Snow boot sizing question.

[onehandle]

I wear a 10.5 shoe. These come in even number sizes.

I am trying a 10 and an 11.

10 feels right, maybe too right. 11. Feels a teeny tiny bit loose.

Wearing with a thin liner sock and a thick outer sock.

Can't decide. Any advice?

[marzipanni]

1. I used to live in Massachusetts and Vermont

I found that when toes can wiggle a bit, they stay warmer.
In those days pointed shoes and boots were going out of style, much to my relief (had bunion surgery @ 20) and freedom around the toes meant they had more insulation room, and better circulation=warmer toes and feet. Also, you might even have enough room to add warm innersoles a la Ugg fleece, or wool felt ones.

[Moondog]

2. A little foot swelling

and your 10 will be too tight. And too tight is, well, too tight.

You can always add an extra sock to make the 11 fit.

But in my case, what is a wee bit loose in the morning becomes snug as the activity of the day makes my foot get a bit larger. Swollen if you prefer. That may be just me, but I doubt it. So I'd go for the 11, and pass on the extra sock.

[TorchTheWitch]

3. I always go with bigger so I can double up on the socks

You don't want snug boots with double socks since it cuts off circulation so that doubling up on the socks totally defeats the purpose.

I always figure it's better to err on the bigger shoe or boot size... better to have too much room than not enough, and if they really feel too big you can always put those sticky pads in them to make them fit better.