Boots for Small Feet

Many here once they get their pack weight down wear trail runners and never look back to boots. I have not worn my boots in years. Your feet will tell you what they are happy with.

I don't even own any boots (apart from ski boots), and haven't owned any for maybe 20 years. That would be the norm for many here. (The boot makers and retailers hate us.)

If you have really wide feet, have a look at the New Balance range – like the MT810s for instance. BPL review very soon.

Cheers

My shoe size is about the same as yours, but that has nothing to do with whether to wear a boot or not. Traditionally, people have worn boots to support carrying a large pack or to prevent rolling an ankle. However, like others have said, once you get your pack weight down, there's no reason for anybody of any size or shoe size to wear a heavey boot.

Besides the excessive weight on your foot, despite the popular misconception that boots are great once they are "broken in," in reality, I think your foot breaks down to conform to the boot and not the other way aroound. This can also exacerbate or cause injuries to your feet, legs and back,

If you're using a boot because you need ankle support, you might try some ankle-strengthening exercises instead.

But all that aside, if you're still dead set on continuing to wear a boot, I would opt for one that is as lightweight as possible. You might even try an ankle high hiking shoe as an option.

I don't think it really has anything to do with the size of your feet… it all comes down to personal preference. Personally I hike & backpack in boots because they are comfortable. I'm well aware that they are not as lightweight as trail runners or low cut hiking shoes, but I never feel as comfortable in anything else. IMO, the bottom line is backpack in whatever feels best on your feet, be it flip flops or mountaineering boots.

I use to sell athletic shoes and fit quite a few different feet. For your foot you want to get a open throat lacing system so you can adjust the boot or shoe to your wide fore foot and narrow heel.

Also if prefer boots New Balance has a light weight hiking boot and New Balance has always made different widths and smaller and larger sized athletic shoes.

Here's a tip on trying out shoes or boots wait to try them on in the afternoon when your feet have swelled up a little and wear each pair for at least 20 minutes in the store walking around. If they have fake rock slope to walk on try going up and down it a few times to see if your heel or foot move around or not to help prevent blister when hiking.

Poor fitting shoes can really ruin a hiking or backpacking trip.
Terry