Breaking In Hiking Boots And Avoiding Blisters
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Nothing puts a damper on a good hike like a bad blister. Such a small bump on the skin can cause extreme discomfort, and leave you limping the rest of the trail.
Andy Halliday, owner of Expert Camper, gives his insight on lacing techniques, sock choice, and more that ensure you have the most comfortable trek in hiking boots.
To Break In or Not To Break In?
It’s commonly known that for new shoes it’s good to ‘break them in’ by wearing them for short periods at a time. This is because many shoes, and hiking boots, are made from malleable material, like leather, that gradually form to the shape of your foot over time.
However, many newer hiking boots and shoes actually don’t need to be broken in. Many synthetic materials don’t have the malleability as leather, and have a little or no break in time necessary.
That being said, a good leather hiking boot is timeless, and it may be tempting to go on your next big hike with brand new boots. But your feet will thank you later if you press pause on the ambition.
‘Once you get your boots, put them on to walk around your house, garden or neighbourhood,’ says Andy. ‘You might feel silly but it’s worth the comfort down the road’.
Invest in Socks
Socks are the key barrier between your skin and the boot. Invest in good hiking socks. These socks should be thick and made from a material that wicks moisture from your feet, such as wool. Moisture control is key in blister prevention, so bring an extra pair of socks with you on your hike in case your first pair gets wet!
‘It just doesn’t make sense to wear boots that you’ve invested £100+ into, and then to pair them with cheap, everyday socks,’ notes Andy.
Powder Up
Before you put on your shoes or socks, it’s time to add one more layer of protection. Give your feet a good dusting of powder. This helps keep feet dry and keeps sweat away.
Do yourself, and others, a favour and powder your feet outside your car or away from any area you want to keep clean!
Sizing is Key
Sometimes, size is everything. Bring your hiking socks with you to try on boots for a more accurate fit. Make sure you’re not just sitting to try them on. Really walk around, jump a bit, and see how they feel and test how far your toes are from the top while standing.
‘Remember that your feet tend to swell during hiking,’ says Andy. ‘So if your boots are already tight with rested feet, it may be beneficial to size them up’.
Remember that shoes can always be altered with inserts. If you need arch support or any special support elsewhere on your foot, get insoles to put in your hiking boots instead of hunting for a boot to support that particular need.
However, if you have wide feet, gettin hiking boots specifically made for wide feet is worth the extra hunt. Narrow shoes will just blister the sides of your feet faster.
Lacing
How you lace your boots can really affect how the shoe rubs against your feet. Here are three lacing techniques to try, depending on where you need to make adjustments in fit and pressure.
1. Slipping Heel – Twisted Knot
For the top two hooks of your boots, closest to your ankle, twist the laces around each other twice before threading them through the eyes or hooks. This puts more tension on where your foot and ankle meet, keeping your heel in place.
2. Top pressure – Window Lacing
If you feel a though the tongue of your shoe is digging into the top of your foot, leave a square ‘window’ by not crossing the laces over the top of your foot. Keep them crossed by the toe and ankle so your shoes still stay together.
3. Toe Pressure – Top Skip
If your toes are feeling crushed, take a seat and completely take out your laces. Do them back again as normal, except skip the row closest to your toes. You’ll have a bit more wiggle room and relieve some pressure on the piggies.
Following these expert tips from Andy Halliday can significantly enhance your hiking experience by preventing blisters and ensuring your comfort on the trail. Andy reveals, ‘By focusing on proper boot break-in, investing in quality socks, ensuring the right fit, and mastering effective lacing techniques, you’ll be well-prepared for any adventure.’
