Breaking in new boots

Stiff, unyielding hiking boots can wreak havoc on your feet during hikes, even if they fit your feet perfectly.  Therefore, you will want to take the time to break in your hiking boots before you head out on any long walks.  Once you get the hard work out of the way, you and your hiking boots can log hundreds of kilometres outside.

There is no set amount of time for breaking in hiking boots, because each type of boot is different.  A light hiking boot may take a few minutes, while heavy leather options can take weeks before the leather is soft enough to conform to your feet.

No matter how hard you try, breaking in hiking boots will not instantly turn a poor fitting boot into the perfect boot for you.

Start Out Slowly

Here are the steps that you will need to follow to break in your boots:

• Wear your boots inside your home – Hanging out at home is the perfect time to start breaking in your hiking boots. Simply put on the socks and insoles that you will use out on the trails and tie your boots up.  The tongues and gussets should be straight, and while the boots will feel stiff at first, it is okay.
• Walk around the block – Start out with a slow walk around the block and then add some distance each time you wear your boots. This will help you and your boot get accustomed to each other.
• Grab a daypack and find a trail – The dirt on a trail is much different than pavement and this is where you will really start to break in your boots. Again, you should still start off slow, but you can gradually increase the weight you are carrying as well as how far you go each time, of course this helps with your fitness also.

Of course, you will want to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the hiking boots that you purchase, because it will list all the care and use instructions that you will need specifically for that boot.

Stop When Your Feet Tell You To

Be vigilant about pain – If you feel pain at any time when you are breaking in your hiking boots, it is time to stop.  You can try to make adjustments as to how your boots are tied or with the socks you are wearing underneath, but if nothing seems to work, then you may need a different pair of boots.

Avoid Quick Fixes

It is so easy to consider all those quick fixes you have heard of people doing, but they normally don’t work.  Soaking your boots or walking long distances immediately will cause more pain in your feet than you want, and you can ruin your new boots in the process.  Remember, if you want comfortable boots on the trail, you need to put in the time to get them that way.