How to Tell if Hiking Boots are Too Big

How to Tell if Hiking Boots are Too Big

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It’s pretty easy to know if a pair of hiking boots is too tight. But how can you ensure your hiking boots aren’t too big? Unfortunately, it is much more challenging to know if boots are too big than too small, especially considering that hiking boots should be a bit larger than regular footwear in the first place.

Yes, your toes will have more wiggle room in a pair of hikers, but there comes a point where you could end up with too much space, and this could lead to foot and leg pain and even injury. Keep reading to learn how to tell if hiking boots are too big.

Getting the Right Size

There are many reasons to ensure your hiking boots aren’t too big. For instance, this can cause injury and, at the very least, cause chafing, resulting in blisters on your feet and ankles. However, some simple guidelines ensure you are not getting hiking boots too large for your feet. First of all, you must measure your feet. You can have the measurement taken at a quality shoe store, or you can do it yourself by following these steps:

  1. Sit down with your feet on the ground while wearing hiking socks.
  2. Place a piece of paper beneath your feet, with all of your weight on the paper. Use a pencil to draw an outline around your feet.
  3. Draw a rectangle around the outline you just drew. Make sure the top and bottom points are joined.
  4. Use a ruler to measure the size, and then use a hiking boot size chart. Keep in mind that the sizing charts can differ between brands.
  5. Make sure you measure both feet. One is always a bit larger than the other. A good rule of thumb to remember is if you are right-handed, your left foot will likely be larger, and vice versa.

Lace the Boots

Ideally, when you try hiking boots, you will wear the same pants and socks while on hikes. However, if you switch between thick and thin socks, bring a pair of each to ensure the boots fit well with both thicknesses.

Try on a pair of boots. First, lace them, and then stand up. Your big toes should be near the front of the toe box of the boot but not touching it. Next, press your thumb in the space between your toes and the front of the boots.

The boots are too large if there is a half-inch or more (about a thumb’s width). Ideally, there will be less than a half-inch of space.

Roll Your Feet Forward and Backward

While standing, roll forward to your toes and then back on your heels. Repeat this motion three or four times. If your heels move up and down, the boots are too large, and you will end up with blisters because the movement will cause chafing. Remember, while hiking, you will be on rough terrain, and all the rolling will lead to a lot of blistering if the boots are too large.

How to Tell if Hiking Boots are Too Big

Walk Downhill and Uphill

A good sporting goods store will have inclined ramps or platforms, so you can try walking up and downhill in hiking boots. A good-fitting boot will remain in the same position, and your feet will be secure. However, if the boots are too big, your heels will move around while walking uphill, and your toes will slide to the toe box while walking downhill.

Go for a Walk

Walk around the store, varying your speeds from walking to running. If at any time you feel the boots poking, rubbing, pinching, or chafing, these boots are too big, and you will need to try on some smaller sizes until you get just the right fit.

Shop for Boots at Night

Here is something many people don’t think about when buying boots and shoes of any type—it is always best to try them on at the end of the day rather than in the morning. You probably don’t feel like shopping for hiking boots after a long day.

However, this time is best because your feet will be slightly swollen. Remember, your feet will swell a bit while hiking, so it is essential to ensure the boots will fit comfortably at all times of the day.

Conclusion

There are many things to consider when buying hiking boots to ensure you get the correct size. You may even want to look at narrower shoe widths and try on boots made for the opposite sex or children, depending on the size and width of your feet.

Getting the best-fitting hiking boots may take a bit of time, but it will be well worth it in the long run when you can hike for hours without ending up with sore and blistered feet.

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