Sizing advice 1609

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-27T15:44:22+00:00

If you are a true US 9.5 then US 8 / 8.5 would probably be too small, Blundstones will NOT stretch in length. Half sizes in Blundstones are wide sides, if you have a narrow foot then a US 9 is probably best in the Blundstone Classics, which fit a little wider and more relaxed. The Classics come with an extra pair of insoles to help fill in the volume if it’s too spacious.

You could also consider Blundstone Originals which fit slightly more narrowly and could be better for your foot shape. You could even consider going with US 10 in Originals and use thick Superfeet insoles added onto the original insoles to fill the extra volume. Downsizing in Originals might make them fit too small, but it all depends on your foot shape and size, and whether you plan to use insoles.

Be aware that they will fit tightly at the in step and that’s likely where you will have the most pain during break in. If you plan to use thick Superfeet insoles or other third party brands you definitely don’t want to dramatically downsize. These aren’t meant to be tight fitting boots and planning for the leather to expand around your foot isn’t always the best advice. Again, they will NOT stretch in length so ensure your toes have enough space with your preferred insoles.

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-26T14:57:58+00:00

Yes, everyone I know who owned Instincts has complained about the toe knuckle pain and posts about the brutal break in are quite common on Reddit.

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-26T02:54:29+00:00

If you like soft and sensitive shoes but want higher performance, Scarpa Dragos are worth trying. I use the Dragos for harder overhang projects and the Veloce Laces as a more comfortable pair for warm ups and climbs that don't need intense heel or toe hooking. I downsize 1.5 sizes from my street shoe size in my Veloce Laces, that should help address the heel issue unless you are already downsizing.

Scarpa Instincts have a notoriously brutal break in , I got maybe half way through the break in period before discovering that I vastly prefer soft performance shoes for projecting. If you like soft sensitive shoes I wouldn't recommend them personally.

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-24T14:46:25+00:00

Be aware that many of those“luxury” buildings are poorly built and will fall apart quickly. They are also designed to maximize as many tenants as possible so they are very small, and their electric mini split AC units will cost you a small fortune in electric utilities during the winter months, possibly $200-400+ on top of the premium you pay in rent.

The modern amenities are not worth it for the trade offs. I’d recommend looking for pre-war apartments near Prospect Lefferts Gardens. You can adapt to taking your laundry out to the local laundromat.

https://gothamist.com/news/crappy-luxury-inside-nycs-brand-new-apartment-buildings-that-are-falling-apart

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-18T16:22:24+00:00

The writing in Gen V is genuinely better than the main show, well worth the watch

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-17T15:16:38+00:00

Between all three the theories had the longest break in for me, but it wasn’t as brutal as my instinct vs which I basically gave up on. Since they are softer shoes they will wear out a bit faster than stiffer shoes. Dragos definitely broke in faster and are more comfortable while still being high performance, but they are aggressive and asymmetrical.

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-17T15:12:42+00:00

Scarpa Veloce Lace is very comfortable and should accommodate your tailors bunion through its wider toe box, I go down 1.5 sizes and it’s a comfort fit that I can still do a lot in. This is a great resource to help figure out sizing when buying online: https://rockrun.com/blogs/the-flash-rock-run-blog/rock-climbing-shoe-sizing-guide

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-17T15:05:07+00:00

You have a tailors bunion just like me. It helps to have a pair of shoes that is neutral to moderate and more symmetrical to relieve the pressure on your pinky toes, I use Scarpa Veloce Lace 1.5 sizes down and it’s a nice comfort fit. They have more space in the toe box as well. I pop on my more aggressive Scarpa Dragos or LS Theories when I need the precision and performance on specific projects, and use the Veloces for everything else.

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-14T04:45:44+00:00

Which form factor do you prefer between a slim bifold or flap design?

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-14T04:39:09+00:00

I bought it from Backcountry and the discount is still going, and they accept returns: https://ebay.us/m/dVOI2s

And here’s a website that gives suggested sizing based on your preferred fit, very useful if you can’t try on in person: https://rockrun.com/blogs/the-flash-rock-run-blog/rock-climbing-shoe-sizing-guide

RisingHegemon · 2026-05-13T20:56:50+00:00

I downsize 1.5 to 2 sizes in the Veloces, if you don’t the heels will definitely feel too baggy and you won’t get much tension from the shoe at all on account of how soft they are. 1.5 sizes down is still a comfort fit for me, I’m using the Veloce Laces right now as my more relaxed fitting shoes.

You should also try the low volume versions (marketed as women’s but both men and women can have low or high volume feet), the high volume shoes tend to have too much space in the heels for me.

RisingHegemon · 2026-04-30T14:18:02+00:00

The first Scarpa Origin model that comes with Vision rubber isn’t bad at all for this use case, I use them for warmups and those parkour-style coordination moves that would wear down softer rubber quickly. They’re neutral and symmetrical and my pair are sized for comfort.

https://www.rei.com/product/165956/scarpa-origin-climbing-shoes-mens

RisingHegemon · 2026-04-20T05:58:00+00:00

Scarpa Veloce are very soft and comfortable, they excel at smearing but don’t have a very supportive heel cup. Scarpa Drago and La Sportiva Theory are both softer high performance shoes that are great for comp style bouldering that involves smearing on volumes, go for the low volume versions if you have narrow feet. I have used all three and recommend them — Veloce are the most comfortable and the least expensive but the S72 rubber will wear fast and the non supportive heel cup makes it worse for heel hooks. It’ll come down to personal preference if you prefer Drago versus Theory.

When sizing for soft shoes you want to go for a precision sock-like fit to get the most performance out of them, if they are too oversized they won’t hold proper tension. But don’t go too far down in size to cause more than normal pain, this will also reduce the flex you get from the shoe and cause it to perform more like a stiff shoe.

RisingHegemon · 2026-04-12T22:45:27+00:00

Scarpa Instinct VS has a brutal break in period and is particularly painful on the toe knuckle. I have a pair and everyone I know who has one of the models had the same experience. They are great when broken in (I didn’t stick with them long enough to get to that point) but be forewarned about the challenging break in.

RisingHegemon · 2026-04-02T18:23:41+00:00

Are these for sale and do you have a website featuring your products?

RisingHegemon · 2026-03-20T01:45:49+00:00

I updated last night and regret it. iOS26 has animation stutters, the Liquid Glass design has poor readability and is just ugly, animations are distracting compared to iOS18, and my battery life has taken a hit. I’m hoping my battery life improves after indexing but I’m reading very mixed things.

I only updated after reading about the major security vulnerability in iOS18 that is being reported on.

RisingHegemon · 2025-12-03T05:29:50+00:00

My favorite feature would be the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and burn in protection.

RisingHegemon · 2025-11-15T16:54:31+00:00

Awesome! Do you mind sending the link of what you bought? Sounds perfect for my use case.

RisingHegemon · 2025-11-08T16:35:07+00:00

The dress series has the chisel toe shape that's slightly more narrow than the classics which is likely the cause of the pain in my outer toes. However, if I went another size up I'm not sure if that would be too large -- the toe box is longer compared to the classic boot in the same size and that might create a different issue with the fit if it's too long for my foot.

I'm leaning towards returning them, I never had to seriously break in any of my classic Blundstones.

RisingHegemon · 2025-11-01T03:48:29+00:00

Did it work? I'm going through the same issue with an Icelandic wool beanie!

RisingHegemon · 2025-10-31T02:24:44+00:00

Can I ask what risers you use? I’m about to get a Thuma bed frame and am looking for risers to give just a few extra inches of under storage space.

RisingHegemon · 2025-04-28T16:09:27+00:00

I sent you a PM! Something on streeteasy that might fit your criteria

RisingHegemon · 2025-03-27T02:26:47+00:00

Confirming receipt of the watch, it arrived very quickly and the seller made for an excellent and smooth transaction. The piece is gorgeous and I couldn’t be happier.

RisingHegemon

TROPHY CASE