How’s the fit?
How’s the fit?
The fit of your hiking shoes will play the biggest role in the selection process. If you’re going to be spending multiple hours or even multiple days on your feet, you want to be as comfortable as you possibly can.
To ensure you pick the right fitting boot, here are a few good tips to keep in mind:
- A comfortable pair of hiking shoes should feel snug when laced up. You want your foot to feel secure but not so tight that you can’t wiggle your toes.
- When you’re trying on hiking shoes, it is best to go at the end of the day for the fact that it is common for our feet to swell throughout the day. If you try on a pair of hiking boots at the start of the day it may feel very different compared to at end of the day once your foot has swelled slightly. Going at the end of the day can avoid the chance of purchasing a pair of boots that are in fact too small.
- If you have a pair of hiking socks you will be wearing on your trip at home, bring them along while shopping. Trying on boots with the thicker, hiking socks will give you a better idea of the fit. Guessing if that little extra space will suffice once you have a thicker pair of socks on isn’t the best route.*Be prepared. Bring your hiking socks and any insoles or orthotics you will be using on your trip so you can ensure you are purchasing the right boot.
- Whether you’re trying the shoes on in a shop or have just received a new package in the mail, walk around in the boots and get a feel for them. If there is a set of stairs nearby or an inclined surface, walk up and down a few times; stand with your feet together and bend your knees.
- If you feel any discomfort at all while wearing the boots around, they are not the right boot. Any little bump or pinch may create serious blisters and hot-spots and can potentially ruin a trip by cutting it short due to discomfort.
- When shopping online for hiking shoes, it may be best to go with a brand you are familiar with so you are aware of the sizing. If you’re not familiar with any brands, check out the reviews on the product page for any tips for sizing. If you’re really not sure, you can order multiple styles to try them all out and do the elimination process from the comfort of your home.
Comments
Post a Comment