Length: Get an exact measurement of the length of both of your feet. Getting an exact measurement will help you find the exact right boots since exact sizing can vary. Also, in some cases, your feet may be two different lengths and you will need to adjust for that when buying boots. Width: Width comes into play around the balls of your feet. If your boots are too wide, you’ve probably suffered from rubbing on the sides of your heels. Many people who get heel blisters have narrow heels due to the heel area of the boot being too big to snugly hold the heel in place. Volume: This is described in terms of whether you have a low, medium, or high volume foot. This measurement describes how bulky or skinny your feet are. Two people can have the same exact shoe size and width and still have a totally different fit in the same pair of boots. Having low volume feet can contribute to heel blisters because your foot will slide up into the extra room in your boot and let your heel lift from the sole. [1] X Research source
Talk to a sales associate at a local shoe store that specializes in hiking boots. Tell them your needs and ask for brand and style suggestions. Search the web for the specifics of your feet. Try searches such as: “hiking boot brands narrow heel wide toes,” “best hiking boots low volume feet,“hiking boots narrow feet heels. "
Wear the socks you’ll be wearing while hiking when you try on boots. This way, you’ll know how everything feels before you hit the trail. If you do need to buy boots online, get them from a retailer with a flexible return policy. Try them out by wearing them around your house and if they are not a good fit return them.
Consider trying on hiking boots in the evening, as your feet will be more swollen than in the morning.
Be patient and hike in small increments, gradually increasing distance and elevation gain, for the first 15–30 miles (24–48 km) you spend in your new boots.
Tighten the laces so that they are snug but not so much that the pressure hurts or cuts off your circulation.
Cross both of the laces over the top of the foot. Bring one lace over and under the other lace. This is the simple knot everyone makes when starting to tie their shoes. Bring that same lace over and under the other lace again. This extra loop creates extra friction that locks in the tension. Tighten by pulling the laces apart.
This technique will create a pulley system that will lock your heel into place.
This technique will allow you to have a strong cinch at the top of the foot where your foot flexes and heel slippage can be created.
However, double socks can make your feet hotter, which can make them sweat more.
Go to your local outdoor store or specialty shoe store and talk to them about what insoles might be right for you. [12] X Research source
This is most helpful if you have low volume feet that push up into the tongue area and let the heel come up as you climb.
Choose a product that is a balm, similar to the consistency of stick deodorant, and not a creme or gel. A creme or gel will absorb into your socks and will not be as effective. Follow the directions on the packaging, including how to apply the product and how often to apply it. There are a variety of products available at pharmacies and big box stores that are made to reduce friction.
This can also be very helpful for people with narrow feet who need to fill up space in their boots.
If you have narrow feet, thick wool socks can also help fill up the foot beds of your hiking boots. If you have wide feet, there are thin wool socks that will not add unnecessary bulk. Outdoor stores typically carry a wide variety of wool socks, including thin and thick styles.
The best product to use is moleskin because it is made specifically to cushion your heels in this way. It is a good idea to always carry one of these products when going on a long hike. They can save you from a long painful walk.
Even better, switch out your socks for a fresh, dry pair if you have them.
