January 11, 2001


How do I buy boots that fit?

How do I buy boots that fit?

— Jose Charlotte, North Carolina

Jose, I like your style; no lengthy preambles, no discursive introduction—just a simple question. And a darned good one.

Two ingredients are necessary to ensuring that boots fit well: A patient customer, and a knowledgeable salesperson/boot-fitter. Rushing won't do, and you've got to have someone who understands how to match your foot with the boot that will work best.

In general, here's the drill: Visit a boot store early in the day, when they're not busy and before your feet swell up a little from standing around and walking on them. Take in the socks you intend to wear with the boots -— liners and oversocks—rather than using the socks from the sock bucket most boot stores have on the floor someplace. Beforehand, do a little research on your price range and intended use for the boot (day hiking, off-trail, heavy backpacking, mountaineering, etc.).

Once in the store, find a salesperson and explain what you're looking for. If you have any particular fit problems, tell him or her what they are. Then, have the salesperson measure BOTH feet, not just one. Some people can vary in foot size by a half-size or more. Put your socks on, and start trying on boots. Try both left and right feet, three or four different brands (each boot maker uses a slightly different "last," the mold around which the boot is formed), and at least two different sizes in the boot that seems the best choice. The rule of thumb is that a hiking boot should be sized about a half-size larger than, say, your favorite running shoes. But that isn't always the case.

In the store, walk around in the boots. Kick something hard to see if your toe slams into the front of the boot; if it does, the boot may be a little short or wide. Expect some stiffness, but don't tolerate any obvious pressure points or pinches. You want the feel of a boot that is roomy across the front of the boot and in the toe box, but that hugs your heel gently. Leather boots -— particularly those with leather liners -— will "give" some and mold to your foot; plastic boots, boots with lots of fabric, or high-tech boots with synthetic materials such as Keptrotec will change little over time.

Once you get home, don't hit the trails immediately. Wear the boots around the house a bit to make sure they're still comfortable —- even sitting and watching TV with them on will help as your body heat will change the shape of the boot slightly. Then, break them in gradually. Hike around the block, then around the block twice, then a mile or two on the trail and so on. Try to get at least 25 to 30 miles on the boots before embarking on any really serious hikes.

And that should do it. A long answer for a short question.