Getting the right fit in hiking boots is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your comfort on the trail. This guide walks you through everything — from the best time to try them on, to checking the fit at home and keeping them in great shape for years to come.
Fitting Your Boots
What's the best time to try on?
Try on at different times of the day. Most people's feet tend to be more swollen at the end of a day or after a walk, so this can be a good time to try on new footwear and see how they feel. Others find their feet feel "bigger" first thing in the morning — everyone is different.
Take your time and don't rush the process. Try them a few times, ideally at different times of day. You might regret a hasty decision later… miles from nowhere!
What socks should I wear?
Always try on boots with the same socks you'll be wearing on the trail — the fit will be noticeably different.
Don't underestimate how much a good pair of hiking socks matters. Your usual cotton socks are not suitable — you need a breathable, wicking material that allows moisture to escape, preventing friction and blisters. Good hiking socks also have cushioning in the right places and flat seams to reduce rubbing.
Orthotics
If you wear orthotics or supportive insoles, it's essential to try them on with your boots. You can usually remove the standard footbeds and place your orthotics inside instead — but always check the fit with them in.
Should I choose my usual size or go up a size?
There's no single answer — sizing varies significantly between brands, and even different styles within the same brand can fit differently. You might stay with your normal size, or you may need to go up a half size. If you'd like specific sizing advice, get in touch with us directly and we'll be happy to help.
Will my boots loosen?
Like all footwear, boots will soften with use over time. The amount depends on the materials used. But remember — if they're too tight and uncomfortable from the start, they'll never be worn enough to break in properly.
How should I put my boots on?
Loosen all the laces before putting the boots on. Make sure your heel is right at the back in the heel cup before you start lacing.
Stand up and let your feet spread naturally into the boots before lacing. Lace snugly from the bottom up, pulling evenly with no loose sections, all the way to the top.
Always try on both shoes — it's very common to have one slightly larger foot.
How Can I Check the Fit at Home?
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Length (toes forward) — With boots laced normally and your heel at the back, your toes should not touch the front or feel squished. You should be able to wiggle them slightly. If your foot slides forward easily, the boots may be too big.
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Length (finger test) — Unlace fully and slide your foot to the very front of the boot so your toes just touch the end (don't scrunch). In this position you should be able to fit your index finger snugly behind your heel. If you can't fit a finger, they may be too short. If your finger feels very loose, they may be too big. You can also remove the footbed and stand on it — there should be just about a finger's width of length to spare.
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Width — There's no specific home test, but as a rule you shouldn't feel any pinching or pressure. Wear them around the house for 2–3 days to assess. If the sides of your feet or toes feel squashed, they're too narrow. If your foot slides side to side, they're too wide.
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Volume — Check the boot has the right volume for your foot shape, especially around the toes and instep. If they feel too tight when laced, there's too little volume. If there's significant creasing at the flex point or the eyelets nearly touch when laced, there's too much volume.
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Heel — Your heel should feel completely secure and not slide up or down (the number one cause of blisters). Roll forward onto the balls of your feet and back several times. The heel should not rise out of the heel cup. Try crouching and bending forward to check for lift at the back.
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Walk around — Wear them around the house for a few minutes. Do you forget about them? Or is there something niggling? If they feel natural, that's a great sign.
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Use your stairs — Walk up and down a few times. Your heel should stay secure. When walking downstairs, your foot should not slide forward with toes touching the end. Watch for excessive creasing in the toe box — if there's a lot, the boots may be too big or too wide.
These are guidelines, not hard rules — every foot is different. Overall, your boots should feel comfortable with no pinching, squashing, or slipping. If you need specific advice, get in touch or visit us in-store.
Aftercare
Good aftercare is essential to maintain comfort and extend the life of your footwear.
Clean
Clean footwear as soon as possible after use — especially after boggy or coastal walks. Use warm water and a soft brush or cloth. Specialist cleaners are available here. Brush out any mud, dirt, or grit from inside.
Never wash footwear in a washing machine.
Dry
Allow footwear to dry naturally in a warm, dry room. Do not dry near a fire, radiator, or in a hot press — this can cause cracking. Never use a tumble dryer, and avoid damp sheds.
Reproof
For full-grain leather boots, apply a leather conditioner or wax to keep them supple. For breathable/waterproof fabric boots, use a reproofing spray to maintain the DWR finish. If the outer fabric absorbs water, breathability drops and feet feel damp.
Toenails
Keep your toenails trimmed. Sharp or long nails can damage the lining or waterproof membrane of your footwear.
Orthotics
Check that there are no sharp or hard edges on your orthotics — these can cause damage to the boot's lining over time.
Need more specific advice? Call us on 066 712 6644 or email hello@landers.ie — or pop in and our in-store team will be delighted to help you find the perfect fit.
