There’s nothing worse than getting blisters on the trail because you didn’t take time to break in new hiking boots. Limping the last few miles home is no fun. Avoid those unhappy experiences by breaking in your new boots before you go on a major expedition.
Tour de Home
First, wear your boots on a carpeted surface in your home. Put on the socks you’ll be wearing when you go hiking for real. If you wear liner socks when you hike, wear liner socks when you break in the boots. You can do squats while wearing the boots to help soften the sole. Keep the boots on all day and make sure they’re comfortable. If they aren’t, take them back to the store and get another pair. Try another size, another style, or another brand.
Waterproofing
Once you’re sure you won’t be returning the boots to the store, the next step to break in new hiking boots is to condition them properly for the outdoors. Most hiking boots these days are waterproof, or at least water-resistant, but if you want to ensure your toes stay dry and comfortable outdoors you can apply a waterproofing treatment.
Simulate
Lastly, head out for short walks in your neighborhood. Wear the shoes as you run errands. There’s an urban legend (trail legend?) that you should get your boots sopping wet and wear them until they dry, but that is likely to damage both your boots and your feet.
It takes some time to break in new hiking boots, but patiently wearing them around town is the best way to do it. You may need to experiment with adaptations, like wearing different socks, adding insoles or using moleskin. Even different ways of tying the laces can make a big difference in how comfortable hiking boots feel. When you barely realize you’re wearing boots you can focus on everything else that you enjoy outdoors.
Related article: How to Clean Hiking Boots or How Should Hiking Boots Fit?
Featured Image from Wes Hicks/Unsplash
