The comfort of your footwear is important when hiking.A new pair of hiking boots will be too stiff for comfort at first.Break your boots before you go hiking.
Step 1: You should shop at least a month before you go hiking.
If you schedule a trip in the near future, you should work backwards from that date.Since it can take weeks to break in a new pair of boots, allow yourself at least a month between the time of purchase and your first hike in them.From the purchase date, factor in an adequate amount for you to do comparative shopping and test-fitting according to your availability.
Step 2: Comparative shopping is something to do.
To find the right boot, speak with sales staff or use the internet.Think about what type of hiking you want to do.Are you looking for an all-purpose pair of boots to wear whenever, or are you planning a specific hike along the Appalachian Trail?What distance does your average hike cover?What terrain do you hike on?What weather and climate conditions will you face?
Step 3: Before buying boots, handle them personally.
Once you have narrowed your list down to a few favorites, visit sporting good stores, shoe outlets, department stores or anywhere else that carries those boots, even if you plan on making your final purchase online.You should wear the same socks that you use for hiking.You can test each boot properly if you bring your insoles.
Step 4: They need to hug your feet tightly.
Take some time to lace them.Walk around the store to see how they fit.Since they will loosen up as you break them in, a brand-new pair of boots should grip your feet securely at first, but not so much that they pinch you to the point of causing pain, or interfering with blood circulation.An ideal pair of boots should fit snug at all points, except for the toe of the boot, which should provide a little extra space in front to prevent your own toes from mashing up against the interior when descending hills.All other areas of the boots should hold your foot in place.
Step 5: You should keep the receipt.
You should keep the receipt in case you need to return your boots.If you find a cheaper price for the same pair online, be aware of the retailer's return policy.Since even the most perfect pair of hiking boots will most likely feel uncomfortable to some degree when brand-new, hold onto whatever paperwork is needed for returns in case the boots show no signs of improving once you start breaking them in.
Step 6: Don't wear the wrong socks.
A pair of dress socks should not be put on when you break in your boots.If you are going hiking, you should wear socks that are appropriate for hiking so your boots conform to your feet.If you don't already own some, buy yourself a pair of thick socks made of wool or synthetic fibers, since they will last longer and retain less sweat than cotton.You might use arch supports for hiking.
Step 7: You should wear boots around the house.
The first few days after purchase are a good time to treat your new hiking boots.While you cook meals, do chores, or simply pace back and forth from room to room, you can pad around inside the house.Do not go outside or do anything physically intensive.If you have to return your boots after the first few days, keep them as pristine as possible.
Step 8: Walk for a short time outside.
If padding around the house does not cause excessive pinching, rubbing, or other pain, then you should expand.Take your boots outside.When you need to pick up something or take a stroll around the block, wear them to the corner shop.Wherever you go, be sure to keep it short at first so that you don't get bored.
Step 9: Pay attention to pain.
If you want to identify sources of pain, keep your walks short at first.If you venture too far too soon, you may cause blisters that won't appear until your boots are broken in.Take note of where your boots pinch or rub your feet the most.Keep an eye on these areas over the next few days to see how much the situation improves.
Step 10: The soles need to be flexed.
After your walks, take the boots off when a crease forms along the top of each boot, where your toes connect with the balls of your foot.Take a few moments to bend the boots up and down.The soles should be more flexible to allow for a wider range of movement.As you do so, be gentle so that you don't tear the soles.The soles of your boots will loosen if you perform squats while wearing them.
Step 11: Take longer walks.
Increase the length of your excursions as you get more comfortable in your boots.Each night, take 20 or 30 minute walks through the neighborhood.If you're feeling well by the end of the week, you can take a hike through the park on the weekend.Next week, add another 10 or 15 minutes to your walk.It is advisable to increase the duration of each walk gradually so that you don't end up hobbled in the middle of nowhere.
Step 12: Hikes are imagined.
Since trails aren't as level or as smooth as sidewalks, take your boots off-road.To put them through the motions of climbing, find short hills.Walk over rougher ground to see how your boots handle different surfaces.If you carry a lot of weight while hiking, it's a good idea to wear backpacks now.
Step 13: Continue until you wear them all day.
Gradually increase the amount of use your boots receive until you can comfortably wear them all day.Consider them broken in at this point.They should be set aside for hiking only.
Step 14: If you need to modify your boots, you can.
Bring your boots to a store that sells hiking equipment if you continue to experience pain in the same area.Seek help from their boot-fitters.Ask what methods and/or modifications could be used to alleviate the pain.You know what to look out for when buying future pairs by learning the leading factors that caused the pain to begin with.