I am a beginner in mountaineering. In fact, I've only been to Mt Elbrus (that's in Russia, about 5600 meters or 18000ft). I rented La Sportiva Trango boots then, which were a bit too cold even with adequate socks, but fit me very well. Now, I want to go there again this summer and I thought I'd buy boots this time. Problem is, I live in Virginia where there are no stores I know of that carry that kind of boots. So I cannot walk in a store and try a half a dozen brands on.
I bought Scarpa Invernos online, one size larger than my running shoes. They fit great everywhere except they are tight right above the heel (right about where that metal pin is). I mean even with a normal cotton sock I feel like my foot is being squeezed in that area. So I exchanged them for 1.5 sizes larger than my running shoes but it still was the same.
I thought that well, Scarpa makes shoes that do not fit me. But may be La Sportiva will fit then, since I was pretty comfortable in Trangos. I bought Nepal Evos, they just arrived yesterday. And I have the same exact problem with them as well! Imagine my frustration Now I guess my feet are non-standard-for-mountaineering somehow
So I wonder - anyone out there had any similar experiences? Anyone could offer any advice? Any help is much appreciated. I don't really know what to do next except to fly to e.g. Seattle and get to REI store there.