How to Break in a Pair of Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are necessary equipment for anyone who wants to hike in rocky conditions, colder weather, or anywhere that might have standing or running water. New boots are usually not intended for trail use right out of the box. Avoid potential discomfort by following these steps to break in your new shoes.
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Instructions
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Buy a quality pair of hiking boots or get a like new pair from a friend. If the boots are not waterproof, purchase and apply waterproofing material. A quality pair of boots will likely cost around $100. Now is not the time to pinch pennies, a quality pair of boots will last hundreds or even thousands of miles.
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Make sure the boots fit comfortably while wearing hiking socks. Many make the mistake of trying on hiking boots while wearing tube socks, then find out that they are too tight when wearing wool or hiking socks.
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Walk around in the new boots while wearing the socks that you plan to hike in. Stairs make the best obstacle to walk up and down. Walk slowly up the stairs, making sure the sole is constantly bending with each step. Walk faster down hill and make sure that your toes are not too cramped in the boots.
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Walk outside in the new boots, making sure that you are going up inclines and over stumps, curbs or any step-like obstacles. Find one good curb or step and continually step up and down. Try rocking one foot at a time at the apex of the step. This will help to break in the new boot's sole.
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Walk in streams or standing water in your boots. If the boots are not waterproof or at least water-resistant, then it is better to find out in a controlled environment as opposed to in the harsher conditions of a backcountry trail. Walk from inclines to water and back to inclines. This will help determine if the water form the streams will work its way into the boots while going up a hill.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not worry if your boots get scuffed or scratched while breaking them in. If you plan to take them into a backcountry, this will happen eventually.
It is never a good idea to take a pair of boots from the box to a trail. Blisters will likely appear within the first mile or two. Wool socks will help prevent blisters but if you have not properly broke in your boots, the socks will just avoid the inevitable painful spots.
