how much bigger should hiking boots be? half size? whole size?

Answer 1

I work in the footwear department at REI and this is the advice I would give any customer.
Boots should fit "you" plain and simple. First of all, always try on boots with the socks you plan to wear while using them. Many places offer try-on socks in case you forget yours. The boots should fit snugly and not be constrictive around the foot. There should be little to no slippage, especially in the heel. You want to allow for a little bit of room in the toe, but not so much that your foot is moving a lot. And you don't want your toes to jam into the front of the boot when you take a step or go downhill. At REI we have an artificial incline to help test for heel and toe problems. If you have any other questions, go to the Expert Advice portion on REI.com or visit your local store.

Answer 2

I usually go a half size larger and a full size wider when I buy new boots. Wear the socks that you will be hiking in when you try your boots on.As a rule you should wear two pairs of socks ; a thin pair under a thick pair. Make sure that your toe nails are cut short. Standing up with your boots laced, you should be able to slide two fingers down the back of your boots along your Achilles tendon all the way to your heel.
Finally with your boots laced you should kick a wall -hard. If your toes crunch after doing that , they will also crunch coming down some nasty talus/scree slope ,so try on a different pair.
Enjoy

Answer 3

When you go the store to try on hiking boots, it is important that you wear those thicker socks you plan to wear when hiking. This way when you wear the boots around the store, you will feel that extra space taken-up. Very important, when hiking down-hill your toes must not touch the end of the boot. (causes bruising or soreness) Podiatrists tell us we should be able to curl our toes under when in a properly fit shoe. See that you can sit comfortably, also with the boots on, and that the collar is not too tight at your ankles. Try on several styles of footwear before deciding on one. The one you purchase to wear will be taking you miles from any road, so they need to feel comfortable.
Don't worry so much about the size-number inside the boot, find the boot that is the best fit for both your feet. You are the customer, and you have every right to feel satisfied at the time of your purchase. Take your time trying and deciding. Invest the time to get it right.

P.S. Get your boots a few weeks or months ahead of your long hiking trips - "break them in" by wearing them for maybe an hour or so at a time. It will be much easier on your feet when the long trail awaits.

Answer 4

Rule of thumb is ,,when buying hiking boots ,,wear the socks you intend on wearing while hiking,,,slide your toes all the way to the front and you should be able to put a finger inside the boot behind your heel,,,and you should buy them in the evening after you have been on your feet all day because your feel will swell. My favorite pair of hiking boots are Danner Radical's,,,,well made ,,,comfortable from day one,,needed no break-in,,,,,

Answer 5

yes at least a 1/2 size larger. but try them on first. shoe/boot sizes have been running small the last couple years I have been in and 8.5 wide sense the 80's I grab my size now and it feels like in slipped a vice on my feet. And I like to wear 2 pair of socks with shoes and boots. (I Love the extra padding)

Answer 6

half at the most and thats only if you plan on wearing more than one pair of thick socks. underarmour now makes socks which are great to wear as a second pair while hiking. they really help out a lot with friction..