Fitting your walking boots for the very best comfort...

Here at The Walker’s Club, we have been out and about a lot on the mountains recently, and as walking and hiking enthusiasts we totally know and appreciate the need for a walking boot or shoe that fits correctly.

Ill-fitting boots can not only be uncomfortable but can also cause blisters and swollen feet – something you want to avoid if you are planning on undertaking some of our Scottish long walks.

The team at Hi-Tec Europe recently shared these key tips to keep in mind when you are fitting your next pair of walking boots…

Test the size

Once you have put on the boot, place your index finger in the boot behind your heel. There should be enough space to slip your finger quite deep into the boot.

If you are not able to do this comfortably – you may need to select a larger size boot.

Sit, tap and plant

The next thing to do is to see how your foot feels when the boot is laced up. Sit down and tap your heel on the back of the boot and then plant your foot on the ground.

Start lacing and make sure that you use consistent and firm pressure.

Get a feel

Stand up to ensure that you have a secure fit, and as you stand you will find the feel of the boot changes as you redistribute your weight.

Your foot will expand slightly, yet if your toes now touch the front of the boot, you are going to need a bigger boot!

Walk around

The next step is shifting your weight around – so start walking around the room and seeing if the boots support your weight as it moves – imagine that you are tacking uneven terrains, does your foot feel supported.

Get stuck in

Squeeze any parts of the boot that bulges outwards or feel loose. Ideally, there should not be any empty spaces – the boot should fit your foot snugly. Blisters and rubbing will occur where there are loose or ill-fitted areas.

Check the flex

Stretch forward and place your weight on the balls of your feet. Does the shoe flex slightly with you? If you see too much-creased fabric that is a certain sign that the boot is much too big, so try again with a smaller size.

Hints and tips for extra comfort

Use moisture-wicking socks on rainy walks to avoid any discomfort in your boots due to dampness.

Make sure that the tongue of the boot is centrally placed when lacing your boots.

Get yourself a good pair of insoles to add some extra cushioning under your feet.

If you have uncomfortable pressure points on your boot – keep in mind that not all eyelets need to be laced, you can skip eyelets and alleviate extra pressure on the top of your feet.

We hope that you found these tips helpful, we certainly did – and that you are now ready to join us on the beautiful hills of Scotland.

If you are keen to get started with a brand-new pair of boots, then we have a little something to help our Walkers Club friends and fans. Hi-Tec Europe has given us an exclusive discount code which, when entered at check-out, will discount 25% off your total basket.

That is not just on boots – but any Hi-Tec Europe items!

Make sure to head to www.hi-tec.co.uk and enter THEWALKERSCLUB25 code when you get to check out.

Happy walking. See you soon! The Walkers Club Team