A-List: Custom hiking shoe fitting at Red Mountain Outfitters

Rob Bolding providing customers a custom shoe Fitting at Red Mountain Outfitters in Ivins, Utah, date unknown | Photo courtesy of Red Mountain Resort, St. George News
Rob Bolding providing customers a custom shoe Fitting at Red Mountain Outfitters in Ivins, Utah, date unknown | Photo courtesy of Red Mountain Resort, St. George News

OPINION — Every once in a while I stumble upon a local business that sweeps me off my feet.

And that’s literally what happened when I discovered the custom shoe fitting service offered at the Outfitters store at Red Mountain Resort.

My feet have personally been victims of poor choices on my part. I’ve run two full marathons and consequently lost four toenails and suffered blister after blister after blister. (Too Much Information? Sorry.)

Thankfully I was recently introduced to Rob Bolding, the manager of Red Mountain Outfitters, who happens to be a foot guru – particularly in the area of hiking and running shoes.

Bolding offers free custom fittings at the Outfitters store to guests of the resort, as well as walk-in customers. All you have to do is schedule an appointment beforehand.


To watch what happens in a custom shoe fitting, 

Play play-arrow above


The fitting begins with a walking gait assessment, followed by a Brannock foot measurement that includes both toe and arc lengths to ensure the perfect fit.

To my surprise, my exact shoe size was a half size larger than what I’ve been wearing (so sorry, toes!), and Bolding was also able to point out that my foot is more narrow than the average foot.

Another impressive skill Bolding offers is the ability to stretch/cook the shoe to provide relief to problematic areas of the foot if necessary.

The Outfitters store also carries the socks to match that provide maximum comfort. The secret ingredient? Wool! Who knew?

Red Mountain Outfitters 20% off coupon | Graphic provided by Red Mountain Resort, St. George News
Red Mountain Outfitters 20% off coupon | Graphic provided by Red Mountain Resort, St. George News

Not only does the store sell items that are good for the sole (get it?), there’s also a full inventory of hiking and workout accessories including apparel, Camelbaks (hydration packs), and my personal favorite:  the Hydro Flask – which keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours or warm for up to six hours.

The best part? Locals receive a 20 percent discount on everything in the store, including the shoes.

So next time you decide to treat your feet, Red Mountain Outfitters will take excellent care of you.

And don’t forget the old saying – if the shoe fits …

(Buy three pairs) – right?

YOLO.

Resources

  • Red Mountain Outfitters | Website | 1275 E. Red Mountain Circle, Ivins, UT 84738 | To Book a Custom Fitting: 435-652-5775

Ali Hill is an opinion columnist. The opinions stated in this article are her own, are not influenced by any advertising agreements with St. George News, and are not representative of St. George News.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @ali_egan

Instagram: @stgeorgealist

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

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