If you are going for a long hiking trip, the kind that will wear seriously wear out your hiking boots, you’re going to need a new pair to start with and that means you need to break them in first especially if they’re made out of leather(unless they don’t require any break in like many modern hybrid hiking boots.) You’ll also need new hiking boots if you’re new to hiking and if your old hiking boots are worn out.

I’ve heard some weird tips when it comes to breaking in your new hiking boots. These tips include standing in a ditch until the hiking boots are soaked and then walking until they’re dry, pouring in hot water then dumping it out followed by walk-in and the weirdest of them all, biting the scree collar of the boot can magically break in the boots.

Breaking in your hiking boots involves hardening your feet and softening up your hiking boots so you’ll feel comfortable walking in them. It can prevent many major discomforts like blisters and sore feet.

To begin breaking in your new hiking boots, start by wearing them indoors for a week and be sure feels right on your feet. Fit is the most important criteria when choosing hiking boots. The break in process will stretch out the hiking boots slightly so it’s important to have a snug fit pair of boots yet comfortable to use.

After a week, you start to venture out. Walk on the grass whenever possible as the sidewalk can be unforgiving for a new pair of hiking boots. It takes time to break in your hiking boots properly so take it slow.

Your hiking boots are likely to feel stiff at first but if you experience significant pain or rubbing right from the start, you might want to return them and try another pair.

When the hiking boots start to feel more comfortable you can begin walking on sidewalks around town for short distances. Gradually increase the distance and the time you spend in your hiking boots. Make sure before you increase the distance that the boots are starting to feel better on your feet.

You should always be wary of major discomforts as you break in your hiking boots. Even if you notice a minor pain or discomfort, take the boots off. Don’t ignore the pain as it can become worse very quickly.

As the hiking boots feel even better you start adding weight on your back bit by bit. Try to increase the weight only a little bit day by day.

When you feel comfortable enough on your hiking boots you can take them off-road. Using your hiking boots on uneven ground will help them adapt to your natural walking movement even more.

Continue with day hikes on increasingly challenging trails. There might still be some comfort issues like pinching and hot spots but the boots feel relatively good during the break in process these can usually be fixed by adding footbeds or by visiting your local shoe repair shop.

You will know when your hiking boots are broken in enough to start your hiking trip with. Oh, and try to avoid all those crazy tips people tell you unless they’re pretty similar to the one I just taught you. They’re usually a menace to your hiking boots and too hard on your feet. To get the best results, always follow the instructions from the manufacturer.