Giving the Boot!

In a modern day twist to the fairy tale, my Prince Charming was giving me the boot! 

My trek boots
(Pic courtesy, Sanjay Paul)

I chose my trekking boots with utmost carelessness. My sneaker size was UK 4. I went searching the website of the outdoor store nearest him. My only criterion was the boots be high ankle ones, to prevent twisting my feet on uneven ground. 

“Are you sure about the size?” Sanjay asked for the umpteenth time, unconvinced. 

 Perhaps not without reason. Indian shoe manufactures, every last one of them, use their own numbering system. Only a number, no length, no width, no unit of measure. So my Bata sandals don’t display the same number as my Kolhapuri Centre sandals, yet both fitting comfortably! 

I checked my size when I bought my Reebok sneakers. International brands like Nike, Adidas,

Salomon Women's Viaggio GTX Walking Boots

(Pic courtesy, Sanjay Paul)

Reebok or Puma maintain standardized sizes which wouldn’t – or shouldn’t – be inaccurate. If you need a new pair of fitness trainers, now would be a good time to purchase one (you would need to exercise before the trek in any case.) 

Supposing you don’t need a fresh pair, with some ‘acting skills’ you can still walk into a sports footwear store and trial for one. Note the size which fits you comfortably and with a smile or solemn look at your watch, promise to come back. (It works. I’ve tried it.) 

If you are stuck without any other option, this two phase process would get you there: 

1. Measure your foot size. 

    Step by step guide how to at - http://shoes.about.com/od/fitcomfort/ss/measurefeet.htm

2. Compare your foot measurement on a shoe size chart. 

    A handy converter is available at - http://www.convertworld.com/en/shoe-size

    You can also google ‘shoe size chart’ and download your own reckoner. 

Shoe size chart
(Courtesy, ebay)

Information label stitched on shoe
(Courtesy, quora.com)

Depending on which country you are purchasing your footwear from - this applies for all styles of footwear including sports wear and all international brands - you will find your foot measure matches a corresponding size number.

Where to find the shoe's size?

It is written in an information label and stitched on the shoe, usually in the underside of the tongue. (Ref, photo on the left.) The label would give the size in more than one country denominations along with its measurement in centimeter. In case purchasing from a store, take the help of a store assistant.

Other information such as product bar code, the country where it is manufactured and date of manufacture, sometimes washing instructions are often included.

Essential details like the comparative sizes and bar code are also labelled on the outside of the shoe box. (Ref, photo below.)

Label on shoe box
(Courtesy, barefootrunningshoes.org)

If ordered online check for the right specification first thing upon unpacking.

So, armed with dimension, rudimentary style requirements and the names of some reputed international trek shoe manufacturers, I began my chase.
 

Luck struck in one shot. A sturdy North Face Verbera was on sale. Thank you, Santa!

 

“Honey, it’s no longer available,” comes the call two weekends later. The model wasn’t in the shop and looked like, had disappeared from the website, too. 

Ultimately, I came in to possession of a Salomon Viaggio. 

Pictures arrive attached on email. I will have about a fortnight to break them in before the trek, I count. No fittings, no trials, no opportunity for exchange should the size not fit. This venture was a gamble from the start.