How to "break in" your hiking shoes?

The sun is shining, the weather looks good, you have your brand new pair of shoes, and you are trying them out for your first big trek. Did you forget anything? Also discover the hiking gear not to be neglected.

And yes! Your new shoes need to be "broken in". A few years ago, it was absolutely essential to soften the leather before using your shoes. The traditional method was to... pee in them... yes yes, you can ask your grandparents! Thank goodness times have changed. But what about modern shoes, do they need to be "broken in"? We will answer that below.

Spoiler alert: Today, it is much easier to "break in" your hiking shoes than before. Take the opportunity to take a look at high-performance outdoor shoes to maximize your comfort.

How to soften your hiking shoes and why is it important?

To "break in" your shoes essentially means to adjust the shape. When you wear your new shoes, the material softens and becomes more pliable. This is accelerated by the heat from your feet and the moisture produced when you walk. And that’s exactly what you want to make your shoes fit your feet well.

The material makes no difference, whether it’s leather or synthetic shoes. Leather is naturally supple, which means your pair will adapt to your foot more quickly. To prolong the life of your shoes, consider protecting them with a shoe waterproofing agent before heading out on your adventure.

That said, we recommend that this action only takes place at the end of the process. When you buy your new pair of hiking shoes make sure they fit well from the start. If your shoes don’t fit you already, you can try to "break them in" as much as you want, they won’t fit you. The better they fit at the beginning, the less time you will spend making them fit your feet. Check out our selection of hiking shoes to find the right model from the start.

“Breaking in” your shoes, a matter of shoe type

Old hiking shoes were uncomfortable at first and took a long time to adapt to your feet. They were made of thick, rigid leather with little padding inside. With their very rigid construction, they could sometimes be painful at first. Thankfully, that has changed.

However, breaking in your new shoes makes sense especially with certain types like mountain shoes, created for high-altitude loops. A tip: The stiffer the shoe, the longer it will take to adapt to your foot. If you are going into difficult conditions, prefer high-top hiking shoes for more support.

We do not recommend wearing a pair compatible with crampons or high-altitude shoes directly after taking them out of the box. Heavier shoes clearly benefit from being "broken in" gradually. Their rigidity and solid construction take longer to adapt to the shape of the foot than lighter shoes, like our light trek shoes.

However, modern hiking shoes and lightweight trekking shoes are so flexible that they could be worn directly after purchase. Even more so if you have a standard foot shape.

How long to “break in” your hiking shoes?

The most important point is to take your time and do things correctly. Don’t, for example, buy a brand new pair just before a multi-day adventure and walk straight into the mountains. You might end up with some blisters, we guide you here: on how to prevent blisters when hiking?. Break in your shoes step by step, and let your feet get used to them before wearing them on the terrain. Start by wearing them in the garden, on short walks around your home or to work. Then, try them on small hikes with various terrains.
This also helps your feet to adjust. Walking in different weather conditions can also help. Why? Because switching from dry to wet requires additional effort on the material. Moisture can help soften the leather. So if you see puddles, don’t hesitate to jump in!

How can a pair of socks help?

When you "break in" your hiking shoes, it is preferable to wear the same socks that you will wear during your hike

. The thickness of the material and the type of fiber can make a big difference in fit and comfort. Find a good pair of hiking socks among the best brands: Monnet, Falke or Smartwool. Complete your preparation by taking care of your shoes with essential hiking shoe accessories.

If you feel discomfort when breaking in your shoes, try a different pair of socks and see which type of socks fits you best. Naturally, your socks should fit perfectly to your feet. Before putting on your shoes, make sure you have put your socks on correctly, so they fit perfectly in the shoe without creases.

Also find our tips for choosing your hiking accessories and walking comfortably on all trails.

What to avoid when handling:

Peeing in your shoes: Yes, soldiers must have done it in their boots, yes the older generations probably had to do it too, but please, don’t try to do it. Not because, already there will be a bad smell – and hiking can be a very social activity – but urine also contains minerals that are harmful to leather. This could make it dry and brittle.

Lending your shoes: if you lend your shoes to a friend, they will then change the shape of the shoe to their feet. Your shoes will no longer be the same after that. That’s why borrowing shoes is not as comfortable as having your own.

If “breaking in” your shoes doesn’t help

If you have followed the tips below, then you should go directly to break in your shoes. However, if you have everything you need but they are still uncomfortable, pinching and rubbing after many tries. IF you are in this case, then you will need to retest the shape of your feet, and if necessary, have them adjusted.

If your shoes are too tight, they can be slightly widened. However, there will be an impact on the material, and the shoe may wear out more quickly. If your shoes are too big, try adding a heel insert at the back or a sole to reduce the volume and be more comfortable. To sustainably maintain your gear, adopt the right mountain gear maintenance habits!

Now, you are ready for your first steps with your new shoes. We hope you enjoy your hiking kilometers in the mountains with them!

Noé NIVAULT, Buyer at AlpinStore
Practice: hiking, cycling, running, crossfit

It is very important to "break in" your shoes before your adventure, as explained in this article, if you really want to enjoy your hike/trek while limiting blisters and friction that can quickly become very uncomfortable. Fatigue should come from the walking time, not from pain with every step!