Looking for new hiking boots? Here’s a key step: get the right size. Many folks often ask about how to tell if boots are too tight or too loose.
I completely empathize with these concerns. No one desires to make an investment in boots only to experience discomfort and foot pain after wearing them a few times.
Fortunately, I have amassed significant experience in procuring hiking boots throughout the years. I’ve acquired insights into the essential factors to consider when trying on boots at the shoe store, guaranteeing that you won’t find yourself with a pair that’s too small.
Ensure you read through to the end of the article to discover the subtle signs of too-small boots.
How to Tell if Hiking Boots Are Too Small?
Certain signs can indicate that your hiking boots are too small. These signs encompass experiencing pressure in specific areas, encountering insoles of incorrect length, facing challenges with toe spacing, and having insufficient wiggle room for your feet.
It’s imperative to identify and tackle these issues during the boot-shopping process rather than dealing with discomfort on the hiking trail.
In the following discussion, I will delve into the key factors to consider for each area of your foot.
1. Toes Crammed in Boots
Ensure your toes maintain a half-inch gap from the edge of the insole; it’s crucial for the right boot fit. If your toes extend past the insole’s border, the boot length is incorrect.
Testing for adequate toe room becomes straightforward with removable insoles. Remove them, stand on them, and check the space between your toes and the edges.
Another effective test involves walking downhill in your boots, simulating trail conditions where you point your toes downward. Seek a store with a ramp for this purpose, or when shopping online, use your home stairs to mimic the effect.
If, while walking down the ramp with tightened laces, you can feel the front of the shoe against your toes, it’s a sign to go up a size.
On the flip side, if your foot slips forward because of excess space, the boot is too large, which can lead to painful toenail problems.
To avoid such discomfort, it’s crucial to ensure your toes don’t overlap in the boot. If they do, immediately switch to a different size, as overlapping toes indicate an improper fit for your hiking boots.
2. Pressure on the Middle Of Your Foot
You should not feel pressure at any point on this area of the sides of your foot. If pressure is present on your midfoot, it suggests the boot is constricting it excessively.
Conversely, excessive movement isn’t desirable either. If your foot can wiggle too freely within the boot, it results in friction and rubbing, potentially leading to blister formation.
3. Pressure on the Top Of Your Foot
The top of your foot is another area where you want to check for pressure points. However, you can sometimes use lacing techniques for your boots or make adjustments in this area.
Keep in mind that as your boots break in, they will compress the insole beneath your heels and toes, potentially making this area feel looser than your initial impression. This effect becomes more pronounced when carrying a heavy backpack.
I’ve personally encountered this situation and found it quite manageable by making adjustments to the tongue or trying different lacing techniques, particularly when the boots fit well in all other aspects.
It’s worth noting that the extent of stretching during the break-in period can vary between different boot types. Leather boots, for instance, tend to stretch considerably, while nylon ones do not exhibit the same level of stretching.
4. No Arch Support
My feet have a high arch, so I need to consider this area when finding the best hiking boot fit. You want to ensure good arch support even after you correctly break in your hiking boots.
As I discussed with the top of your foot, the heel and the ball created minor depressions as you walked, reducing the amount of support for the arch.
I have to buy boots where my arch makes slight contact with the boot so that when this shift happens, it doesn’t create so much vertical space that it doesn’t provide support.
5. Your Heel Feels too Tight
You should aim to maintain a snug fit between your heel and the rear of the boot. Excessive space in this area can lead to heel slippage during walking, resulting in discomfort and blisters. To prevent this problem, opt for hiking boots with a minimal gap at the heel.
When you tighten the laces, your heel should lightly touch the back of the hiking boot, without causing uncomfortable rubbing. About a quarter-inch of space should be adequate. Stand upright in your boots to conduct this assessment.
6. Ankle Feels too Tight
Choosing well-fitted hiking boots is key. They should stabilize your ankle and support your lower leg. For ideal support and balance, your ankle should gently brush the boot’s sides.
It’s important that your ankle fits comfortably tight, but not too tight to avoid pain.
Make sure your ankle isn’t too loose in the boot, as too much room can lead to ankle sprains.
What Can You Do If Your Hiking Boots Are Too Small?
Unfortunately, if you find yourself with too small boots, there’s not too much you can do to fix the situation. The best thing is to replace your footwear with the right fit.
However, if you’ve already worn them outside or can’t return them, you can try a few things to help alleviate the discomfort, especially if you still have many miles to go.
- Loosen the laces as much as possible without causing sliding.
- Switch to thinner socks to try and create enough room in the boots and make them more breathable.
- Treat any blisters or hot spots by bandaging them to manage friction and prevent them from getting worse.
- Remove the insoles.
Numerous hikers, myself included, have experienced the common error of acquiring ill-fitting boots at some stage. Don’t be disheartened if it happens to you; it’s a typical occurrence. I’ve personally bought boots that I initially believed were an excellent fit, only to find myself returning to the store for a replacement pair after a few hikes.
Remember, it’s all a valuable part of the learning journey, and with time, you’ll become skilled at identifying fit-related issues before making a commitment to purchase new boots.
How Tight Should Your Hiking Boots Be?
When in search of the perfect day hiking boots, prioritize achieving a snug fit that’s not overly tight while you’re on your outdoor adventures. If, as you try on your hiking shoes, you sense any tightness, it indicates that they may be too small for your feet.
Understanding the difference between a secure fit and a tight one is paramount. A secure fit is an objective to pursue, as it furnishes the comfort and support necessary for your hiking endeavors. Conversely, a tight fit is more likely to result in discomfort and complications during your outdoor escapades.
Should You Buy Hiking Boots One Size Up?
Yes. Go a full size up when buying hiking boots. Boot size is different than your regular shoes, and you also need to account for the thickness of your socks, as you generally do not wear thin socks while hiking.
Also, try on boots at the end of the day if possible, so your feet have time to swell a bit.
Of course, sizing varies by boot manufacturer, but I find that this suggestion makes a good general rule across hiking boot brands.
Salomon and Merrell make great-fitting hiking boots for women and men in full-grain leather and synthetic options that most hikers find comfortable.
Wearing small hiking boots can result in long-term consequences. Chronic foot pain and discomfort are common, while cramped boots can contribute to sweaty feet, fostering an environment prone to issues such as fungal infections and persistent discomfort.
When wearing small hiking boots, pressure points can develop in various areas of the foot. Common spots include the toes, sides of the feet, heels, and the ball of the foot. These pressure points can lead to discomfort, blisters, and foot pain.
