* Wear the sock combination you will eventually use. For this, Limmer suggests a range of options from a single, moderately heavy sock to a combination of one light or medium and one heavy sock.

* Before lacing, slide your foot forward until your toes are just barely making contact with the end of the boot. A properly fitted boot should be one large index finger (approximately 1 cm) longer than the longest foot.

* Next, be sure you have no wrinkles in your socks and that your heel is nestled in the heel pocket. Lace the boot for a feeling of snugness without a feeling of lace pressure. Fold bellows of tongue so it is centered evenly on instep.

* The heel should not move laterally in the heel pocket. If it does, the heel is too wide. Try a narrower width or a smaller size and compare.

* If the lacing fixtures meet, we suggest a slightly heavier sock or a footbed.

* If you try the boots on in a shop, allow 15 - 20 minutes to walk around.

* Wear your boots indoors for an hour or two at a time for about 2 weeks until you are sure of the fit.

* Begin to use your boots outside for work or a daily walk. Remove at the first sign of discomfort. Once you have established the flex areas, you can begin to attempt light hikes, but be sure to bring along an older pair to avoid problems. Limmer does not accept the notion that discomfort and blistering must be part of the break in and later use of any of its boots.

* If discomfort is pronounced and does not dissipate, return to the shop and ask the boots be adjusted through the use of a fitting press.