So you’re planning on going for a major hike, but you don’t have a pair of comfy boots to call your own? Well, before you go out and buy just any old pair of hiking boots, you better make sure you know how they should fit!
A pair of ill-fitting boots can make even the most scenic hike a total nightmare. You don’t want to be constantly readjusting your laces, or have your feet slipping around inside your boots every time you take a step. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also lead to blisters, calluses, and all sorts of other foot problems. So, it is important to know your boots before purchasing and luckily, Stride Wise can help you with that.
So, let’s delve a little deeper into how to find a perfect pair, shall we?
Try them on properly
First things first, you have to know how to try them on. Sounds kind of dumb, like, “I know how to try on shoes”, but when it comes to specialized footwear like these – it’s really not that simple.
For starters, you should always try on boots at the end of the day. Why? Because your feet are bound to be a bit swollen from all the walking around you did during the day, and you want your boots to fit snugly without being too tight.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you should always wear the socks you plan on hiking in. Even if they’re a bit thicker than your everyday socks, it’s still important to get a sense of how the boots will feel with the socks you’ll actually be wearing.
Once you’ve got your shoes and socks on, take some time to walk around the store (or wherever you’re trying them on). Do a few laps, jump up and down – basically, just move around as much as you can to see if the boots are comfortable and if they’re staying in place.
Quality over savings
Whatever you do, don’t skip on quality just to save a few bucks. A good pair of hiking boots can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, but they’re definitely worth the investment.
Not only will they last longer, but they’ll also be much more comfortable and offer better support for your feet – which is crucial when you’re out on the trail.
Pairs like nortiv8 men’s hiking boots come to mind when we talk about quality, but you can do your own research and find the ones that fit you the best!
Comfort over everything else
If it’s men’s hiking boots you’re after, comfort should be your number one priority. After all, you’re going to be spending hours upon hours walking in them, so they might as well be as comfortable as possible, right?
The good news is that there are plenty of comfortable options out there – you just have to know what to look for, and no matter what your intuition says – foam soles aren’t the answer.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re searching for a comfy pair:
- Breathability is key. You want your feet to be able to breathe, otherwise, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a nasty case of foot fungus and a room-clearing odor.
- Look for boots with a lot of padding. Not only will it make them more comfortable, but it will also help absorb some of the shock from walking on uneven terrain.
- Make sure they’re not too tight or too loose! This is probably the most important point on this list. If they are too tight or if your foot’s flapping around as you walk – you’re just asking for blisters at that point.
- Finally, look for some toe protection. Nothing ruins a hike quite like stubbing your toe on a rock, so make sure your boots have some sort of reinforced toe area.
As you’ll see, these are the main features guys focus on over at https://nortiv8shoes.com/collections/mens-hiking-boots.
The guide to a perfect fit
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in a comfortable pair of hiking boots, it’s time to talk about how they should fit.
First and foremost, you want your boots to be snug but not too tight. There should be no movement inside the boot when you walk, but you also shouldn’t feel like your feet are being suffocated.
Ideally, you want about a thumb’s width of space between your big toe and the front of the boot. This will give you enough room to wiggle your toes a bit but not so much that your feet are sliding around.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your heel should be snug against the back of the boot. There should be no gap, and your heel shouldn’t be slipping out as you walk.
If it is, that means the boots are too big and you’ll end up getting blisters from all the rubbing.
Boot sizing & measuring tips
Now that we’ve gone over how your hiking footwear should fit, let’s talk about how to actually find a pair that fits you well.
The first thing you need to do is measure your feet. The best way to do this is to trace around your foot on a piece of paper and then measure the outline with a ruler.
Keep in mind that different brands have different sizing, so just because your workout shoes are a size 10 doesn’t mean your hiking footwear will be the same.
It’s always best to try them on in person if you can, but if that’s not an option, here are a few general tips:
If you’re between sizes, always go with the larger size. It’s better to have a pair that’s a bit too big than one that’s too small when you’re walking around for a long time.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has been helpful and that you now have a better understanding of how your hiking boots should fit.
Remember, comfort is key, so make sure to keep that in mind when you’re searching for the perfect pair.
Now get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
