How To Break In New Hiking Boots

David asks…

Men's Hiking Boots - As Wide As Possible - Recommendations?

Hi, I have a US 9-10 foot, with a narrow heel and extremely wide forefoot. I will be going on a hiking trip in mid-September in New England, where it may or may not be wet and/or cold. If possible, I would like these boots to be also usable (non-slip and warm) in snow. Money is important but fit is more important. I also have podiatric orthoses, so I will need a boot with a removable insole.

I have looked at Ecco Track boots, and their size 43 is the right length, and feels just a tiny bit narrow in the forefoot. Will these boots stretch after I break them in? If my orthoses are like .5-1 cm shorter than the shoe, is that OK as long as the orthoses don't slip around?

Please also recommend specific brands and models. Thanks a lot!

Sonny answers:

Danner Mt. Lite II is a classical style boot that comes in many widths. They are tough as nails and extremely comfortable.

To answer the other part of the ? Almost all boots will stretch and shrink somewhat.

Sandy asks…

Can you wear military boots hiking?

I'm going on a day walk/hiking trip sort of thing next week and was looking for a pair of hiking boots and found a pair of military ones. The kind they issue in the army, remind of doc martens.

My question, would they do for hiking or do you need a proper pair?

Oh, and would I go about breaking a pair in in a week?

(A little random, just wondering =])

Sonny answers:

I used a pair for awhile they were fine just seem a lil heavy after awhile like 10 miles or so but they will work if your breaking them in in a week i would ware them every where

Paul asks…

Hiking Boot Hot Spots?

I had my boots professionally fitted. Of course, you have to fit to the larger foot, the left. So my right boot is just large enough to have some slop in the heel (buying a second pair of 1/2 size boots won't work, then the right is too small). Doesn't matter what I do for padding or socks--that heel slips and I get a hot spot. The boots are broken in (by a few hundred miles of trek hiking the Rockies) and I wear 2 pairs of socks: heavy, wool trekkers and a wicking layer. I've tried sheepskin padding, different types of socks, and different tying techniques to keep the heel down but it doesn't help. Any suggestions? Can I pad up in a different way? Or do I live with rolls of moleskin and "Second Skin" forever? I am an experienced, long-distant hiker so please write your answers with that in mind.
The number of miles in the boots didn't matter. The right boot as given me trouble from the start. I've tried duct tape. It sluffs off after the first quarter mile--probably the character of my skin.
I'm doing a 6 miler tomorrow, no pack-- I'll try duct tape again and be armed with the other accoutrements of my attempts to get a handle on that blistering.
Thanks BeachBum.
Any other ideas out there, guys?

Sonny answers:

Duct tape. Used it on the AT, it stays on, its super thin so you don't feel it like the thick moleskin, and its like having an armored layer of skin. You seem to have tried everything else. You can get new boots, maybe they are too broken in a couple hundred miles on rugged terrain can do that to a boot.

Mary asks…

What does it mean in scientific terms, when an object disappears then reappears?

I am looking for a scientific explanation from scientists please. I do not have a ghost or a roommate with a sense of humor. The last thing to happen to me, which happened today, is I have been having to tie my boots lower because the top clip was broken off of my hiking boots. Today I went to put my boots on as always and the top clip is firmly back in place as if it were never missing.
I am not on any medications, nor do I suffer from any disorder.

Sonny answers:

I think that would be Wittgenstein's Indeterminism.

Charles asks…

My hiking boots laces are always loose. Is there a solution?

If I run, my boots are wet or just in general, I have to frequently tie my laces. I buy cheap hiking boots usually for around $30. When I try to have strong nodes then I break the laces.

Sonny answers:

When tying them, go round twice with the first twist, then tie double loops. My kids shoes are always tight this way

Nancy asks…

How do I find the right hiking boots?

I am really struggling to find the right hiking boots, and I need to get some soon and break them in because I've signed up for the Oxfam Trailwalker- 100km hike in 36 hours! I get really nervous about going and asking advice in the shops, partly because I have size 9 (UK) feet, and I am a woman (all women's styles usually only go up to size 8), so I find it quite humiliating having to say that to the shop assistants. Also I'm wondering if having a man's style hiking boot will be bad if I'm a woman. Please help!

Sonny answers:

Here are some things you should know:
- You don't have huge feet. The reason they don't stock your size is probably because they sell more in the middle sizes, but that doesn't mean they don't sell any in your size. Active, athletic women tend to have larger feet than their high heel office or shop counterparts.
- You can wear a men's boot, but be really careful and picky when you try them on. The most likely problem would be that it might be too wide. If it is too wide, you are more likely to get blisters or have discomfort.
- For your hike, you probably want some lightweight boots, not all leather boots. Also get some sock liners if you can find them. They usually come in only white and black, but they can be life savers to wear under your socks and prevent rubbing and sweaty feet.
- Don't think twice about the color or style. It is all about comfort, and you will see people wearing every color and style of boot you can imagine. If they feel good on your feet, you will fall in love with them regardless of color. If you buy a pair based on looks instead of utility, they will sit in your closet and not be worn.
- No matter what type boots you get, take some moleskin or other padding with you to prevent blisters. At the first sign of rubbing, take time out to pad it so it doesn't turn into a blister that could ruin your trip.
- You're hiking with a team of 3 others, right? If so, ask them where they go their boots. There must be a source near you. The main thing is, don't go into the shop feeling like your feet are odd. If they can't help you find something that works well, it's the shop assistants that are odd.

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