So, you want to start hiking. One of the most important pieces of equipment you will purchase are your boots. There are several key things you need to consider in selecting a pair of hiking boots.
You need to know your size. Length and width are important to get right. Arch length should also be considered. Arch length is the distance between the heel and the ball of your foot. Your hiking boot is designed to flex at the ball of your foot, this won’t happen with mismatched arch lengths, causing pain and possibly injury. Foot volume is important too and can impact comfort tremendously. Your feet will swell as you go through your day, so, go shoe shopping at night to optimize your fit.
What should you bring to try on hiking boots? Take any special equipment, like braces, orthotics, or padding, with you. In some instances, a bulky brace or orthotic can change the size, width or brand of shoe you will buy. Bring your own socks. You should have worn them, and the thickness should be similar to what you will wear while hiking. Use synthetic blends or wool. These materials to breathe more than cotton and dry quickly, reducing your blister risk. Quality socks are so important, that some experts suggest spending $15-$25 per pair (Holiday Gift list anyone?).
Expect to try on a few pairs boots to feel confident in your decision. Leave yourself plenty of time to make a confident decision, so do not go to the store right before closing time. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help gauge the fit of the boots you have on:
- Are they like Cinderella’s slippers? Any “off” feeling in the store will get worse over time. Properly test the boots before taking them home: walk around, use the stairs, and a ramp. You can even wear them around home for a few days to be extra certain. Boots should fit comfortably from day one.
- Will you get black toenails? Lace up the shoes and roll onto your tip-toes. You should not feel your feet sliding to the front of the boot. You should experience a snug fit through the ankle, heel, and forefoot. The toe box should not squeeze your toes together, or hit the tips of your toes.
- Do your heels lift while you’re walking? This could be a sign of a boot that is too big. Try a different size, width or brand.
- Do you feel bumps, pinching, or seams that dig in? Your boot is too small if you do.
Here are a few tips and tricks for adjusting your boots to optimize your fit:
- Aftermarket insoles can enhance comfort, support and fit. Consider getting arch support if your seated foot length increases by one size, or more, when you stand up. The same goes with insoles as with your shoes, if they are not comfortable at first, they will only get worse over time.
- Wide forefooted people may experience numbness or pain in the ball of the foot. Try loosening your laces, or procuring a thinner insole.
- Narrow forefooted individuals should try tightening their laces. However, your boots will stretch overtime, making this a temporary fix. Thicker aftermarket insoles without an arch can help.
- If you have pressure on the top of your toes or feel a crease digging in, consider thicker insoles or a rubbing bar.
- Top is too tight? Skip the top eyelet.
Remember that the initial comfort of the boot, after any and all accommodations or additions are made, is paramount. If the boot doesn’t feel good in the store, it won’t on your first hike, or your tenth hike. Remember, no shoe does it all, different shoes are designed for different tasks.