The Important Process Of Breaking In Backpacking Hiking Boots

Breaking in backpacking hiking boots is an important task to accomplish before going out on that first trip with them. Because these shoes are designed to be sturdy, they will need time to mold to your feet and loosen up.

Other shoes like trail runners and hikers don’t need much breaking in. But it’s still a good idea to give them some breaking in before your trip. If you’re not sure what type of boot you’ll need, check out our page on hiking boots.



Below are the steps to properly break in your boots. It’s best not to rush this process unless you want to deal with blisters.

1. Make sure you’re wearing your backpacking socks and are using any inserts you plan to use.
2. Put on the boots and lace them up snugly, but not too tight.
3. Walk a brief distance to determine if any adjustments need to be made to the laces.
4. Walk around in the boots for about an hour or less than that if your feet start to hurt.
5. Remove the boots and repeat the process with gradually longer walks until they feel comfortable enough to wear for an extended period of time.

NOTE: Be sure to walk up and down stairs or an incline during this process. It’s also a good idea to take a brief hike with a packed backpack to accustom yourself and the shoes to the added weight.

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