I've worn Harlick's for years but the last pair I ordered didn't fit right. My feet have changed through the years from 7 1/2 AA to 8B, and I have new measurements taken each time I order boots. When my new boots arrived, they looked too small and I asked my fitter if they were really mine. I could get my feet into them, but they were extremely uncomfortable. It looked as though they'd used my measurements from 10 years ago.

We sent them back and when Harlick returned the boots, they were still too small. I told my fitter that when I paid that much money for a pair of custom boots, I expected them to fit me. He tried stretching them, but they were just too small. He remeasured my feet and the measurements were nearly identical to the ones he sent in with the original order.

The boots went back and they made me a new pair that fits much better except the orthotics still hurt my feet a year later. The arch doesn't feel as though it's in the proper place, and I'm thinking about having new ones made locally. I took out the new orthotics and replaced them with my old ones, but it didn't help. I did notice that the inside of the boot was stamped 8AAAA and wondered if they'd used a stock boot last. At one time I did wear a quad A heel but that was a long time ago.

A friend had the same problem with several pairs not fitting properly and came to the conclusion that Harlick just grabbed one of her old measurements at random and made her new boots. They're great when they fit properly and terrible when they don't. Also, it took me five months to get a pair that fit.

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"May the wind be at your back and the sun upon your face and may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars."

It's true! When I bought my last pair of Klingbeil's, Don showed me the lasts with my name on them. They have "wooden feet" in a huge storage room onsite. There's a video on their website that shows the process.

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Okay, well that's cool! I wonder how they can afford to do that and still keep their prices reasonable. . .

Their prices have gone up recently. I wouldn't be surprised if they own the building they are in and may get some rental income from it also. Otherwise, I really don't know.

I emailed Jackson about not being able to return the coaches boot if it didn't fit, and got a reply very quickly. As long as no customizations are ordered, they said the boots can be returned. I've asked them for a dealer in my area who would do that, because I will order them as long as I'm certain that they could be returned. I also have an appointment for a week from tomorrow with Don Klingbeil. I'm going to show up with Birkenstock insoles and maybe Superfeet orthotics and see if he can work them into a new pair of boots. I'll ask him to start from scratch with them. Everyone else with custom Klingbeils says they fit like gloves - and that's what I want too!

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I decided to get it from the horse's mouth so to speak I gave them the link to this thread hence their references to it. So here's their very prompt reply:

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The best whisper is a click

Very tactful, and informative, reply. Thanks TashaKat!

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Exactly why I did not want to name names here. I hope there is no fallout.

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Thanks for the info. I had custom Harlicks for years and never a problem. This last one just didn't fit. I sent it back for corrections and meanwhile got a pair of Jacksons, which really don't fit. I have never had so many blisters and foot problems. I spoke with the rep at nats and agreed to give it one more try and send them back again if necessary. He was very helpful, and now that i'm finished competing for a while, I'm going to go back to my Harlicks.

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