bigger toe box

 

[outdoorguyBP]

Oh the Boot wars…..always a challenge. The 'true to size' is BS but gets you close. So many variables, lasts, shanks, materials. I like to think of 2 really attractive Italian women building my boots, 1 side La Sportiva and Scarpa on the other side of the bench…both great boots, great looking builders , but for my foot it is Scarpa any day of the week. I tried some Chrispi's and have to agree with others, not all models fit the same. Asolo, same. Lowa, again not all the same. Zamberlan, I have 3 different models and love 2 of them, 1 pair meh. Trial and error unfortunately, and even more so when trying to buy online, but when you find the one, revel in them and buy in multiples if you can!

 

[Schw15]

I'm trying some crispi briksdal mtn gtx boots right now. Ended up going wide