Custom Walking Boots that are made-to-measure

Q. My husband has a small disability. Following an accident he now has one leg 1 1/2 inches shorter than the other.

We are in the process of having 'lifts' put into the soles of his shoes, boots, trainers etc. We are unsure if an inch or inch and half lift will make the walking boots inoperative, and he really would like to get back to day walks.

He would like to do small walks such as Fairfield Horseshoe, no rock climbing, and ordinary day walks around Forestry Commission areas, and so on; requiring his walking boots for ankle support.

Has anyone had experience of this or similar? Have you found it useful or not to 'lift' one boot? Which boots were best or any alternatives that you found better, more easy, and your opinion in general.

Any ideas on this subject very welcome as there seems to be very little info that I can find on the web.

Thanks in advance.

Annie Viggers, Crewe

A. I have Altbergs , they are a very poor fit .I measured a 14 in the shop tried the boots on and thought they were ok .Within a couple of walks regretted buying them as they got very tight as if they had shrunk .The waterproof membrane failed after less than a year so all in all not much cop for over 200 quid

Edric Hobbs, Shepton Mallet

A. I have one foot 1" shorter than the other. I have my shoes built up at the hospital on prescription. It works very well for ordinary shoes but I loose flexibility on walking boots. I nevertheless feel this is better than using lifts within the boots as it means I'm less stable. My problem is getting walking boots to fit my short but very wide feet.

Jean Abbott

A. I would definately agree with Ed. re. Altberg. Excellent service from experienced staff who know about boots and will not be happy until you are happy. I went there a few years ago and discovered for the first time that I'd got one foot bigger that the other, no problems for Altberg. Great boots and very good value.

Petter Wainwright, Leeds

A. Altberg in Richmond, North Yorkshire make custom walking boots and made-to-measure walking boots for people who cannot get a good fit from 'off-the-shelf' walking boots.

See our review of some Altberg Mallerstang Walking Boots.

Also see Buying New Walking Boots

By the way, the Fairfield Horseshoe is a 17.5km (11miles), 1107m (3633ft) of ascent, 7.75hrs grade 7 high mountain walk and very very different from day walks around Forestry Commission areas.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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