When hiking boots feel tight, do they fit?

Question

Please answer now 'cause I'm goin campin this weekend.

Answer 1

You must wear THICK L.L. BEAN or EDDIE BAUER type socks with your hiking boots.

Yes, they should FEEL SNUG -- WHEN LACED UP. NOT if they are not laced up. Generally, boots should be 1/2 to 1 size bigger than your shoe size to allow for big socks and swelling of feet during heavy use, to allow room to KEEP THE CIRCULATION GOING.

Boots that are too tight will be a DISASTER and could make your feet very, very cold, thus ruining your hike or outing.

NEVER!!!! Never wear thin socks. That makes you a candidate for a very big blister in addition to cold feet.

Take at least one extra pair of dry socks. Generally, you need one pair for every two days.

Nothing is worse than a blister with no way of treating it. In any group, someone is going to get a blister. Maybe your girl friend. She will be grateful forever if you have triple antibiotic ointment, assorted bandaids, including large and patch type, AND if you give her that extra pair of socks you brought, to replace her UNSATISFACTORY thin ones.

Take a pair of gym/tennis shoes to wear also, in case you slip while crossing the river and your boots become all wet. Your foot gear needs to be DRY. Build a fire.

Happy Camping!

Answer 2

It depends how tight you mean. If you are saying that they are cutting off your circulation and making your feet purple, then no, they don't fight. If it is a snug fit with firm support then yes, it is the proper fit. If you have too loose boots, they will be very uncomfortable to hike it.

Normally, hiking boots should be about 1/2 to 1 size larger than your normal shoe size. This is because of the fact that you should always wear THICK, PADDED socks when hiking. If you do not, you will undoubtedly get blisters.

The boots should feel snug when they are all laced up, less so when they are unlaced. When in doubt, it is better to get a larger pair than to risk the displeasure of having blister-covered feet.

Unrelated camping advice: I would get some Gold Bond foot powder or spray to keep your feet dry, and to prevent blistering. Bring another pair of shoes, not necessarily boots, just in case they get exceptionally wet and muddy (let's hope you don't fall into a river). NEVER wear thin socks.... ever. Set up your tent RIGHT AWAY... you never want to wait until the rain unexpectedly starts, or else you could be sleeping on a wet patch of mud.

I hope you havre a great experience this weekend... HAPPY CAMPING!

Answer 3

If you'd prefer to not have blisters, sore feet, sore legs, etc. and aren't planning on carrying more than 40 lbs of gear over 10 miles, then I suggest you leave your questionable boots at home and instead wear your regular cross training or running shoes, laced up properly, along with thin polyester dress socks available for a couple of bucks at Wal-Mart. Changing into a fresh pair of socks half way through the day is generally recommended.

I wear light shoes or Teva sandals on all High Sierra hikes, including cross country, bushwhacking, talus, scree, etc. I haven't had a blister in 10 years, nor any twisted or broken ankles of course. No trekking poles either. You don't need any of that stuff, just lower your pack, clothing, and shoes weight and you'll be skipping along the trail.

Answer 4

in my opinion, you should hit upon a length that matches truly effective and delicate interior the keep... and then bypass a nil.5 length up. Your ft will swell on the route, or you would want an more suitable pair of socks, quicker or later. i love my boots free. i purchased some that looked appropriate interior the keep, yet after some hours of trekking, my ft swelled and that i wasn't very pleased in any respect. Tighter boots actual grant you with more suitable blisters than looser boots because there is more suitable friction in touch.

Answer 5

I generally get my hiking / hunting boots 1/2 size larger and use heavy wool stockings. If I have the time, I fill 'em with shaving cream then rinse 'em out and wear them 'till there dry on my feet. I then rub 'em down with Neets Oil to put the water proofing back in. I learned this trick in the military.

Answer 6

Nunitak and the others have given some very solid advice. I would also bring some moleskin to cover blisters. It can be found in any store that would sell hiking gear.
Also, walk with the boots on for at least a few hours each day to break them in, it will help.

Answer 7

Yes, but not too tight to decrease circulation and hurt your feet prematurely. Also make sure that they are not loose enough to rub, because that will give you the most uncomfortable feeling.