How to Properly Fit Hiking Boots

One of the biggest issues we find with hiking boots is the fit. There are plenty of reputable brands out there and honestly they are all good for different reasons, but nothing trumps fit. Often times you might be a different size from one brand or model to another, and you'll almost always be a different size when going from a sneaker to a hiking boot or shoe. In this video we go into a few things you should look for when selecting your next pair of hiking boots or shoes.

FYI- All of these tips apply to work boots as well, and many are applicable to running shoes and other types of performance footwear too.

[RioLajasWolF]

I honestly think this is the best review of it's kind. Thanks for the info.

So simple yet so effective. If I was a sportswear store manager, that video would be a must to my new employees training!

[Thattheretim]

New hiker here, haven't even bought proper boots yet so I wanted to find out all I could about what to look for when buying a pair - this video is fantastic. Thanks!

[mj-cdlk]

I know this is a few years old now but this is the most informative video for boots I’ve ever seen 👏🏻👏🏻 thank you for this, some brilliant advice here and you’ve helped me big time.

[mark]

Probably the best fitting advice I've heard about any shoe-fitting, let alone hiking boots - cheers for the detail!

[carlosfedericolopezspindol]

All tips are excellent, but the best I’ve learned from experience is (while I also test the tips here) I put the boots at the store and walk around, if possible I try lacing them again and again while also using a ladder to simulate going downhill (a good store should have them). This way you also learn which model do actually fit you best (first priority), then maybe style and looks as second priority. I found that while I liked a lot Salewa or some models from La Sportiva, only Zamberlan felt best on my feet and some La Sportiva were good also but not all. Feet anatomy is different in everyone and I need good arch support and some heel height, medium snug feel at the bridge and space for my toes but not empty space, I have small fingers. Another thing is that buying online should only be done if the change/return policy is good and if you don’t lose on import/shipping costs. Good luck! I’m a newcomer yes.

[rachel.isabelle]

This was VERY helpful...I had a feeling the shoes I got may have been too small but I wasn't sure until seeing this. The guy at the shop didn't seem to care or help much at all lol

[joeschmo]

That display rack of socks... I worked at a place called Paper Box and Specialty in Sheboygan, WI. Our products were folding cartons and display boxes. We made products for that Wigwam company at 5:28,
does that bring back memories.

[samdomke]

Strolled through all of Youtube and I must say, this video is THE best out there regarding the fit of hiking boots!

[aldomiro]

Excellent! Intelligent, knowledgeable, well articulated presentation, and a pleasure to watch and listen to. One of the most helpful videos I've seen. Many thanks from me and my feet.

[megweb]

The width lining up bit was such a "well duh" moment but I absolutely needed to hear it, lol! Thank you for going over those fine and fiddly details! Great, concise video!

[ASoloCreations]

I tired taking the insole out method thank you so much!

[TwisterWizzleNineThousand]

Very chill guy, explaining basic shoe fitment to us with a lively attitude. If there were more school teachers like him, there wouldn't be a single student with a grade below a B-.

[chirsbom]

I am going to up one on the socks, get two pairs. One thin liner, one medium or thicker insulation / cushining sock. This is the best wayto avoid blisters, socks rubbing against each other rather than against your skin. Where I am from a hunter trick is to wear thin womans nylon socks as a liner. This is even used at polar expeditions, just to avoid that skin rub. The outher sock is for warmth or comfort.

[nokomaoutdoors]

When you use a brannock device measure for your arch!! Because the support it so much more pronounced in hikers it’s more important to make sure your foot is getting the proper support. It’ll usually fit exactly how you want it and how you explained in the video lol (space up front in the toe box for your toes to splay out and it’ll give your toes room that when you’re walking down a steeper hill that they aren’t hitting the end) the other thing is lacing is very important in securing the foot back but one of the biggest things to make sure your foot isn’t sliding forward is making sure your arch is in the right spot. If it’s to far back then it’ll be hitting your heal which would throw the alignment of your body off. If it’s a good fitting arch it’ll create a locking feature that secures your foot not allowing it to slide forward! ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE BALL OF YOUR FOOT IS SITTING AT THE WIDEST PART OF THE BOOT!! So many customers don’t understand this and refuse help. Great video you explained it perfectly

[kamiltrzebiatowski]

Fabulous. I wear Smartwool merino socks - no blister in 48 months.

[dandodanderson]

Yo that super helpful! You just saved me 200 bucks having to return my 2nd order. I have a ton of boots, but I always get “new boot doubt”. Thanks again. Also, darn toughs are the way to go man. Tried and true for me. I wear them to hunt, hike, and I climb radio towers all year long. Worth it.

[PatsyMellen]

When we went to Cabela’s for our new hiking boots they didn’t offer any suggestions. Very disappointing. I did buy a good pair of Merino wool hike/trek socks and a pair of Keens. Definitely will wear them to the grocery store and hopefully get them wet to form to my foot. Thank you!

[Mauser]

Just getting ready to go find some boots and wanted to see if I forgot anything, being open to suggestions and tips I found this to be great advice. Actually put my wool socks on and reminded me that I will need to get another wool insole for my secondary set of boots that I buy today/soon as I head out shopping. Thank you.

[tlalexander]

Thank you for this video! I am relieved to find out that I chose the correct fitment for my new Keen boots. This is my first pair of hiking boots but not my first pair of boots in general. I was a little worried I may have bought half a size too big, but I knew after wearing them for a while that they feel pretty awesome even though I had some room left in front of my toes. I didn't realize before this that a little extra room is actually what you want.