OK, all this discussion about boots coupled with a recent trip to Colorado telling me I need a good pair of boots got me doing some research. Who here has a custom pair of lathrop and sons boots and how do they stack up against any other higher end boot?

I am considering a pair of lowa tech light boots, and wondering if the custom fit option is crazy expensive versus just getting their digital fit synergy footbeds, versus just picking up a pair of cabelas meindl's or even salomon (as greg chose in his post )

anybody got any insight on the custom fit boots?

I had a pair of the custom fit Zamberlans from lathrop and sons. I have a very wide foot with almost no arch.
3D mapping narrowed down a lot of choices for me. Excellent boot but heavy. Put five seasons into them and held up really really well.

Unfortantley my foot grew a half a size and I got to buy all new shoes and boots.


If you are considering the tech lights they aren't for everyone, narrow foot bed. They also have an alpine type chassis system, meaning they are a stiff boot. I prefer stiff but that's me. Greg's salomons are mildly stiff compared to the Zamberlans Voiz or lowa tech light or Tibet.



Lathrop won't do you wrong. As far as the custom fit is it worth it? It's a great service and it works. Do you need it No.

As far as a stiff boots, do you need stiff? Lots variables envolved, but you can get away with a good hikers like salomons or even Lowa camion.

Dallas REI(northwest hwy/75) has both the lowa camino and saloman 4d in stock. Both are good moderate stiff boots

Oh for got to add, I like L&S insoles-synergy. I also like montrails insoles. Think any aftermarket insole is an upgrade over factory.

I wouldn't pay $25 for L&S to cut and put them in though

OK, so the digital fit thing for the insoles is just them cutting them for you? that is a waste of money!

I contacted them, got a quote for custom boots...thinking on this one. Lot of change. Sure its worth it, but don't know if the honey is gonna let me part with it right now. She does know I need some new boots though. Gonna try some other boots on first before I go that route.

L&S ain't cheap that's for sure.

Also you can usually find the best deals right now as the new models are hitting ground.

REI, backcountry, zappos have great return policies


Custom fitting they stretch boot etc. but custom insoles is cutting the synergy's to fit

i am debating if its worth it to do the custom lothrop....i like good boots

It's a long term investment. That you recoup quickly if you hunt out west every year.

With that said I'm not as high on it any more after I grew or fell a half size in one year some how. It's an ROI thing for me.