Expert Boot And Rucksack Fitting At Cotswold Outdoor

Having the right kit to take on the unpredictable outdoors is the first step to making every adventure a great one. Your walking boots and rucksack are two of your most essential pieces of kit, and making sure they fit properly can make a big difference. Our in-store experts are happy to offer free walking boot and rucksack fitting services, so you know you’re heading out with the right kit.

Your walking boots or shoes will be your adventure companions for many years, so it’s really important that they’re right for you. Different types of footwear have different benefits to suit various activities: for example, lightweight shoes for fast-paced hiking or trail running, compared to extra durable, crampon-compatible boots for winter mountaineering. Come and visit us in-store for free advice from our in-store experts. They’ve been out there and done it all, and will be able to find you the perfect footwear for your adventures.

Your footwear doesn’t just need to be the right type, though; it needs to be the right fit. A well-fitting boot will keep you comfortable all day by supporting your ankles on ascents and descents, ensuring good grip on uneven terrain and absorbing the vibrations from your footsteps all along your foot. Footwear which doesn’t fit properly can leave you at greater risk of fatiguing quickly, getting injured or having your adventure ruined by the dreaded blisters.

Our free expert walking boot fitting service can help here, too. We’ll start by finding out what you love to do in the outdoors, before fitting your perfect pair of boots – and the right socks to match – so you’re prepared to experience your outdoors in comfort for many years to come.

Find out more about fiding the right fitting boot and how to properly care for them in the below guides:

Step into innovation with our 3D foot scanning service, available when you book an outdoor footwear fitting appointment in select stores.  

The foot scan service is a cutting-edge technology powered by Volumental that creates a detailed 3D model of your feet, helping our in-store specialists recommend the right footwear for you. 

Moments after stepping on the scanner, the technology gathers precise measurements, allowing insights to be gathered on your unique foot shape and size.  

Within minutes, the technology identifies the ideal boots or shoes to perfectly match your foot's unique profile. This ensures your new footwear is comfortable from the get-go, so you can explore with confidence. 

Find your nearest store offering this service today. 

Your rucksack goes everywhere with you in the outdoors, and making sure it’s fitted properly is necessary to evenly distribute the weight of your load and reduce the strain on your back.

Like footwear, it’s important to choose the right pack for your adventures, as the size, weight and additional features like attachments will depend on the activity you’re doing. Different types of packs are suitable for different activities, such as a lightweight day pack for short hikes into the hills compared to large 65L+ rucksacks for multi-day treks, or duffel bags for travel. Many rucksacks also have variations for men and women for a more anatomical fit, which will make the pack far more comfortable to carry, particularly for long periods of time.

Visit us in-store for expert advice to help you select the right pack for your outdoors. Once you’ve chosen the perfect pack, our experts offer a free rucksack fitting service, adjusting the straps, hipbelt, back system and other straps to keep the pack balanced and stable, so you’re ready to carry your pack in comfort for many miles ahead.

For more information, take a look at our rucksack buying guide below, or check out our guide to packing your rucksack: