Fitting Hiking Boots

Fitting hiking boots and shoes correctly is essential to a painfree day.

Hiking footwear is built on “lasts” (moulds) that vary among manufacturers. This can create different fits for hiking boots of the same size. Try on several different styles to find the boots that best fit your feet. Generally, leather hiking boots and plastic boots require more care to fit than fabric, as stiffer materials take longer to break in and are less forgiving.

Here are a few tips to keep your feet happy. A good fitting hiking boot or shoe should have:

• Heel Counter: This is the part of the shoe that cradles the back of your heel. It needs to be firm to keep your foot straight. It should not slide up and down - this could lead to blisters or worse, sprains.
• Heel: The bottom should be as wide as the shoe and no more than 1 1/2 inch in height. Your achilles tendon will be strained with a shoe that is too flat.
• Sole: A rubber-based shoe is best for shock absorption and helps prevent slippage. It should be rigid and bend only at the ball of your foot.
• Arch: The shoe should have a built-in arch support. If it doesn't, purchase some arch-supporting insoles for extra cushioning. After-market insoles can remedy a variety of problems with extra arch support and lateral rigidity. They are also recommended if you have end-of-day soreness, a narrow heel or high arches. Insoles can also improve the fit of your hiking footwear.
• Toe Box: All your toes should have lots of wiggle room - not quite touching the end of the shoe and not rubbing. Look for hard, protective toes to prevent injury, especially if you are going on rugged terrain.
• Lateral Support: Good lateral support (stiff sides) is needed to prevent ankle injuries. The shaft of the hiking boot/shoe should cover the ankle bones both inside and out.
• Waterproof Shell: Look for a waterproof or, at least, water resistant, shell with a minimum amount of seams (which can let water in).

When you are out looking for a new pair of hiking boots, have your feet measured in the store. Your foot size can change as you age, after weight loss/gain, or due to injury. If your feet are different sizes, judge the fit using the larger foot.

Shop around. Almost every boot is made on a different last (mould that determines the shoe's internal shape), making them all fit differently. Note: Breaking them in usually reduces the stiffness of the boot, but will not usually improve the fit. Spend at least 10-15 minutes in each pair you are considering. If your foot moves more than a quarter-inch in any direction, if there are any pressure points whatsoever, or if the boot does not flex uniformly with your foot, then keep shopping.