Hiking boot size

Whether planning a day hike or a long multi-day backpacking adventure, ensuring you have the right hiking boot size is essential. Hiking is a great way to spend time with your friends and enjoy being outdoors. But there's nothing like sore feet and blisters to spoil your mood. At Columbia Sportswear®, we don't want anything to stop you from enjoying your outdoor adventures, especially badly fitting footwear.

As one of the leading hiking brands, we offer an extensive range of boots and low hiking shoes and sizes so you can find the perfect fit. Our online store has one of the widest selections of hiking footwear. So, whether you're looking for leather hiking boots or all-terrain shoes, our boots will give you extra smiles for miles.

The best place to start picking comfortable hiking shoes is with your regular shoe size. If you're unsure of your size, follow these simple steps:

• As most people's feet swell during the day, it's a good idea to have your feet measured at the end of the day to ensure an accurate measurement.

• Put on the pair of hiking socks you'll likely wear with your hiking boots.

• Tape a piece of paper to the floor (preferably a hard surface).

• Stand straight with one foot on the paper. You can do this sitting in a chair, but your feet must be firmly on the ground.

• Ask someone to trace around your foot. Alternatively, get them to mark where your heel is and the tip of your big toe on the paper.

• Repeat the process for the other foot.

• Use a ruler and check the distance between the outermost part of the heel and the tip of your big toe in centimetres. This measurement is the length of your foot.

You can then browse our range of walking shoes, which come in sizes 3 to 10 and have options for kids. Our handy size guide and detailed information in each product description will help you find the perfect fit. And if you get the size wrong? No problem! We offer returns so you can buy with confidence and find your perfect match without any stress.

Are you looking for a gift for a man who loves adventure? Check out our hiking sandals for men and waterproof shoes for men.

There's a common misconception that you should choose mountain shoes a half or one size bigger when buying boots. However, a hiking boot that's too big can cause your feet to slide around inside them, which can cause uncomfortable chafing and rubbing. Similarly, going for a smaller size also comes with its risks. A boot that is too tight can cause sore spots and painful blisters. Men’s and women’s hiking shoes and snow boots should fit snuggly around your midfoot to help hold your foot in place. Your toes should have plenty of wiggle room and not touch the bottom of the shoe when you're going downhill. Ideally, aim for space of the width of your finger between your longest toe and the front end of the hiking shoe.

Trying on men’s and women’s hiking boots before hitting the trails ensures they fit well and are comfortable. Badly fitting boots can ruin your hike, so trying them first ensures they won't spoil your fun.

• Wear the right socks: When trying on your new hiking boots, wear your hiking socks to ensure the boots fit correctly.

• Try them at the end of the day: Feet are typically a little swollen and sweaty by the end of the day, making it the ideal time to make sure your shoes feel comfortable.

• Lace up properly: Lace up your boots as if you were getting ready for a hike. It will give you the most accurate picture of whether they fit.

• Wear a heavy load: It's a good idea to try on your new boots while wearing a reasonably heavy backpack. This will let you see how your feet and ankles cope with the additional weight and pressure.

• Practice walking: Spend time wearing your new mountain hiking shoes to help you get used to them. Ensure they feel comfortable and don't slip while you walk and your toes don't hit the end of the shoes.

If you plan a big hike, it's a good idea to get your feet used to your new hiking shoes. Once you've tried them on and confirmed they fit, spend some time breaking them in before your next outdoor adventure. Look for styles that offer waterproof features and comfortable insoles to make so your hiking experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Are you planning a hiking trip? Shop our range of hiking clothes for women and waterproof shoes for men, where you’ll find everything you need. You’ll find a great selection of hiking gear for hitting the trails, from a hiking jacket to light hiking shoes.

Discover more

• Choose hiking shoes
• Type of hiking
• Choose a type of shoe for hiking
• Hiking tips
• Hiking soles
• Hiking sandals for men