There is nothing like a new pair of hiking boots to get you excited about hitting

those backcountry trails.  Just the look of them says outdoors and adventure. 

Everyone knows what they represent.  A good pair of sturdy boots is the most

important piece of gear a hiker can have because without them you cannot get very

far.   Finding quality boots is very important.  They can mean the difference

between a hike from hell and a hell of a  hike!   I will probably always echo the

Boy Scout motto whenever I can and that is “Be Prepared”.  By being prepared with

new hiking boots that simply means – break them in properly before going hiking! 

 

You want your feet to be protected from the rigorous terrain often found on the

hiking trails.  Hikers encounter everything from rocks, mud, uneven surfaces,

water, unexpected holes, thick brush and various obstacles along the path.

Wilderness trekkers can expect to run into even rougher terrain.  Along with

great quality you want a perfect fit for your foot. They should feel snug but not

tight as boots tend to loosen up as they get broken in.  If they are too loose or

too tight then you will have friction which is a definite cause of blisters.  You

need to be able to wiggle your toes freely yet feel a snug ankle support that

does not rub or pinch. A boot that does not fit well can cause all sorts of

problems.  Also remember that men’s and women’s feet are different in many ways

and women should not opt for a scaled down version of a man’s boot but rather

purchase one specifically designed for the female foot to insure a better fit. 

 

Once you’ve found the perfect boot that is the right price,look and fit then it’s

time to break those babies in.  Warning:  if you do not break them in prior to

hiking you may end up with serious injuries and pain. Having foot pain can alter

the way you walk and cause leg and even hip or back pain.  So taking this topic

seriously will result in a better outcome for you.

 

The best way to break in new boots is to do it gradually.  Start out by wearing

your boots for short periods of time  with the same socks you will be wearing to

hike in. Just putz around your house wearing them for a day or two and see how

they feel.  If there are no tight spots or rubbing proceed with wearing them

outside a few times when you do some light errands or yard work or just walking

your dog.  The key is to gradually put some mileage on them and allow the boots

to loosen up and relieve some of the new stiffness.

 

Depending on the type of boots, it may take longer to break in and soften some

heavy duty leather types or it may be quicker if you have a lightweight model

that is not so rigid and stiff or even made of non-leather. There are many types

and styles of boots today.  Leather hiking boots are for more rugged trips like

backpacking or longer hikes while hiking shoes are often more comfortable,

lightweight and intended for use during dayhikes. Many of the dayhiker shoes are

made of mesh and nylon and can be worn immediately like a tennis shoe. 

 

 If you search the net you will find references to a variety of ways that people

like to break in new boots.  Some use saddle soap and mink oil, Nikwax or

NaturSeal leather conditioner, Neatsfoot oil, or alcohol and water. Some swear by

getting them soaking wet and wearing them until they dry and conform to the shape

of your foot.  Some methods may work, some may not but gently breaking boots in by

wearing them over time will definitely work and costs nothing.

 

If your current boots are so comfy and broken in and feel perfect but have seen

better days, then it’s time to start slowly breaking in a  new pair while you

still have your old kickers to rely upon.  Before you know it they’ll be in

perfect hiking shape too! It’s always hard to give up those old boots that you’ve

spent miles of time with – it’s like losing an old faithful friend.

 

Before your trip you should purchase some moleskin at the local pharmacy to add

to your first aid supplies that you should have in your pack anyway (remember -be

prepared!) . If during your hike you develop a hot spot on your foot the best thing to do is

stop immediately and treat the area.  Remove boots and socks and allow feet to

rest and cool. A soak in a cool stream would be ideal. Shake out any dirt and

sand or pebbles from boots and socks.  Apply a soft piece of moleskin to the red

area.  It may prevent the development of a blister.    Change into fresh socks if

at all possible and/or apply some cooling foot powder.   

 

If you already have a blister do the following. If it has already broken, trim

away any loose skin and apply antiseptic to prevent infection and then apply a 

bandage.   Apply some moleskin or even duct tape over the bandage to lessen the

pain when you start to walk again. If the blister did not break, use a sterile

needle to poke it gently from the side to drain out the fluid. Apply antiseptic

and leave the skin intact as it serves as protection to the new skin underneath.

Do the same as above with moleskin and tape.  See a doctor if an infection does

develop. 

 

The socks you choose also play a very important role in your level of comfort

during the hike.  Cotton socks are a no-no.  They absorb moisture and when wet

will definitely be a source of chafing and blisters.  Choose wool blend socks or

wicking socks which are made with synthetic fibers that pull the moisture away

from your skin.  Also use a thin liner sock under your thicker socks to minimize

friction and rubbing against your skin. Throw an extra pair or two in your backpack – they don’t weigh much and can really save your feet when a fresh change is in order.

 

Simple but important tips: trim your toenails before the hike and make sure your

socks have no holes – two simple preventive measures that can save you some

rubbing that leads to blisters and pain. Also if laces are tied too loosely or

tightly friction again can cause blisters so tie them just snug enough to be

secure and comfortable.

 

This advice is also for anyone who buys new boots, especially leather ones -  

construction workers, military personnel, ice skaters, mountain climbers,

cowboys, etc.  Any new boots should be broken in so as to help it mold and

conform to the shape of your own foot and avoid causing you any pain from

blisters.  There are lots of techniques for softening leather and methods of

breaking in but for hikers the best way is to wear them and walk in them since

that is what you will be doing in them anyway ! 

 

  Happy trails and happy feet !  

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