Hiking is an activity of moderate difficulty, which is taking a long walk in the countryside, usually for pleasure or exercise. But the most important thing is hiking boots. Proper or improper hiking boots fit can make or break your day on the trails.
Since your feet will support your weight and your pack mile after mile, you should make sure they are comfortable. Wearing the right footwear can make your hike much more enjoyable and still feel good at the end of the day. But wearing the wrong footwear will undoubtedly ruin your day with foot pain.
So, it’s important that your hiking boots fit and socks are comfortable and suitable for the type of walking you enjoy doing. Now Let’s know how to choose the right fit for your boot so that you can enjoy your walk.
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Hiking boots Fit sizing
Before you are going to start trying them on, the first thing to remember is that make sure you can spread your toes evenly to the ends of the boots. And also when you are standing up in the boots you should be able to push your toes right to the front of the boot. And then, you should be able to get your index finger down the back of the boot.
Another test that you can do as well, just to make sure that you have got the right fit is to crouch down and bend forward and that will see whether your heels are lifting out the back of the boot. Because you Don’t want any heel lift off at the back. That means that if your heel lifts up at the back, over a period of time that can be what causes friction and that can be what creates a blister.
Check the length
Most people don’t have symmetrical feet, they usually have one foot slightly longer than the other. So, you should check for the length of the boots with your longer foot.
Now for the best fit, first put your longer foot into the hiking boot and stand up straight. Move your foot forward until your toes touch the end of the boot.
Then check if there is room behind your heel. The room behind your heel should fit one finger if the boots are correctly fitted.
Check the width
In addition to the length, it is also important to get the width right. If the boots are too wide to fit your feet, you may get blisters on your feet; If the width is too tight, the sides of your legs will uncomfortably wrinkle during the entire trip. To check if the boots fit in width Make sure your feet are not squeezed inside and can’t slide from side to side.
Check the heel
The next step is to make sure the heel of the shoe fits well. To test this, slide your foot into the boot and loosen the laces as much as possible. Keep the laces on your feet loose, but fasten your ankles tightly. This will keep your heel in place. Now, stand up and walk around, climb some stairs, and stand on your toes to check for a heel lift. If you feel absolutely fine then this is the right foot for you.
Put Your Socks on When Trying the Boots
When checking to see if your hiking boots fit, make sure you try on the boots with the same type of hiking socks that you will wear for walking. This will ensure that your boots fit properly.
Forefoot space and volume
Test the volume of the boot around your toes. If you can feel pressure anywhere then you need a larger or wider size. If you can pinch lots of materials then you need a smaller or narrower shoe. On warm days or during long mountaineering, your feet will swell naturally and this means you need volume at the front of the boot to accommodate a slightly larger foot.
Do your research – Research hiking boots online before going to buy them. It will save your time and give you the best-fitted shoe.
Try the Boots at the End of the Day – Your feet usually sweat and swell up a bit after a day of walking. Trying to boot when your feet are a little swollen helps you make the most accurate decision.
Take your time – Good boots aren’t cheap. Since they will be yours once you use them outdoors, you should take the time to buy hiking boots.
Lacing system For Hiking Boots
You certainly don’t want to confine the laces so tightly that they will create a bulge in the fabric on the front foot of the boot. So the boot should fit the right width for you and the laces should add extra dimension. So make sure the ribbons provide extra support up to the ankle.
Hiking in Different seasons
The key to getting the best hiking boots fit to match your footwear with the type of hiking you are doing. There are three types of hiking footwear: Light Hiking Shoes, Backpacking Boots, and Mountaineering Boots. Each type of shoe is used at a different time. Such as,
- A winter hiking boot and a summer hiking boot are very different types of boots. In the winter season, the soil may be covered with snow or ice. So winter hiking boots usually have to be tough and more waterproof to adapt to challenging terrain.
- Similarly, in the summer season, your hiking boots should be lighter and more flexible. Summer boots are much more comfortable to wear and feel more like trail running shoes than some hiking boots.
You may also check a related Youtube Video to guide you towards Hiking Boots Fit properly.
In conclusion, this is our best piece of advice is to make sure that you get the right shoe. Finding the right hiking boots fit for you can help prevent hot spots, blisters, and plantar fasciitis. And also give you a comfortable experience.
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