miggyramone
Senior Member
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2016
- Messages
- 456
- Reaction score
- 328
I started with the SD in 55 last like most people in SD get. White's put me into 11EE which fit well, but not perfectly.
I then decided I wanted a packer and so ordered in the same 11EE... fine in the midstep and heel, but way too tight in the toes... the boot felt short, but now I know it was because the last was squeezing my wide toes. It was then that it started to dawn on me that one must get the right size, but equally important was the right last...
But I really wanted those packers... so I went to 12.5 EE and my heels were swimming and the boot was too long, toe width OK... still not great.
But did I mention I really wanted those packers? So I tried 11.5FF I think... length was good, toes were good, heel was sliding everywhere... it was then I decided the packer last was not going to work.
Wanting a boot for maximum comfort I asked White's the following: "Ignoring for a moment length and width... based on my tracings and measurements... which last will best fit the SHAPE (not size) of my feet?" The answer was unequivocally, "The 38 Swing".
So I ordered a pair of SD in 38 Swing at 11E (same length as the 55 but Whites told me to go down one width), and where the fit of the 55 was "good" the fit of the 38 Swing was "perfect"... over time I have "dialed" in my fit and came to realize 11.5 EE in 55 was the best the 55 got for me, which is pretty good, but the 11.5 E in 38 Swing is the absolute best and perfect for my feet
My feet have grown as I got older, so I now take an 11.5 and can even can go to a 12E or 12EE in either and it works fine... but the 38 Swing last will always be the best fit for me because the shape of the last best matches the shape of my feet. Is it a coincidence that the 38 is similar to the Munson last which is generally acclaimed as the best combat boot last ever? I don't know, but I do know sizing is a crap-shoot if the last does not work for your feet.
If I had to do it over again I would nail down the last first... then dial in the size. You can ask Whites or Bakers to size your feet in different lasts... they were the ones who told me to size down one width going from 55 to 38... and they were spot on.
Of all the customization options we discuss, last shape vs foot shape often takes a back seat to cosmetic considerations, and it is a shame because last selection can be critical if your foot is non-standard.
Do you have any experience with the Wolverine 1000 mile boot? If so, Would that last be comparable to the 55 or 38 swing last? The 1000 mile has been my best fitting boot all around.
Like I said earlier, I got sized by Baker's and ordered a pair of Semi Dress. This topic had me curious, so I called them and asked them how they size people and they were very transparent and helpful. I am a little more at ease now. Hopefully my boots will come in by the beginning of next month. Fingers crossed.
It's funny how life works sometimes. I am trying to break in a new pair of Truman boots and realized they are not ever going to work for me. The toe rub is far too much.