tweener size for Black Diamond Method or Factor... up or down?

[chaka]

I've done a lot of searching for the answer to this Q but haven't had success. I wear a 10 or a 10.5 US street shoe depending on make. I have wide forefeet and narrow heels, always have had issues in the past with the 6th toe for ski boots, cycling shoes, hiking boots... which often forced me into a half size bigger to try to accomodate. From what I have read, both the Methods and Factor are built with a wide toe box, and run pretty true to size. According to their sizing chart, I am right between a 27 and 27.5. I believe the lasts are the same for 26.5/27 and 27.5/28.

My Q: Since I should not have to compromise and size up for this boot, as it is designed with a wide toe box, should I go with the 27 built on the smaller last, or the 27.5?

I don't like an uber snug 'pro' fit in a boot, but also do not want to swim in it when it packs out a bit. It will see equal use between resort and backcountry. My other boots are Nordica Supercharger Iginitions (27.5) and Scarpa Laser frankenboots with raichle tongues (completely the wrong shell size). If the method lives up to its rep, it will replace both.

Anyone have the method or factors and were in the same tweener size situation as me, please share your experience.

thanks

[alive]

Wrong info. 27 and 27.5 are the same shell, different liners. Go with 27 and have someone do a good heat fit...

[otto parts]

I have a similar foot shape, 9.5 street shoe. 26.5 is a bit too snug for me in the BD Quadrant-they are wide but liners short for the size (confirmed in a conversation with them as well). Had to go to a 27.

Definitely try them on or have return privileges, but I'm guessing you might end up in a 27.5 or even 28.

[Meathelmet]

If width is your main concern,go Quadrant. It is a 103 last vs factor 102 and toebox is supposedly a bit roomier.
And get the intuitions.

I got the 24.5s (25 foot) Quadrants and could not cram my foot in the boot with the stock liner. Crushed everywhere and had a bad fit in general,even after 2 heatings. Used my old intuition liners with super thin footbed,voila : Best fitting boot I have ever had. Can drive 125mm skis on ice just fine and seems to tour well.

[chaka]

thanks for the replies so far. Glad you cleared up my incorrect shell info, Alive.

Isn't the Quadrant dedicated to AT? No interchangable soles? thanks

[greasyslope]

You shouldn't be in between shell sizes as pointed out already, but I have a similar foot shape to you, and I did not find the factor to be very comfortable. I had my sixth toes blown out, and they still caused me quite a bit of pain (stock liners only) -the plastic is not very friendly to being manipulated.

I know it's advertised as being fairly wide, but it didn't feel that great to me. Also, not a big fan of the boot in general. I know some people love them (my GF has 'em and is mostly very happy), but it seems there are better options out there for you, and hopefully more on the way next year. Potentially, Technica's, Solly's (I know many here are boycotting them for the time being), Scarpa's, etc. Shell fit them if you can.

[farmer]

GO TO A DAMN BOOTFITTER!

oh, and I have the factor, sz 28 w/ powerwraps, size 11.5 street shoe, and a decent size 6th toe. The 6th toe hurt like hell in the stock liners, but the shell fit was good, and I figured I'd get them punched if all else failed. Put the intuitions in them, and I've had no problems after the first couple day break in period. Toured in them for about 7 hrs yesterday and my feet were happy.

Thats said, they might not fit your feet. A bootfitter will be able to tell you this.

[slobmonster]

Pulling out the stock footbed, and replacing with a Superfeet footbed, will make up for (some) lack of toe room.

Seems that the BD footbed, although great for people with nice short toes, slides one's heel a bit forward. The Superfeet insole parks your foot a bit farther back.

Not to be redundant, but competent boot fitter should be able to make these (or whatever boots you choose) work for you... if the shell fit is right.