Defect in my Bormios/Sizing report

[UberC5]

 

Just found a very small hole in one of the toe pockets, right where the leather meets the rubber on the outside of the 4th toe on the left boot.  Almost looks like the leather was juuust a bit short as the toe cap part of the sole was glued in place.  I found the hole on the 4th day of ownership, maybe 9-10 hours of wear.  This is why I buy from REI   I'll order another pair, and then box these up for the return trip to WA.

I think I'll also take this opportunity to size up from an M41 to M42.  The M41 Bormios actually fit a bit snugger then my M41 KSO Treks, but they were stretching a bit as I wore them around the house and out to dinner a couple of times.  Since I intend to waterproof these and wear them with Injinji's over the winter, a little big isn't going to hurt if the M42's end up being loose.  I think I would have had trouble getting Injinji's into the M41's, even after getting them fully stretched out and fitting nicely. 

[BearFooted]

Just found a very small hole in one of the toe pockets, right where the leather meets the rubber on the outside of the 4th toe on the left boot.  Almost looks like the leather was juuust a bit short as the toe cap part of the sole was glued in place.  I found the hole on the 4th day of ownership, maybe 9-10 hours of wear.  This is why I buy from REI  I'll order another pair, and then box these up for the return trip to WA.

I think I'll also take this opportunity to size up from an M41 to M42.  The M41 Bormios actually fit a bit snugger then my M41 KSO Treks, but they were stretching a bit as I wore them around the house and out to dinner a couple of times.  Since I intend to waterproof these and wear them with Injinji's over the winter, a little big isn't going to hurt if the M42's end up being loose.  I think I would have had trouble getting Injinji's into the M41's, even after getting them fully stretched out and fitting nicely.  

Do not size up unless you want a loose fit.  The leather stretches significantly once you wear them around.  If you plan on waterproofing it it will cause the leather to really loosen up.  I wear a size 42 or a 43 in most pairs.  My size 43 Bormio is so stretched now I can pull my big toe out of the pocket while still in the shoe.  My size 42 have loosened up to fit like the size 43 did when I first got them before they stretched.    

[UberC5]

Just found a very small hole in one of the toe pockets, right where the leather meets the rubber on the outside of the 4th toe on the left boot.  Almost looks like the leather was juuust a bit short as the toe cap part of the sole was glued in place.  I found the hole on the 4th day of ownership, maybe 9-10 hours of wear.  This is why I buy from REI  I'll order another pair, and then box these up for the return trip to WA.

I think I'll also take this opportunity to size up from an M41 to M42.  The M41 Bormios actually fit a bit snugger then my M41 KSO Treks, but they were stretching a bit as I wore them around the house and out to dinner a couple of times.  Since I intend to waterproof these and wear them with Injinji's over the winter, a little big isn't going to hurt if the M42's end up being loose.  I think I would have had trouble getting Injinji's into the M41's, even after getting them fully stretched out and fitting nicely.  

Do not size up unless you want a loose fit.  The leather stretches significantly once you wear them around.  If you plan on waterproofing it it will cause the leather to really loosen up.  I wear a size 42 or a 43 in most pairs.  My size 43 Bormio is so stretched now I can pull my big toe out of the pocket while still in the shoe.  My size 42 have loosened up to fit like the size 43 did when I first got them before they stretched.    

I know my 41 KSO Treks have loosened up nicely, but the 41 Bormios almost felt too short.  I swear they were arching my foot and curling my toes, just a tiny bit.  My feet seem to be at that perfect size that manufacturing variances can cause up/down sizing.  For example, I wear a medium and a large in Injinjis.  Doesn't matter, they both fit the same.  As I want these for comfy, everyday winter wear, being a touch loose won't be an issue.  Thanks for your input though, there are way too few of us with experience in these boots.  Any additions to the knowledge base is welcome!

[BearFooted]

If your foot is touching the end and curling then that would be a size issue and sizing up would not adversely affect your comfort then.  Check out http://birthdayshoes.com/waterproofing-the-bormio-fivefingers it is my writeup about waterproofing. 

[UberC5]

If your foot is touching the end and curling then that would be a size issue and sizing up would not adversely affect your comfort then.  Check out http://birthdayshoes.com/waterproofing-the-bormio-fivefingers it is my writeup about waterproofing. 

That write up is the reason I got the Bormios!  It snows pretty good here in Ohio, but I really wanted to be minimalist as much as possible.  I injured my feet in the military, and I have found freedom and comfort for the first time in 20 years with the VFF's.  If I could just find a safety toed VFF to wear at work.....

Thanks Bearfooted!!

[DrBig74]

Just found a very small hole in one of the toe pockets, right where the leather meets the rubber on the outside of the 4th toe on the left boot.  Almost looks like the leather was juuust a bit short as the toe cap part of the sole was glued in place.  I found the hole on the 4th day of ownership, maybe 9-10 hours of wear.  This is why I buy from REI   I'll order another pair, and then box these up for the return trip to WA.

I think I'll also take this opportunity to size up from an M41 to M42.  The M41 Bormios actually fit a bit snugger then my M41 KSO Treks, but they were stretching a bit as I wore them around the house and out to dinner a couple of times.  Since I intend to waterproof these and wear them with Injinji's over the winter, a little big isn't going to hurt if the M42's end up being loose.  I think I would have had trouble getting Injinji's into the M41's, even after getting them fully stretched out and fitting nicely. 

My bormios have not stretched after a good long wear-in period.  They also seem less articulating, IMO, due to the zippered design and lots of great leather.  I really like the design, so I am not knocking it at all.  Sizing up seems logical after they have not stretched.
Be well!

DrBig74

[UberC5]

My bormios have not stretched after a good long wear-in period.  They also seem less articulating, IMO, due to the zippered design and lots of great leather.  I really like the design, so I am not knocking it at all.  Sizing up seems logical after they have not stretched.
Be well!

DrBig74

I agree on the articulation.  The leather across the top of the boot (where a strap would cross on other VFF's) seemed to be the limiting factor.  Even if I got the leather to accomodate the breadth of my foot, I seriously doubted that it would ever accomodate the length.  As it is, the Bormio is more of a form type design vs. the function of my KSO Treks or regular KSOs.  Comfy, but I won't be working out in this boot.  It has allowed me to ditch the orthotics I was wearing in my most comfortable Ecco shoe, so I am not complaining either.  Just working towards the day when I will be barefoot, in VFF's, or in my work boots; and nothing else.

[BearFooted]

Just found a very small hole in one of the toe pockets, right where the leather meets the rubber on the outside of the 4th toe on the left boot.  Almost looks like the leather was juuust a bit short as the toe cap part of the sole was glued in place.  I found the hole on the 4th day of ownership, maybe 9-10 hours of wear.  This is why I buy from REI  I'll order another pair, and then box these up for the return trip to WA.

I think I'll also take this opportunity to size up from an M41 to M42.  The M41 Bormios actually fit a bit snugger then my M41 KSO Treks, but they were stretching a bit as I wore them around the house and out to dinner a couple of times.  Since I intend to waterproof these and wear them with Injinji's over the winter, a little big isn't going to hurt if the M42's end up being loose.  I think I would have had trouble getting Injinji's into the M41's, even after getting them fully stretched out and fitting nicely.  

My bormios have not stretched after a good long wear-in period.  They also seem less articulating, IMO, due to the zippered design and lots of great leather.  I really like the design, so I am not knocking it at all.  Sizing up seems logical after they have not stretched.
Be well!

DrBig74

Have you applied a leather cleaner or treated the leather with something like saddle soap?  I have found that the Bormio that I have not treated with any leather are stretching/breaking-in ta a slower rate then the ones I have waterproofed or treated with saddle soap.  If you do want your pair to get more supple I would suggest trying some Saddle Soap.  I like my bormio so much I have three pair.  One black in a size 42 and one tan in a size 43.  I also got a replacement tan in a size 43 because they are my work boot.  Want to make sure I have a replacement once the first wears out.  I have had my original pair of waterproofed Bormio in the tan size 43 since mid August.  I wear them often and the more I do the more soft it seems to be getting. 

[UberC5]

I have some Liquid Aquaseal that I will use when I've got the 42's worn in a bit.  No saddle soap, but I might get some for the KSO Treks.  I'll probably get some Trek LS come Spring also.

[MCvet]

I have about 200+ hours in mine on a construction site. Sheetrock dust, mud, PVC glue etc. I have had to use hot water and a stiff scrub brush twice to clean them. I have reapplied aqua seal twice to waterproof and it also darkens them again.  They stretch, at least mine have.

Nice for hunting too.


Maybe I need a write up.

[BearFooted]

I have about 200+ hours in mine on a construction site. Sheetrock dust, mud, PVC glue etc. I have had to use hot water and a stiff scrub brush twice to clean them. I have reapplied aqua seal twice to waterproof and it also darkens them again.  They stretch, at least mine have.

Nice for hunting too.


Maybe I need a write up.

how does the leather stand up to the stiff brush.  have you noticed any scaring or anything from it?