Tips for trying on trekking boots
IMPORTANT: On a trek, always take only your worn-in, tested boots; you shouldn’t buy them, for example, in Kathmandu 2 days before the trek, before the trek to Everest Base Camp.
BRAND: Don’t think about it — it doesn’t matter what your friends are wearing. What matters is how you feel when trying it on.
WHEN TO MEASURE: It is better to try on boots in the store in the evening – by evening the foot will swell and be wider, which imitates its condition on the route.
HOW TO MEASURE: Take two pairs of trekking socks. One thinner one to get an idea of how the boot will fit when walking in hot weather. The other one is of moderate thickness to determine the fit of the shoe in cold conditions.
HOW MANY MODELS TO TRY ON: Try on as many models as possible from the category that suits your goals and objectives. Even within the model range of one manufacturer, there may be different lasts. A large selection will increase the chances of finding the pair that will suit your foot.
WHAT SHOULD YOU FEEL DURING THE FITTING?: When trying on the shoes, the toes should not touch the toe when the shoes are laced tightly. A toe that is not loose enough can cause swelling, calluses, and knock your toes down on long descents. To assess whether there is enough free space in front of the toes, you can slightly unlace the shoe and move your foot forward as far as possible. The freed up ‘reserve’ should be 0.5-1 cm for boots for light and medium trekking, and 1-1.5 cm for heavy trekking.
THERE ARE DOUBTS ABOUT CHOOSING THE SIZE: If you have doubts about choosing between two close ‘half’ sizes, give preference to the larger one, as your foot may swell significantly during hikes.
FOOT POSITION: Pay attention to the position of your feet in laced boots – they should not shift back and forth, the heel should not ‘slosh’. Do not try to fix a too narrow foot in a wide boot by tightening the lacing as much as possible. It is desirable that there be room for adjustment along the route.
ONCE AGAIN ABOUT FITTING: When trying on, try walking around in the most comfortable boots for you in combination with socks of different thicknesses in order to achieve a precise fit. Boots for heavy trekking suggest the use of thick and high socks. Walk around the store in boots. Use ladders and inclined pedestals (if available) in order to simulate the ‘behavior’ of the foot in the shoe on ascents and descents. If everything is OK, then this is your model, buy it!
Good luck and see you on the toute!
Author: Julia Argunova