Properly Sizing AT boots

Whatever you like, it's preference. Uphill/downhill, compfort/performance, etc. Like everything in skiing you have to choose where you want to compromise. How you size your alpine boots makes a difference to your reference point, and brands size to different lengths, Scarpa breaks shell sizes on the full size, and so on.

I size mine the same as my alpine boots and add a volume reducer, so effectively smaller than my alpine boots. Most friends go for the same size as their alpine boots. Friends who climb a lot (firm snow/ice) size up. Elite competitive skimo racers size down 1-2 sizes and cut the toes off their liners, but those guys are weird.

Want a straight answer? Size them small and deal with any discomfort on the uphill.

I wish I'd gone tighter on both the last pairs of AT boots I've bought.

The only reason I'd see using a larger volume size is for serious cold weather ski mountaineering, where circulation and bigger socks are super key.

Given that you're just getting into this, an alpine fit would be fine. Just remember that it's key that your heel is snug in the pocket and isn't moving, as that becomes a bit frustrating when you're walking.

Keep in mind that a good boot fitter is sizing more than just the length (and width) of the boot.

I have a giant instep. Most AT boots do not. Given the 3 piece/tounge design of the boots and total lack of a boot board, it is very difficult to add volume to this area. I sized up in my TLT6 and the boot still holds my foot secure enough (the TLT6 also runs small per size IMO)

For reference: I measure about 26.5, ski in a 25.5 Cochise. with a few punches and grinds. I went with a 27.5 TLT6. There was absolutely no way I was getting my foot into a 26 TLT6. I could ski a 26 Atomic Backland though, given its higher mid foot volume.

cobra_commanderKeep in mind that a good boot fitter is sizing more than just the length (and width) of the boot.

Part of my problem. My usual Bootfitter is a race shop in Minnesota. They are great fitters on regular boots but they will be first to admit they know nothing about AT boots or carry them.

Recommendations for some good AT bootfitters in Colorado, Alaska, or Minnesota? That's where my time is mostly spent.

Might be driving down from Alaska this summer so if anyone has recommendations for PNW fitters that would be great as well.

50KalPart of my problem. My usual Bootfitter is a race shop in Minnesota. They are great fitters on regular boots but they will be first to admit they know nothing about AT boots or carry them.

Recommendations for some good AT bootfitters in Colorado, Alaska, or Minnesota? That's where my time is mostly spent.

Might be driving down from Alaska this summer so if anyone has recommendations for PNW fitters that would be great as well.

What part of Colorado? I'll recommend a few shops that I like.

Summit County:
-Wilderness Sports in Dillon (I worked there, they probably have one of the best in-store selections in Colorado)
-Mountain Outfitters in Breckenridge
-Aspen Expeditions in Aspen Highlands
-Bentgate Mountaineering in Golden
-Larry the Bootfitter in Boulder (more for fitting/work than buying AT specific boots)
-Precision Sports in Frisco (also more for fitting/work than buying AT specific boots)
-Alpineer in Crested Butte
-Me at Christy Sports in Snowmass.

50KalOne thing I have noticed is when it comes to trying on boots for AT, there is not a solid consensuses on sizing.
Some BF (bootfitters) i talk to say I need to size bigger than my regular boot cause they don't have the extra shell material to make modifications that traditional ski boots have. Some say freeride boots (rossi alltrack or Scarpa freedom) are fine to size normal because they are more traditional style boot. Some of the ski mo racers I've met say they size bigger because when you do cover alot of vert your feet swell a bit because of sweat and abuse.

You bring up some good points because many "A/T" boots are simply alpine boots with a walk mode. If you are looking into one of these boots (which is for sure more focused on the down rather than the up) I would size them like your alpine boot. So if you are used to a 1cm shell fit, I would try that size first.

For "true" touring boots (read: boots that are specifically within the Touring Norm or tlt-only) I would generally size them with a 2cm shell fit (even if you are used to skiing a 1cm fit in your alpine boot). Because you are going to be spending more time hiking up, and therefore not pressing your shin against the tongue to get your toes off the front of the boot, you will be needing that extra bit of space so your toes don't die.

Of course these are general statements and not all touring boots fit the same and a lot of it will depend on how your footshape interacts with the contours of the shell. But ultimately, with boots where you are spending a lot of time skinning/hiking, you will not want to size them like a downsized (read: 1cm shell fit) alpine boot. A 2cm shell fit should be a good starting point.