Introduction
It’s finally nice enough to exercise outside! A good pair of hiking boots is essential for a healthy and comfortable hike. Your hiking journey will only be completed with comfortable hiking boots. Hiking will be more comfortable if you have a comfortable boot.
But what do you do if your boots are uncomfortable? Here are a few guidelines on how to make hiking boots more comfortable. In this blog post, I will cover from buying to maintaining your hiking boots. You don’t have to regret more after reading these tips. So, keep reading…
Why do Comfortable Hiking Boots necessary?
Comfortable hiking boots are essential for every hiker. Hiking long distances over rough or uneven terrain can take a serious toll on your feet and joints. So it is necessary to be properly equipped for the journey ahead.
Comfortable hiking boots provide the support and cushioning your feet need to stay protected from aches or pains. Moreover, good hiking boots can help to prevent falls, swelling, and other injuries by providing you with the grip and stability that you need.
Whether you are hiking up a steep mountain or trekking through rugged terrain, comfortable hiking boots genuinely matter and are an absolute requirement for anyone who loves to hike. By having a pair of comfortable hiking boots, you’ll arrive at your destination refreshed, energized, and fully prepared for whatever lies ahead.
How to make hiking boots more comfortable?
I am trying to remember how often I’ve felt pain during hiking for not having comfortable hiking boots. But if I had known these tips, I didn’t felt those pain. So here are some suggestions for – how to make hiking boots more comfortable.
Wear the proper boots
Wearing the proper boots is essential for making your experience comfortable and enjoyable. The proper boots will give you a relaxing experience and always feel like you’re starting the journey.
At present, I use Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots. This hiking boot is more comfortable than I expected before buying it. I choose this boot because it suits the most and feels better while trialling.
For finding the proper boots for you, it is essential to consider several different factors, including size, weight, materials, and features. For example, suppose you plan on hiking many miles or carrying a heavy backpack. In that case, you will typically want to look for lightweight but durable boots.
Wear the right socks
It’s essential to wear the right socks to make your hiking boots more comfortable. You need to wear comfortable hiking socks to feel comfortable wearing a pair of expensive hiking boots. In addition, wearing proper socks helps to cushion your feet and keep them warm so that you can enjoy the journey without feeling sore or sluggish.
I wear Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion Socks. I bought these socks after buying my boots. I saw that Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion Socks fit better than other socks with my boots.
Choosing the right socks is essential, as only some styles are built for rugged outdoor conditions. In addition, some materials can chafe or get soggy when they get wet. At the same time, other thicknesses might not provide enough cushioning.
When shopping for hiking socks, it’s best to look for high-quality materials that are durable and comfortable. Cotton fabrics are often a good choice, as they can provide plenty of ventilation while remaining soft and breathable.
Wear double-layer socks
If you’re seeking a way to boost the comfort of your hiking boots even further, I suggest you choose double-layer hiking socks. A good pair of double-layer socks can provide extra cushioning and help to wick away moisture from your feet to prevent blisters or other types of irritation. In addition, the double layers create a sort of “pocket” between them where air can circulate, keeping your feet relaxed throughout the hike.
Additionally, by keeping your feet warm and dry, these socks help to keep you comfortable throughout the course of your journey. With double-layer hiking socks, you can feel confident that your hiking boots will provide you with optimal support and protection.
Use Insoles
I use insoles in my footwear to make my hiking boots more comfortable on the trail and prevent potential injuries. The insole is thin cushioning material placed inside the shoes or boots to provide added comfort and support. Rubber, foam, gel, and cork are some materials they can be made from.
Insoles are particularly important for hikers who wear heavy or stiff boots. Those boots offer less flexibility and cushioning than lighter hiking shoes and may also cause pressure points to form over time.
By adding an insole, you can alleviate any discomfort caused by these pressure points, allowing you to focus on enjoying your hike instead of worrying about your feet. Furthermore, insoles can also help to reduce foot fatigue by redistributing pressure across the entire sole of your foot.
Heat the insoles
There is nothing worse than spending a full day on the trail only to feel uncomfortable and sore in your hiking boots by the end. My friend Michel faced this problem, and he felt that pain for many days.
To avoid this problem, I suggested he heat his insoles before heading out on a trek. The simple step can make all the difference, providing added comfort and support to your feet and allowing you to truly appreciate your surroundings.
Whether using a camp stove or simply placing them near a fire or heat source, properly heated insoles can help keep you energized and comfortable as you explore new sights and sounds on the trail.
Put newspapers in the Toebox
If your toe area is more comprehensive than your boot’s toebox area, putting some balled-up newspaper into the toebox area and leaving it overnight will help to stretch it out a bit so that your toes can be more easily accommodated.
Soft rubber sole
The rubber sole is the best sole for hiking. The rubber sole is more comfortable, flexible, and shock-resistant on a hard surface. Therefore, I recommend you buy hiking boots with a soft rubber sole that will give you more comfort than any other.
Stretch The Toe Box
A wide toe box is another reason why hikers gravitate toward the Altra Lone Peak series of trail-running shoes. You can stretch out your shoe’s toe box to give your toes a little more flexibility if you need a wider toe box. However, you can help some if you lace your shoes according to their wide forefoot pattern.
Wadded-up newspaper can be stuffed into the toe box of your hiking boots to stretch them. Leaving the newspaper in longer will stretch out the toe box if it is packed tightly, but if it is not stretched enough, you can try packing it tighter. Lone Peak shoes have a wider toe box than most shoes. So your feet may only need a little more space to feel comfortable.
Break them in
Breaking in your hiking boots means wearing them for short periods so you can get used to them. Leather hiking boots will stretch and change shape to better mold your foot very effectively – synthetic boots will stretch a bit but not nearly as much.
So wearing them for an hour here and there before you go off on your big hike will familiarize them with you and make them more comfortable.
How to break in Hiking Boots?
Your new pair of hiking boots will be more comfortable by breaking into them. My new boots were so tight to wear. By breaking in, I made my boots easy to wear. But it’s a question of everyone’s mind how to break in hiking boots properly. So here are a few tips below.
Wear Them Around The House
When breaking in a new pair of hiking boots, it is essential to wear them around your house for a few hours each day. Besides gradually working them into the shape of your feet, this also helps to wear the materials and break down any stiffness.
This will ultimately make your boots feel more comfortable on the trail, allowing you to hike longer and stay comfortable. So for a few days, hide your slipper away so that you won’t forget to wear your new hiking boots into and around the house.
So make sure to wear your new boots around the house for at least a few hours each day as you prepare for your next big hike to get the most out of them.
Go For Some Short Walks
To break in your hiking boots effectively, you should take some short walks at first and gradually increase the length and intensity of your outings over time. This will help to ensure that your boots form a close, yet comfortable fit around your feet, which is essential for enjoying a successful hike.
You’ll be ready to hit the trails before you know it if you take a few short walks around town after breaking in your new hiking boots!
What not to do with your Hiking Boots?
There are some so-called tricks or hacks that aren’t a good idea at all. Those so-called tricks will waste your time, and at worst, they could shorten the lifespan of your hiking boots. So, keep away those hacks from your mind.
Don’t Use A Hairdryer
There are many different methods that people recommend. For example, some people swear by insoles and special inserts. In contrast, others wear their boots as much as possible to get them comfortable. However, one method that should be avoided at all costs is using a hairdryer to break in your boots.
Although it may seem like an easy and efficient way to soften up and loosen up your new hiking boots, this practice can actually cause serious damage to your footwear. Not only can it cause burns or scuffs on the leather or fabric, but it can also warp the shape of your boots and reduce their overall comfort level.
Don’t Soak Them In Water
Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of soaking their boots in water in an attempt to speed up this process. However, this strategy often backfires, as prolonged exposure to water can weaken the material of your boots and lead to premature wear and tear.
Don’t Freeze Your Boots
Another so-called ‘hack’ is to fill freezer bags with water, place them in your boots and then put your boots in the freezer. According to the theory, the boots stretch as the water expands upon freezing. This may work, but it sounds challenging to control.
At worst, it could stress or even split the seams of your boots. Subjecting your new boots to such extremes of temperature is also unlikely to do the leather much good, for the same reasons explained previously.
Should Hiking Boots be a Half Size Bigger For Better Comfort?
Finding the perfect pair of boots is essential for comfort and safety. While some hikers prefer to go with a standard size, many experts argue that you should opt for hiking boots that are half a size bigger. This is because a slightly larger boot will give your foot more space to move around and prevent unnecessary rubbing and irritation.
Additionally, having some extra room in the boot will allow you to wear thick socks if needed, which can provide additional cushioning and warmth on cold days. Finally, your next pair of hiking boots can go up half a size if you’re looking for the best possible trail experience. After all, comfort is key in an activity like this!
Should The Toes Touch The End of my Boots?
Your hiking boots must fit properly. The amount of room your toes have is an essential factor to consider when choosing boots. It is generally recommended that the toes touch, but not overlap, the end of the boot.
This ensures a comfortable, snug fit and will help to protect your feet from bruises and blisters. If you tend to wear thicker socks while hiking or if you have particularly large feet, you may need to opt for boots that are a size bigger than your typical shoe size.
Will it be Comfortable Wearing Hiking Boots Every Day?
Many hikers might wonder whether it will be comfortable to wear hiking boots every day. After all, these types of boots are typically designed with durability and rugged performance in mind. As a result, they tend to be heavier and stiffer than typical shoes and often feature rigid soles that offer increased traction on challenging terrain.
However, take the time to select high-quality boots that fit your feet well and that incorporate comfortable features such as breathable materials. In that case, shock absorption features or cushioned midsoles, then wearing these boots every day can be perfectly satisfied.
In fact, many hikers find their hiking footwear much more comfortable than their everyday shoes, providing support and protection for their feet on the trail without the weight or restriction of typical work sneakers. So if you’re a hiker wondering whether it’s comfortable to wear hiking boots every day, the answer is yes.
Final Thoughts
Hiking Boots play an essential role in providing better comfort while hiking. Therefore, wearing comfortable boots is necessary. I hope you got many ideas about – how to make hiking boots more comfortable. If I still need to include something to highlight in this blog post, remember to comment below to remind me. Also, if you have any better alternative methods to improve hiking boots’ comfort, let us know in the comments.