What size hiking boots should you buy? 

You’ve surely heard many times by now how important it is to choose the right hiking shoes. Of course, it’s all about the upper, sole, material, and other technologies that keep the foot comfortable and safe. 

It is also important to choose the right size – this is one of the key parameters. However, many people, especially those who are just beginning their adventure in mountain hiking, choose shoes that later turn out to be too tight or slip off on the trail. This is probably the worst thing that can happen to a person who is already in the mountains. 

That’s why in this article I’m going to give you some tips on how to choose the right size of shoes for hiking in the mountains. What size hiking boots should you buy? Find out! This way your feet will feel comfortable and you will be able to march on different mountain paths without much trouble and will happily return from the trip.

How to choose the size of a trekking shoe? Some helpful tips 

If you’ve bought shoes for a runner before, you’re sure to know that there should be space between the toe and the tip of the shoe. You should never buy fitted shoes. I bet that even in casual shoes you don’t want to touch the material with your toes. When running, your foot goes forward, so you may bruise, scrape or even have a black toe. 

“Ok, so what kind of trekking shoes should I choose? What size hiking boots will be good?”

Red forward to find out, it all depends on the season.

What size hiking boots for the summer season? 

If you like to go to the mountains in the summer season, then you should choose a bigger shoe size – one size larger than those worn on a daily basis. That much should be completely sufficient. You won’t have to worry about the boots being too tight. In the summer, we tend to forget about thick socks and rely on ordinary ones. Although in the mountains the temperature may be a little lower you don’t have to worry about your feet freezing, because thanks to constant walking they certainly won’t get cold.

What size hiking boots for the winter season? 

Should hiking boots be a size bigger for the winter season? The answer is yes. In winter, you must consider a thick sock when choosing the right shoes. This is an extra layer of protection against the cold. Therefore, you should purchase trekking shoes one and a half sizes bigger. This will allow you to comfortably fit your foot with a thick sock into your midsoles, and you will be able to travel comfortably in the mountains or other demanding trails. Such a protective layer will work even in well-insulated boots. Don’t let your foot get cold while hiking. 

Therefore, if you are going to stock up on trekking shoes for winter, go to the store with a sock. Put it on and only then start trying on the shoes.

What about even bigger shoes?

Even larger shoes are worth choosing when you decide to go on expeditions when conditions are very extreme – low temperatures, very difficult trails. Then it is worth getting trekking shoes even two sizes bigger.

Why choose such large footwear? The answer is simple. Low temperature requires good protection of the foot from the cold. That’s why it’s worth putting thermal insoles inside of the shoe and a thick sock on the foot. This way you protect your foot well against really low temperatures. 

What’s more, swelling starts to appear on your feet during really heavy exertion. Therefore, more space will help you cover the designated route more efficiently and comfortably.

Ordering trekking boots from an online store – what size hiking boots should I get?

There is one problem with ordering online. You can’t try the hiking boots beforehand and see if they will fit. That’s why you need to measure your foot carefully – carefully – before choosing models and sizes. 

Let’s start with the fact that it’s not only your measurements that count but also the time of day. Never measure a well-rested foot. Wait for late evening or the time after your workout. That’s when the foot is tired, maybe even a little swollen. That’s good because it will also be like that during a hike in the mountains or other demanding routes. 

You don’t believe me? Measure your foot several times during the day, for example, in the morning, when you return from work, after your workout, and before you go to bed. You will see how its length changes. 

To measure your foot well and buy training shoes you need a pencil, a piece of paper, and a wall. Put the piece of paper on the floor and stand on it, and put your heel against the wall, but do not press it. Relax your foot and start tracing it on the sheet of paper. 

Then measure the length between the tip of your heel and your longest toe. To make sure your calculations are right you can contour the foot again. If the length is good then great! Now you can find the right model and, thanks to the size chart on the Internet, choose the right trekking shoes.

REMEMBER: What did we talk about earlier? About bigger shoes. Think about what trails you need shoes for and when you will train. Do you already know? If so, choose from one to even two sizes of bigger shoes. 

When your order finally arrives and you already hold the shoes in your hands, put on a sock, and thermal insoles (if needed) and walk around in the purchased trekking shoes for at least an hour. Then you will see if you feel good and comfortable in them.

Size is the first thing to consider. It is an important measurement but shoe fitting may not be successful if only length from heel to toe is considered. Keep in mind that shoe sizing is not standardized so sizing between manufacturers is not consistent. Moreover, variability in a seizure may exist even among models of the same brand. 

Keep in mind that finding hiking boots that fit properly is much harder than finding a pair of comfortable everyday shoes. The reason for this is that lightweight trekking shoes are softer and more flexible. As a rule, boots should fit snugly around the heel, and ankle.

How to choose a trekking shoe in a stationary store? 

In this case, choosing a shoe will be a little easier. When you walk in from the store, you have many designs and models to choose from. You can also try on many sizes and decide which will be best for your foot. However, try to fatigue your foot before shopping – as you would do during your hiking trips. 

In addition, take with you to the store the thick socks you will be wearing on your feet when hiking in the mountains. Lace-up your shoes carefully and firmly and walk around the store. See if you feel comfortable and if the shoe fits perfectly. Walk around the store for a while to see if you’re sure these trekking shoes are right for you. 

You may find that both the smaller and larger size is good for you. In that case, it’s better to take the larger one. 

When buying shoes, remember to keep your foot tired. In addition, put on a thick sock, and if you want to go for a hiking trip in the mountains and challenge yourself against really extreme conditions then warm insoles. Always choose bigger shoes – depending on the season. Buy the boots of your dreams and enjoy every trip to the mountains.