Half a size bigger in hiking boots is undoubtedly a wise approach. The reason is when you hike or climb mountains, it is evident that your feet get swollen. The pumped-up feet need to be half a size bigger than the original. Just buying half a size bigger saves you from replacing your boot and keeps our hiking journey ongoing without interruption.
After knowing your exact feet size (according to the US or UK size chart), plenty of other factors help you pick the right boot that fits your feet snugly.
So, today I will tell you the right way to size hiking boots that never let you down on walking. Note that, for best measurement, it is always best to know your foot shape.
How to Size Hiking Boots? 8 Different Ways
There are different ways to find the exact hiking boot size that will benefit your foot.
1. Using Foot Measuring Device
After using the foot measuring devices for me and my kids, I am much at ease and choose the right hiking boot size with an intelligent foot measuring device. This method is new and yet the best and top on my list.
All you have to do is to put your foot on the device pad, and it gives you all the necessary measurements with a size conversion chart printed on them.
One good measuring foot device for adults and kids is given below:
My Choice
Burlingham’s Shoe Size Measuring Devices For Adults and Kids
2. Using Paper and Measuring Tape
Steps
- Measure the length of the foot. Put a blank paper on the ground touching the wall.
- Then place your foot such that your toe is touching the wall from the backside as shown in the picture below.
- Mark the on the paper where your foot thumb tip ends.
- Now measure the total length you just drew on the paper with a measuring tap.
- Measure the width with a measuring tape as shown in the picture below:
To correctly use your measurements you can use the chart below to compare it with online stores in order to buy your fitting size boot.
Men’s and Women’s Foot Measurement Chart With Different Units in Different Countries
From the above chart, you can do simple shoe size conversions to find out the right boot size for you.
3. Measuring Length
Checking the hiking boot length is one of the first things to measure its correct size. To properly check out if the hiking boots fit best for your feet’ length or not, measuring the length is an essential step.
It’s important to note that many people have one foot slightly longer than the other one. So when sizing the boot, pay heed to its length.
For that, slide your foot inside the hiking boot and fit it. Stand up straight and move your foot forward till your toes touch the end of the hiking boot.
Also, the room behind your toe should be at least one finger sung and best fitting. As you know, the room in the boot plays a central role when your feet swell after day-long hiking.
Luckily, there is another simple way to size the length of the hiking boot. Just measure the insole’s length by taking it out and standing on it. The extra space between the longest toe and the end of the insole should not be as wide as the thumb.
Please make sure to leave half an inch of space between the foot inside the wall and your foot thumb tip when you wear the boot tightly. It will avoid swelling of the thumb tip, and the hiking boot work well in snow or wet conditions.
4. Width of the Boot
The width of every person’s feet is different. Therefore, you should know your foot type in the first place. So the next step is to measure the width of the hiking boot. Usually, the insole of the boot will take after your foot shape. Both too-wide and too-narrow boots are red flags when you want the exact measurement in hiking boots since they can cause blisters.
You can also check the width by lacing up the boots after wearing them while keeping things not too squeezed. Moreover, hiking usually has 5% of stretch so if you choose half a size bigger (in width) it would be of no harm.
5. Do One Finger Test
In fitting boots, the finger methods always work the best to know if the hiking boot is too big or not. For this, slide your foot inside the boot until the toe touches the tip of the hiking boot.
Afterward, insert a finger behind the heel. If there is no room to slide the finger, you need to choose one size bigger.
Moreover, if you can slide the finger inside at the heel area, make sure you can easily wiggle it for comfortable fitting.
6. Wear Socks and Measure Them
Your boot size is different when you try them after wearing socks. For hiking boots, here is an exception. Therefore when you want to size the hiker’s boots without any doubt, try them while wearing hiking socks.
7. Heel Lift
For choosing the right size hiking boot, wear them and walk on your toes. Walking on your toes lets you know if there is a heel lift. When you lace up the boots, leave the upper of the feet a little bit loose and only tighten the area around the ankle to keep the heel secure. The sliding up and down of the heel will cause abrasion or blister.
Also, the boot should adjust to the feet within 1 month if you lace them up tight to avoid heel lift. Otherwise, they will cause abrasion.
8. Try Choosing at Night
This might sound like supersites, but the truth is your feet swell (a bit) at night due to day work, and they are sweaty too. So if you want the size of your feet for hiking and work, try the hiking boot at night, which will give you precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you buy hiking boots a size bigger?
Buying a size more prominent in hiking boots may sound odd, but it’s not. Your feet swell after wearing socks or walking for longer and continuous items, impacting the size.
It is suggested that you should choose a half size bigger than your original feet size. Although it should not be an obligatory approach, the large boot size will keep feet in a comfy position without putting too much strain. Plus, you can wiggle your feet, and plenty of room will help you to maintain natural feet position.
What size laces are for hiking boots?
The laces of the hiking boot must be in proper length to deliver better fitting and grip. As a rule of thumb, the hiking boot must offer you 36- inches of laces along with four eyelets. Whereas the 45-inches boot laces should offer size eyelets. If you choose the hiking boot with 54-inch laces, the eyelets must be 7. The most extended laces of the hiking boots are 63 inches with 8 eyelets.
Are Merrell hiking boots true to size?
Yes, the good part is, Merrell hiking boots run true to their size. That’s why you can thoroughly trust them for professional hiking in a natural environment that involves energetic walks on rocks or tough paths. Many enthusiast hikers, especially Merrell hiking boots, have claimed its perfection in size, which also feels comfortable for day-long walks.
Do Columbia hiking boots run true to size?
Yes, Columbia hiking boot is not a new name in the footwear industry. They always run true to the size provided you have picked accordingly. But if you do not know your “exact” feet size, Columbia suggests its buyers measure the foot beforehand.
Do keen hiking boots run true to size?
Yes, the keen hiker boots are known for their actual size and better fitting than regular boots. This is because the plenty of extra room at the tow area ensures your feet remain comfy even when they get swollen. However, Keen suggests you shop for hiking boots by going ½ size up from their regular size. This will make sure you get accurate Keen hiking boot sizing.
