Hiking boots one size bigger | Columbia Sportswear®

Some suggest buying hiking boots one size bigger than your regular shoe size when buying new hiking footwear. However, you need to tread carefully. Buying a larger-size hiking boot isn't necessarily the best approach. Badly fitted hiking shoes can cause discomfort, painful blisters and even injuries to your feet, toes and ankles. In severe cases, they can even cut your adventures short.

As one of the leading hiking brands, we know that every hiker needs different things from their footwear. That's why we offer different styles of comfortable hiking shoes and waterproof hiking shoes for all terrain and every foot. If you want your hikes to be blissful and not blister-full, we have summer and winter shoes that are comfortable and supportive.

Why is fit important with hiking boots?

Your feet must endure a lot during a hike, especially on challenging trails or long-distance treks. They carry your weight as you scramble over rocks and constantly hit the ground as you pound the trail. Correctly fitted all-terrain shoes are essential for maintaining comfort and foot health. They provide crucial arch support, cushioning your heel and enough space for your toes. After all, no one wants painful toes when you're going down steep slopes.

Should hiking boots be one size bigger?

There's a popular opinion within the hiking community that you should switch up a size when buying fabric or leather hiking boots. Some hikers believe having extra space within the boot accommodates thicker hiking socks (especially with snow boots) and swollen feet. However, going too large can do more harm than good, jeopardising the health and comfort of your feet. When men's or women's hiking boots are too big for the wearer, it can cause feet to slide around. This, in turn, can cause friction and uncomfortable and even painful rubbing. Wearing a pair of boots that are too big can also mean your arch and ankle won't get enough support. Instead, you want your walking shoes to fit snuggly and comfortably around your toes and the width of your foot. Your toes should have ample wiggle room and not touch the bottom of the shoe, especially when going downhill.

How to choose hiking boots that are the right size?

Whether shopping for hiking sandals for men or mountain hiking shoes, you must be sure they are the correct size. Here's how:

Measure your feet: Choose your hiking shoes based on your regular shoe size. However, if you need to know your size, you can measure your foot length and use our online sizing guide to find it. Simply get someone to draw around your foot and then measure the length between the back of your heel and the tip of your longest toe. As most people's feet swell during the day, measure your feet towards the end of the day. This will give you a more accurate size.
Check production descriptions: Our footwear features product descriptions with important information, whether large or small. Some may also recommend whether you should take a half-size up or down. This valuable information can help you make a more informed choice and get the most comfortable size. Ideally, aim for space of the width of your finger between your longest toe and the front end of the hiking shoe.

How to try on hiking boots?

Once you've got your new hiking boots home, try them on before hitting the trails. That way, you can be sure your new footwear is comfortable and fits properly. Realising they are the wrong size will be too late once you're halfway through a hike.

Don hiking socks: When you've got your new mountain shoes home, try them on with the hiking socks you'll wear on the trail. If you'll also wear additional insoles, add them to the shoe.
Try at the end of the day: Just like when you measured your feet, wait until the end of the day to try on your new boots. Your feet will likely be at their most swollen and sweaty, so you'll be able to get a more accurate idea of fit.
Lace-up properly: To ensure your boot fits, tie the laces as you normally would.
Test with a heavy pack: While you can't recreate hiking conditions at home, you can at least see how your new men's or women's hiking shoes feel with a heavy backpack. See how your ankles and feet cope with the additional weight. Do they feel sufficiently supported?
Practice walking: Walk around in your new boots to ensure they fit well and are comfortable. Also, walk up and down the stairs a few times to check that they don't slip and that the tips of your toes don't touch the end.
Free returns: If your new boots or fast hiking shoes don't fit properly, don't worry; our online store offers free returns.

Check out our range of hiking clothes for women and men, including our mens hiking jacket and be ready to hit the trails.