Brand new hiking boots send an exciting invitation to hit the trail with gusto, but unbroken boots can make the difference between a comfortable hike and a miserable experience. Virgin footwear is usually the culprit behind blisters and painful heel or toe wounds. Climbers who know how to break in hiking boots quickly can mount an ascent without worrying about having to stop to nurse battered feet.
Purchasing new boots
Ordering online is fast and convenient, but note that when it comes to buying new hiking boots, you’ll need to know your size and fit. Buy boots and try the shoes, walk and move in the shoes, and benefit from the advice of the dealer. Buyers should always remember that a bad fit in the store won’t miraculously become a good fit on the trail.
Hobbyists with new boots should next wear their purchases for short interims around the house. Pair hiking boots with thick socks to mimic the feel of shoes on the trail. After a few comfortable jaunts around the house, the wearer should try brief trips around the block or up the street; these baby steps will help to soften and stretch the boots’ materials.
Best practices for breaking in hiking boots
Hot spots or uncomfortable friction should be heeded immediately to prevent major problems on the trail. Most reputable hiking boot dealers will gladly stretch new boots at no cost. Trekkers can further soften new shoes by bending the boots’ soles and repeatedly manipulating them back and forth; some enthusiasts also suggest engaging in deep, repetitive squats to keep boot soles limber.
Some sources recommend extreme measures such as wetting new hiking boots, but these fixes can damage the shoes and can cause even more friction with toes and heels. A quality pair of hiking boots should last for years; there’s no reason to cut corners to make new shoes more wearable. Serious climbers know how to break in hiking boots quickly with patience and advance planning; these are the hallmarks of an experienced hiker.
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