The smell of newly purchased hiking boots makes you want to go on an adventure right away. However, new boots require time to contour to the shape of your feet, and you should wear them for several hours before you depart. If this is your first time in the mountains on a trek, this guide on how to break in hiking boots is for you. Continue reading to avoid blisters and have a pleasant, pain-free mountain trekking trip.
Breaking in your hiking boots is essential before you traverse those muddy routes and add additional dirt between those wavy treads. Here are a few pointers to consider before venturing into the woods to hike to a picturesque location.
Obtain a Good Fit
The link between you and your hiking boots begins the moment you walk into the store. Get a pair that has a snug fit to reduce wear and tear and to provide comfort on your adventurous adventures.Keep in mind that as you wear your boots, they will stretch. So, if you buy a shoe that is a little too big, try going down to a pair that fits snugly. Ask the salesman or read the reviews to validate the stretch and fit. Put on a pair of woollen socks if you're going to be in a cold setting.
Walk Around in Your Boots
It takes a long time to become used to your footwear. However, wearing them for a long time before your hiking trip can help loosen them and fit you perfectly. The journey of a pair of shoes to your next adventure starts right from inside your home. Right after you get your hiking shoes, start wearing them inside the house, go to the market wearing them, and let them contour to the shape of your feet.
Also, it will help your boots recognize the shape of your feet when you move. Leather hiking boots for men can take a little longer than usual to soften the cushions and provide proper ankle support. Strolling around in the new pair can tell you if they are rubbing on any one side. If they do, go ahead and exchange them for a new pair that fits you and doesn't cause shoe bite.
Don't ignore any pain.
Check for pain and discomfort the first time you wear new boots, or even after a few days of walking in them. Wearing shoes can cause even minor discomfort to grow into excruciating pain, resulting in blisters on your feet. This is the very last thing you want to happen on a hiking expedition. To be safe, seek for ways to repair it, such as swapping it for a new pair or adding some elements.
If you're experiencing pain around the base of your feet, try some soft insoles with sweat-wicking properties. While wearing leather boots, add heel cushions or gel to soften harsh sports. These minor adjustments can save you a lot of suffering, so don't rely on your shoes to become comfy on their own. You must break them in before you can form them to the contour of your feet.
Don't Try Water Tricks
It takes time to break in some of the best hiking boots, especially leather boots. These boots may not be very comfy if you do not have the patience to wait a short period of time. People, on the other hand, need faster and more immediate effects, which is where the water trick comes in.
A widely disseminated hack in which they discuss soaking your shoes with water or wearing your boots with damp socks as an easy hack on how to break in hiking boots. As revolting as it may seem to the ears, the end outcome is almost certainly that horrible. Why put a decent branded pair of hiking boots at risk by submerging them in water for longer periods of time? It is preferable to wait and walk in them around your city or while walking your dog.
Take them Out
Now that the majority of the prep work for the first trek has been completed, it's time to put those boots on and explore the real world. Let’s go outside and check if these tricks on how to break in hiking boots actually work or not. Visit the outside area and assist them in understanding the trail and your foot position to become more comfortable.
To begin the acclimation of your boots, begin slowly and on slightly steep terrain, gradually rising to help those boots stretch. Most hiking boots for women require time to mould to their surroundings, but they will do so gradually. Consider your degree of satisfaction after wearing them, and if it still falls short in some manner, strive to correct it to avoid pain and discomfort.
Tips to prevent Blisters
These are some tips you can try to eliminate anything that produce friction from the interior of the boots. Here are a few things that hikers do to prevent blisters -
- To prevent sharp edges, they trim their toe nails.
- If there are callouses, apply a heavy moisturizer to soothe the area.
- Wear socks that wicks sweat away
- Once you reach base camp, remove your shoes and walk barefoot to provide relief
- Remove annoying debris if any before you start hiking
If you do everything correctly, you'll be scaling enormous mountains in these boots. When you return from your hike after following all of these measures, you will sense true comfort. Invest in a reputable hiking brand to obtain boots and follow this guide on how to break in hiking boots to help them last long.
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