How to Properly Fit Hiking Boots

[@RioLajasWolF]

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

[@chaarstore]

Thanks!

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

[@mark7023]

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

[@chaarstore]

Thanks Mark!

[@mj-cd9lk]

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.

[@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!

[@evzevz06]

Buy second hand first, its easier buying cheap and reselling them. Than buying brand new boots, wearing them once and not getting a refund and being stuck with essentially trash

[@aldomiro9779]

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.

[@samdomke3807]

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

[@chaarstore]

Thank you!

[@junkwon8388]

Perfectly explained. Nobody is gonna argue with this video.

[@ArloPear25]

No so fast. Have you met my wife?

[@joeschmo7957]

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.

[@chaarstore]

Pretty cool!

[@megweb362]

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!

[@chaarstore]

Thanks Meg!

[@carlosfedericolopezspindol3103]

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.

[@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-.

[@crowneagle2]

Thank you! It looks like I'm bringing my new boots back.

[@Mauser1965]

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.

[@dandodanderson1074]

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.

[@chaarstore]

Thanks man!

[@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

[@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!

[@philsmith2444]

That’s one problem with buying anything at big box stores, some have very knowledgeable employees but most don’t IME. When I was buying my first pair of actual hiking boots (I’d always hiked in basically soft-toe work boots before because my feet are so wide) a salesman at a local Eastern Mountain Sports spent about 2 hours with me finding me a pair that fit. Most importantly, he educated me on arch support, and how my super-flat feet caused my toes to splay out so much that even 3E boots felt too tight. Support the arches and eliminate that. I went with a pair of Asolo Fugitives and Superfeet Carbon insoles, after he packed a pack for me and told me to go walk around outside for a mile or so. I did break them in slowly over a couple weeks, and ended up having to return them because they were just a little tight at the end of the day. (This was back when EMS accepted worn returns, like REI does.) I ended up going with a pair of wide Fugitives and have never had fit problems again.

[@DonD-rb1mr]

Insoles are important for any shoe especially boots .. alot of factory insoles are very thin . U can either double up insoles or buy a thick comfortable one it really helps if you are walking or standing for long duration of time

[@kamiltrzebiatowski9331]

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

[@JonathanCogan]

Thanks so much really helpful

[@chirsbom337]

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.

[@tlalexander3]

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.

[@chaarstore]

Glad to hear it!

[@julianparks8485]

A good insole to replace the insole in a boot is the Spenco Full-Lenth Orthodotic. This was recommended to me by a podiatrist. It balances your foot if you have pronation. Also it protects the foot from puncture.

[@tonybennett4922]

The best boot fitting tutorial on KZbin, well done lad 👌 Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@chaarstore]

Thank you! Greetings from the US

[@beagon6420]

Thanks for the tips! Fit is so dang important. A well fitting boot changes everything.

[@jaytt4639]

Great review. I have to use toe socks and/or toe sock liner with darn tough sock.

[@stevelucier8346]

Awesome information. Thanks! I have the socks and for comfort around the home wear one half size larger shoes. Now speculating I might want to stay one half size larger to accomodate the thicker socks.

[@kmw7273]

Delighted i came across ths video,. Im actually going looking for hiking boots this weekend as we are hiking Ireland highest mountain in July and I don't think my current boots will be suitable for this so was hoping to upgrade to more suitable boots this weekend, will def take all these tips in mind and I'll also invest in a proper pair of socks and insoles.

[@chaarstore]

Sounds like an awesome trip. Have fun!

[@kmw7273]

@@chaarstore bought my new boots today, I followed all your advise and picked a pair that I hope suit me well, I was tired between 2 but if I hadn't followed your advise I would have probably gone with my heart but I felt I didn't hav just enough toe room and they were slimmer fit so went with my head and went for the other one which I had a bit more room in toe box, I also bought a pair of special high arch insoles and have now popped them into the boot. Thank you for the excellent but simple advise

[@chaarstore]

@@kmw7273 Glad to hear it. Hope they work out well for you!

[@brysonstansfield4904]

Great video with concise practical tips ... made a huge difference when trying multiple boots on! Thanks!

[@chaarstore]

Glad it helped!

[@j.pershing2197]

Just get Scarpa. 40 yrs and these boots are just awesome.

[@nokomaoutdoors7964]

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

[@dejanmarkovic3040]

You said exactly the same things he says in the video.

[@nickywhite_music]

That's absolutely the best hiking boot fitting guide there is! Thanks!

[@chaarstore]

Thanks Nikolay!

[@christheswiss390]

It is clearly NOT - but rather - the video is heavily flawed. Look at my comment above (which for "obvious reasons" went uncommented by the "content creator", and you'll notice right away that he missed the most basic and (imho) by far most important aspect of seriously fitting hiking and mountaineering boots.

[@TVinmyEye]

I’m a size 10.5 in most if not all shoes. Hiking boots however, I usually buy .5 larger in hiking boots and a full size larger in European made hiking boots/Mountaineering Boots

[@larissacherepova3997]

Incredibly helpful and thoroughly explained! Thanks so much!

[@rachaelb5465]

Awesome thanks so much. I've been having issues with a new pair beginner hiker here. Thanks for touching on width too.

[@radie1230]

I appreciate this video. Solves my exact set of concerns. Thank you.

[@ameeralabbasi1313]

I’ve watched many videos to learn how i choose my right boot size Spicialy for hiking. But honestly you are the best. Thank you very much and I really Appreciated.

[@chaarstore]

@amagi Thanks!

[@Mick_Say_Trail_Sports]

Great advice. Glad I watched this before boot shopping tomorrow

[@misacbanglay2076]

Thankyou for sharing your experience

[@Sharon-yk7xm]

Great information for any shoe

[@GlobalEltorro]

This is so helpful!

[@dwe243utube]

Just absolutely excellent video, as so many others have shared.

[@magnificus8581]

This is a fantastic video! How did I not know these things?

[@mishaberger]

At 5:50 you say the widest part of the foot should line up with the widest part of the shoe, and that it’s worth sizing up a bit for those two to line up even if it means more space in front of your toes than necessary. I have the opposite problem - when I get the right length and width shoe, the widest part of the shoe is closer to the toe than the widest part of my foot. If I downsize for those to line up, the toe box becomes far too tight. As a result, the flex point of the shoe is further forward than ideal, placing excessive weight on my toes rather than ball of foot at toe-off. Any advice? For some reason I only seem to have this issue with hiking boots, not running shoes.

[@chaarstore]

Hmm... Have you had someone check your foot measurements on a Brannock device? It's unusual, but from what you're describing, it sounds like you basically have really long toes relative to your arch length (arch length meaning heel of foot to ball of foot measurement). Most of the time when there is a difference we see a bigger arch length size than heel to toe length size. When in doubt, it's usually best to go with the larger of the measurements.

[@TanyaErvin-m6u]

Great job tyler ❤

[@eddiemathis412]

Great video however how does a person break in a boot if they are on a Thru-Hike like a Appalachian trail Thru-Hike.

[@chaarstore]

Break in your first pair before starting the thru hike. If you have to get a new pair partway through the hike just go with a little bit more padded sock (always use wool too) and stay on top of blister /hotspot prevention like you normally would. I personally keep some duct tape wrapped around a water bottle to cover up hotspots before they turn into a blister. Leukotape or moleskin work well too... moleskin is probably the least versatile of the options though since first aid is probably the only thing you would use it for.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Thank you a great informative video. Already using your advice as I have just brought a pair of new boots and I will wear them around the house before venturing outside in them. Ted

[@ObsidianFrog]

Solid information. Thanks

[@jcarden6615]

wow I learned so much thank you. you're the best!

[@mcankaka]

I was about to change my Salomon, cause my toe is little far away and shoe feels like one numb big and i’m not comfortable in that. But after this video, it fits perfect:) i have to see that after 6 hours a day with 3 days hiking, then i know i will thank this video again :)

[@chaarstore]

Thanks for the comment. Have fun on your hike!

[@taima6313]

How did it work?

[@mcankaka]

@@taima6313 i couldn’t test yet mate sorry.. but lots of people saying same thing.. if you hike for days it’s important, but if you just for 1-2 days for hiking you can just take true to fit foot numb imo✌🏼

[@jimm6339]

Thanks. I enjoyed the video

[@chirsbom337]

This is an actual good fitting video. Great work explaning this prosess. Thanks!

[@Yowzoe]

Solid info and super-useful and concise explanations - thank you!

[@rtype4930]

Excellent advises ! Merrell and Salomon fits perfect for me

[@9094mtz]

Thank you! 🙏🤩 Awesome video 👏👏 Of all the videos I saw on how to choose the appropriate hiking boots, this is the most informative and educational video of them all!! I saved it and shared it with my trail buddies! #Newbie🥾🥾🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

[@lou9029]

Thanks man, great info!

[@GeoCherian]

Probably the best video on this topic.Thank You.

[@AustriaGermany]

Great review - thanks !

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Excellent advice provided here.

[@PolarIre]

Mole tape skin, maybe moisturizer every hour, change socks often. Idk if lotion would work but blisters are from high friction so lotion and mile tape to fight that. For work boots normally an inch of stra space is a must but idk if that's best for hiking... You could say hiking is completely different but I could spend 10 hours walking through a construction site with hills, debre, mud, water, tiny ankle roll rocks. Who wears steel toe on trail?

[@lucie.markova]

Very clear video, thanks for all the information!

[@chaarstore]

Thanks Lucia!

[@IIGravityII]

This is really the best helpful video to find the perfect fit. It helped me a lot to choose the right size between two different sizes of new Salomon quest 4 gtx boots. I thought first EU 44 is right for me, but after your video it turned out that EU 44 2/3 is the perfect size. Thanks a lot for your great Video and eplanation.

[@chaarstore]

Awesome! Thanks & have fun out there

[@chirsbom337]

Funny how some think the Quest is for hiking, while others think of a full leather boot for the same purpose. I guess that is the difference in where we hike and under what conditions. When I look at REI vidoes I am like "but those are paths with well mainteined bridges, we dont got those, we have rockey paths at best".

[@musicgarden5324]

Awesome tips and info. Many thanks!

[@leemccracken]

Super useful video, makes everything very clear. Thank you!

[@gosiagrzesiak]

Very good, helpful video! All my shoes were …. Too small 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@chaarstore]

Oh no! Hopefully it won't be a problem in the future!

[@wendyhassam8353]

That’s been so helpful - thank you! 😀

[@swedge4852]

Buying a pair of hiking boots and I find this information very helpful. Thank you for a very informative presentation. And the last comments regarding socks was good to know. If not for that, I would be using the "cotton is rotten" variety. I appreciate your post.

[@chaarstore]

Happy to help!

[@rpotter99]

Thank you for taking the time to make this. Very helpful

[@trustymove]

An awesome video, well explained, genuine, not here just to sell or promote a product. Good on you, Chaar👍 Greetings from New Zealand!

[@miutzyh]

Thanks so much! Very informative and super happy with my fit.

[@chaarstore]

Glad to hear it!

[@snamitas]

Thank you for the informative video. The best one I found so far.

[@maryrobinson6204]

Excellent presentation, all the points I needed to hear about to get the right fit. Thank you.

[@juszczaq]

really informative! I just learned that my outlet Mammut shoes that I was woried I bought too big are actually a perfect fit! (got that thumb width on the insole)

[@marcjs183]

Great guide dude, thanks a lot, you helped me a lot!

[@outdooroutfitters3658]

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing.

[@markteague8889]

Where the arch support of the shoe / insole strikes your foot is just as important as length. If it’s too close to the ball it’s going to cause you grief and if it is too close to your heel it will equally cause you grief. It’s gotta hit the sweet spot right between ball and heel in the middle of the arch.

[@philsmith2444]

Yes, buy the one that fits your foot, not your shoe size, and trim the excess.

[@MIBIncomeEncourager]

Brilliant video .....advice is straight to point....no waffle.....superb detail...facts, practical...and genuinely helpful to people....

[@brixferera8938]

great advice

[@sylviatct7913]

Thank you so much for the great details and in depth explanations!

[@emilywhiting1009]

Really helpful video! Thank you

[@amypan6289]

super useful, thank you!!!

[@AAAAAAndreyAndreev]

this was awesome! thanks man

[@brianmorrison9168]

A very well presented video. Thanks !

[@SimplyIntoMyNAILS]

Really helpful video!

[@Dakota.Covers]

This is very educational video. Thank you!

[@samerhawamdeh376]

Unique review , but I wanna ask you about ecco boots , how do you classified them ,,,

[@chaarstore]

Not super familiar with Ecco, but pretty sure that's more of a comfort shoe brand than a hiking shoe brand - i.e. more for casual / everyday wear.

[@darreng1918]

Very informative, thank you.

[@МаринаПроцюк-л3ж]

Thank you for the video! Could you tell please, when I stay on tge inclined down surface in a store, should I feel the end of the boot or should I feel an empty space?

[@chaarstore]

When securely laced they should not touch the end of the boot.

[@МаринаПроцюк-л3ж]

@@chaarstore thank you💝

[@Realletsplaygrey]

Just got my first pair of hiking boots. For my right foot it sort of feels like my toes are smooshed. Should i opt for the wide version of the boot ?

[@chaarstore]

It depends… really the best way to tell would be to try on different sized AND different brands/ styles. most likely you need a little bit bigger size, but not necessarily the next wider width.

[@paulhogger8126]

Hi great post - which model of Salomon boots are you using in the video please?

[@chaarstore]

Wish I could tell you, but it's an older model that's now discontinued by them.

[@skylaraustin85]

Going back to the store tomorrow! Lol Boot felt GREAT for days but something is just off....pulled the insole out and it's literally the exact length of my foot!! Oops.

[@mufasawayne]

Thanks man! Great, succinct video.

[@adrianzamfir2663]

It would have helped to show also signs for too big / too small shoes.

[@maryrobinson6204]

watch it again and that is covered. snug on the sides, finger down the back of your heal between your heal and boot, take out the insole and one thumb with at the top of the insole is a good fit, etc.

[@DeepakKumar-sx5pi]

Which store you shared this review from? Very helpful review!

[@chaarstore]

Chaar, in Allentown, Pennsylvania: goo.gl/maps/MSkGAD9nFJE3bKme8

[@RnRHeath]

Thanks! Very helpful. One question. How much heel slippage is appropriate? Thank you!

[@chaarstore]

Really you shouldn't have any heel slip, but in very stiff boots it can happen if they aren't laced and tied snugly. So if you put the boots on and lace them up properly, but still get heel slip it could be one of two things: 1) the boot isn't the right size for your foot; or 2) the boot isn't the right shape for your foot. One more caveat, in a really stiff boot, if you try hard enough you will be able to get your heels to slip even if the boot does fit properly. So basically, don't try to force slip when evaluating, but do lace up securely and walk normally. Ideally try out walking on or simulating some inclines too to test for slippage.

[@RnRHeath]

Thank you.

[@kaibethcruz-philippe9592]

Great video, thank you!

[@Mr2pint]

Great video, cheers!

[@GuanxiChen-em9jk]

learned a lot, thanks

[@unown_]

6:29 I am also pressing a bit over the edge in my new shoes, light wise they are perfect but I have worn them for 2 weeks but they hurt my pinky toe thst is bulging over th sole of the shoe. What should I do? Does this break in or is the shoe too narrow?

[@chaarstore]

For me that's usually not an issue and it usually breaks in just fine. But every shoe and every foot is a little different, including subjectivity of what different people can / will tolerate and/or find comfortable. Some shoes break in faster than others too. I know this replay probably isn't all that helpful, but the truth is, without reviewing the fit in person with you it's hard to say what the right answer is in this case.