Hiking trails lead you to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Whether it’s mountains, lakes, or forests, a hike can make you forget about all the stresses of your daily life and leave you feeling refreshed. Investing in high quality hiking boots that fit well is key when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. If your boots don’t fit right, no matter how good they look or feel, it won’t be long before they start to cause blisters and will begin to rub uncomfortably against your skin.
A good pair of hiking boots are essential for enjoying the trails because they provide adequate ankle support and distribute weight evenly across your foot.
When my husband and I first started hiking we didn’t know much about what we should look for when buying new hiking boots. We made purchases without doing research or asking anyone who had any experience. We only relied on how comfortable our hiking boots felt on our feet and how good they looked when we walked around the store.
While walking around the store was great and all, we didn’t give much thought about wearing them for hours on end on rough terrain. We made that mistake with our first pair of hiking boots too many times for us to keep counting. To spare you from making this mistake, here are some things to consider when buying new hiking boots.
Let’s start with the basics.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles of hiking boots, but when it comes down to it, there are only a few things you need to consider when buying your pair. If you’re new to hiking and are considering buying your first pair of hiking boots, you may be wondering what size to get.
The answer is simple: a size bigger. If you have never owned hiking boots before and are just starting out, it’s best to buy them a half-size larger than your normal shoe size. This will ensure that your feet don’t feel cramped in the boot and will give you room for thick socks if need be.
Hiking boots should fit snugly but not tightly, so make sure that there is no extra room at the end of your toes or heel when trying on your potential purchase. The best way to make sure that the boot fits properly is by wearing the same socks that you would wear on a hike in order for an accurate representation of how the boot will feel on your feet while walking long distances through rocky terrain or mud pits!
What about insoles?
Insoles are a great way to add comfort and support to your hiking boots. They help improve breathability, cushioning, and stability. They can also be used to help reduce pain in the feet and ankles. If you have a high arch or pronate (your foot rolls inwards), you might find that insoles are very helpful in keeping your feet in place and helping with the alignment. Insoles can also help with shock absorption by spreading impact more evenly across the foot.
You don’t need to buy expensive ones though! You can buy some really good quality ones from places such as REI or Amazon.com for under £10. You can get them with arch support built into them which will help support your foot giving it more stability when walking on uneven surfaces like rocks or stony paths. They come in different sizes so make sure you measure your feet first before buying any insoles so that they fit perfectly into your boots!
Insoles are the hidden heroes of your shoe. They’re the part that’s going to keep your feet happy and healthy by providing support, cushioning, and comfort over long distances.
But how do you know which ones are right for you?
The first thing to consider is what type of hiking you’ll be doing. If you’re after something that can withstand major hikes with lots of elevation gain and loss, then a lightweight insole is probably best. If you plan on doing more day-to-day walking, then go for something with more cushioning and support.
The second thing to think about is where your foot sits in relation to the heel of the boot. If your feet tend to slide forward in your boots when walking, then look for insoles with arch supports. If they tend to slide back instead, then look for insoles without arch supports.
Use Hiking Boots With Insoles
If you do buy your boots a size bigger, you should use a pair of insoles.
If you do buy your boots a size bigger, you should use a pair of insoles. Why? Because the insoles will give your feet the extra room they need to be comfortable and healthy while hiking, while also providing good support for your ankles and knees.
You should also look for insoles that are made from materials like cork or latex foam. They’re much more flexible than other materials like plastic or polyurethane which means they’ll be more comfortable and durable over time.
Hiking Boots Buying Tips
If you’re looking for a pair of boots to hiking in, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase.
First, you need to think about what kind of terrain you plan on hiking through. Are there going to be rocky areas? Slippery mud? Wet or dry areas? If you know the answer to these questions, then it will help narrow down your search for the best hiking boots for you.
Second, how much support do you need in your boot? If you want something more sturdy and supportive, then look for a boot with high ankle support. If not, then go with something less rigid and more flexible.
Thirdly, how much room do your feet need? If they’re wide or narrow, then make sure the boot fits accordingly! Don’t buy one that’s too small or too big because they won’t give the right amount of comfort while hiking.
Once you’ve considered these three factors—terrain type/support level/foot size—you’ll have a much easier time finding the perfect pair for your next mountain adventure!
How to measure your foot for hiking boots
Hiking boots are a tricky business. They have to fit just right, or you’ll end up with blisters and sore feet after a single day on the trail.
But how do you measure your foot? And what if your foot is a little different from one side to another? What are some other tips for finding your perfect pair of hiking boots?
1. Stand in the insoles.
I find that the best way to ensure a comfortable fit is to remove the insoles from my hiking boots, place them on the floor, and stand on them. Place your foot directly over the insole, and make sure that your heel is properly positioned in the shoe’s cup before checking for sizing. This will help you determine whether specific shoes are a good fit for your feet.
This is always the first step I take when measuring my feet for new footwear. It’s also a good idea to do this with socks on so you can get an accurate idea of how much room there is between your toes and where they meet up with the front part of your foot (the ball).
To measure length: When trying on shoes, leave at least a half-inch gap between your longest toe and the end of the shoe or boot, about as wide as an average finger. It may be hard to feel your toes through a stiff boot or shoe, but you can assess their length by simply standing on the insoles.
To measure width: Ideally, the insole will rest against the contours of your feet but if your foot is hanging over the edge of the insole, you need a narrower fit. If you can see more than a little bit of insole along the edges of your feet, you may need a wider fit.
2. The One Finger Test
If you’re a beginner, the easiest way to get your hiking boots is the one finger test.
You and a friend can also fit hiking boots with an easy finger test. First, completely loosen all the laces. Then, slide your foot forward until your longest toe touches the tip of the boot or shoe. Now, have your partner try to slide a finger behind your heel (which may be a little awkward). If there’s room for one finger, you’ve probably got enough length. You need a larger size if you can’t fit a finger behind your heel. Or, you may need a smaller size if you’ve got room for more than one finger.
Why should I buy my hiking boots a size bigger?
You’re going to want to buy your hiking boots a size bigger.
Why? Because you’ll want them to fit comfortably and allow room for your feet to swell while you’re hiking. And also because they’ll be much more comfortable this way!
The best way to tell if your hiking boots are the right size is by wearing them around the house for a day or two before heading out on your trip. They should feel loose enough that your toes can move around inside the boot (but not so loose that they’re sliding around).
You should also make sure that the heel of the boot doesn’t slip when you walk. If it does, then it’s too big for you and you need to go down a size or two if it’s really bad!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to buy a pair of hiking boots a size bigger, there’s one more step to complete before you hit the trail: trying on your new shoes!
The best way to make sure your boots fit is by going into a store and trying them on. You need to make sure that they don’t pinch or rub against your toes, and that they don’t slide around while walking in them.
If they fit correctly, they should feel comfortable right away. If not, try another size or style until you find something that feels right.
Once you find the right pair, wear them around the house for a few days before taking them out on an actual hike. This will give your feet time to adjust to the new footwear.
