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Tips and Tricks on How to Break in Hiking Boots
Tips and Tricks on How to Break in Hiking Boots
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Not every boot is the same. Like you and me, every shoe fits its foot. But it doesn’t always seem to be an easy route to take. Sometimes the path less traveled is the most comfortable one. Different boots break in, differently. Depending on the material and the person wearing the shoe, it takes time for your feet to feel in sync with your shoes. If you can spend a little time breaking in a new pair of boots, you will enjoy the comfort they provide every mile you step. If your looking for a few great tips on how to break in those new pair of walking shoes, then this blog is for you. Read on for our quick tips and trikes on how to break in hiking boots.
Table of Contents
Every Foot Has Its Shoe
If you think that a simple break-in process will turn a bad fit into a good one, then you are sadly mistaken. Every foot has its shoe, the same way every lock has its key. Not every foot is all alike, and you shouldn’t expect your hiking boots to be the same way. Picking a great pair of hiking boots to fit your feet is an exact science.
And like science, it takes time and trial and error. Just like that making them fit is all the same, trial and error. If you are looking to make a great fit, feel even better then your right on track.
To break in hiking boots is always a process; it is never going to be precisely the way you want it. But with a little bit of time and knowhow, you will be breaking in those hiking boots in no time. And with any luck, avoiding all those blisters that come with improper wiring footwear. When it comes down to the “right away,” there is no fast way.
There is a right way and a wrong way. Most people are eager to slap those shoes on their feet straight from the store and get to stepping. A lot of people have been through the standard protocol of new shoe shopping. But any experienced and avid hiker knows better than this.
Lace Them Up
The second you walk out of the store with your new kicks, the first thing you should do is obviously to lace them up. It is kind of hard to war your new shoes with laces that just are not settled in right. Take some time to adjust the laces and make sure your all even. More importantly, make sure you can slide your feet into your new shoes with ease while being able to tie them and untie them to get your feet back out. There is nothing more annoying than not being able to slip your feet into and out of your shoes without an excessive amount of force.
Wear The Shoes Inside the House
Another quick tip for the first-time use is to wear then inside the house for a while. While they are still fresh and clean, slip on a pair of your comfy hiking socks, you plan to wear and get to stepping. Wear them while you cook, clean, or organize that messy room.
Make sure the tongs are strait, and your socks pulled tight. This is going to help you out the most for that first critical outing with your new shoes. Another good thing you can do is to take them for a few quick walks around the block. The main idea here is to get your feet and, more importantly, your shoes accustomed to your style.
Take Time to Listen to Your Feet
A good thing to take note of is your feet. Take the time to listen to your feet.
If you notice something that is not to your liking, then you need to take action.
It is always smart to take action before your miles in the middle of now were feeling the heat of a blister rubbing its way to your heels.
If you notice a significant fitting issue, then you may need to try and settle on a different pair of boots. And its always better to realize this beforehand, or this may quite literally ruin your day.
It is Time to Break Them In
Once you have become accustomed to your foot ware, then it may be time to break them in. If you are feeling comfy and confident, then let’s try to step it up a notch. For your first outing, let’s try to keep it short and sweet. A range from 2-4 miles should be a great place to start depending on the person and how far they like to go.
A quick tip, try to keep it short and sweet. While some of the experienced outdoorsy people may want to jump to that day hike, let us make sure your shoes are up for the challenge. This short spurt will be a great way to decide whether your boots are going to give you blisters or smiles. And trust me, you don’t want the blisters. Blisters are usually caused by friction and moisture in your shoes. So, it’s a good idea to make sure you are either wearing properly ventilated boots or wearing the proper socks to prevent the moisture building.
It is Time For the Real Deal
Once you have put your boots to the test, and assuming they have passed, then its time for the real deal. If you have been able to make it this far with no issues, then let us proceed to the last and final test, a day hike. For the avid hiker, a day hike is just that.
By making sure that your feet have adapted to your choice of footwear, the next step is all but the last step to making sure your selection was the right choice for proper break-in hiking boots.
And now for our last quick pro tip. We have talked about how to treat your shoes when you’re wearing them. But what about when you’re not wearing them?
Just kicking your shoes into a closet after a long hike isn’t the way to go. You put a lot of time and even money into your new shoes, so why not give them the respect they deserve.
If you want to preserve the life of your shoes and your investment, then you should protect them. Keep your boots clean and in a well-ventilated area.
Take some time and thought into the storage and care of your shoes. After all, they do carry you every step of your journey, so it is only fair to return the favor when it is your turn to carry them.
There you have it, out quick pro tips on tips and tricks on how to break in hiking boots. Do you have any great ideas we didn’t mention? Comment below so our community can all stay well info.
