If you’re planning to go hiking, then one of the first things you need is a good pair of hiking boots. That way, your feet have the support and comfort to go for long hours of hikes and walks on various trails. It can survive any weather, wet or rocky terrain, and your feet stay snug as a bug!
However, I know how difficult it must be trying to look for the perfect pair of hiking boots, especially when considering the size. How will you know if the boots fit well, or if they are too loose? Read on as I show you how to tell if hiking boots are too big!
Contents
How to Tell If Hiking Boots Are Too Big
The wrong shoe size can cause various problems, from increased risk of injury to discomfort as you hike. This ruins the entire hiking experience, which is why shoe size is vital when considering what hiking boots you need.
With that said, how will you know if your hiking boots are too big? Here are what you should think about when fitting hiking boots:
1. Measure Your Feet
You can opt to visit a shoe store to have a salesman to measure both of your feet to have a starting point on what boot size you need. You can also measure your own feet beforehand to save on time. Follow these steps:
- Wear your hiking socks and sit down, keeping the feet on flat ground.
- Put a piece of paper under the feet, with all your weight on it. Using a pencil, outline around your feet.
- After outlining, draw a rectangle around it by drawing lines around your outline. Join the top and bottom points.
- Measure the size with a ruler and refer to hiking boot sizing charts of your chosen shoe brands, as sizing standards may differ depending on the brand you’re investing in.
You need to measure both feet, as one side may be smaller or bigger than the other.
2. Lace-Up and Stand Up
I suggest that you wear the same pants and socks you would wear when going hiking. If you plan to wear various socks, then bring the thickest and thinnest ones with you when trying on hiking boots.
Now, try on the boots. The big toes should be close to the front of the boot’s toe box, but it shouldn’t be touching it. Press your thumb on the front of the hiking boots at the front of your big toes. If there’s at least a full thumb width of space between the toe box and big toe, then the boots are too big.
3. Roll Forward and Backward
Now, stand up and roll forward to your toes, and then go back to your heels, repeating this a few times. If ever your heels will move up and down in the hiking boot, then it’s too loose for you. Your feet shouldn’t be nudging or moving as it rolls.
The more your heels move due to a looser size, then the more likely that you’ll get blisters. Your feet will keep rubbing in the shoes as you walk on uneven terrain, causing the blisters and irritation.
4. Walk Uphill and Downhill
The store should include inclined ramps or chunks of platforms you’re able to walk up and down on. If not, then search for an area around the store with a ramp to test the boots.
If the boots fit correctly, the feet should stay positioned securely. If the boots are too big, then the heels will continue to move around your boots when walking uphill, and the toes slide forward to the toe box when going downhill. If the toes hurt as you move, then it’s either too tight or big.
5. Take a Stroll
You shouldn’t only walk around the store and ramp. You should also run and a brisk walk, pacing at various speeds. If ever you feel any poking, pinching, rubbing, or friction in your feet, then it’s too big for you.
6. Extra Measuring and Sizing Tips
Besides the tips mentioned above, here are extra things you should know about as you fit hiking boots:
- If you’re having trouble finding boots that truly fit, then try on men’s shoes if you’re a woman and vice versa. For those with smaller feet, you may need to try on children’s boots, though they may not be as durable. The minor differences in sizing can help you find the optimum fit.
- If the change still doesn’t fit well enough, then opt for a wider or narrower shoe width, if the shoe offers it. Also, you may want to change your socks, using seamless and padded ones to reduce any discomfort and rubbing to truly see if they are a good fit.
- Measure your feet or visit the shoe store to try on hiking boots at night. This is the time your legs swell most, so you have a better perspective on your size.
- I highly recommend that you purchase hiking boots in a physical store rather than online. For advanced hikers who have a gist on their hiking boot size and are loyal to a certain shoe brand, you can consider online shopping instead.
- If you need to use orthotics, then bring it with you for testing, which can affect the boots’ fit.
Read More: Can I Wear Trail Running Shoes For Hiking – Stay Safe & Comfortable
Are you still wondering what else you can look into when searching for the perfect pair of hiking boots? This video may help you further:
Wrapping It Up
Having the snug-fitting hiking boots will ensure that your feet stay comfortable and there aren’t chances of it slipping off. Furthermore, it can prevent injuries, so you are more focused on what’s around you rather than any discomfort around the feet.
I hope that my tips on how to tell if hiking boots are too big helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and begin your search for hiking boots using these efficient ways now.
Thank you, that was very useful