What size hiking shoes should I choose?

You're planning your next mountain adventure and looking for a new pair of hiking shoes to tackle the trails? The question of size comes up quickly. A shoe that is too small creates pressure points, blisters, or black toenails. Too large, it leads to poor support, friction, and slipping on descents. Getting the size right plays a fundamental role in comfort and performance while hiking, whether it's a day hike, a multi-day trek, or high-altitude mountaineering.

Before clicking "add to basket", follow this method to get the perfect size first time.

How to choose the right size?

For a long time, a widely circulated piece of advice was: go one size up from your everyday shoes. This rule was a response to older practices, when mountain shoes were rigid, poorly ergonomic, and worn with thick woollen socks. Today, modern hiking shoes benefit from a more flexible, lighter, and more precise construction. They adapt better to the anatomy of the foot and allow a more natural stride, even on technical terrain.

Manufacturers now offer half sizes and even third sizes. This level of precision allows for a better fit to your foot shape, but it also means you can no longer rely solely on your usual size. Each brand uses its own size chart, with sometimes significant differences between two sizes that appear identical.

To avoid mistakes, rely on a reliable measurement: the actual length of your foot, expressed in centimetres. This objective data serves as your reference, regardless of the brand. With it, you can navigate size charts with ease and make the right choice.

Check out our selection of the 10 best hiking shoes to find the right gear for your needs.

Measuring your foot accurately

Take a few minutes to measure your feet in good conditions. This simple step helps you avoid sizing errors and unnecessary returns.

Here's how:

• Place a large sheet of paper on the floor against a straight wall. Secure it to the floor with tape to prevent it from moving.
• Stand upright, bare feet, heels against the wall. Your weight should be distributed naturally across both feet.
• Ask someone else to mark a line at the tip of your longest toe (usually the big toe, but sometimes the second toe extends slightly further).
• Then, using a rigid ruler or measuring tape, measure the distance between the wall and the line in a straight line perpendicular to the wall.

Repeat this for both feet. Keep the larger of the two measurements, as it's common to have one foot slightly longer than the other. A few millimetres can make a real difference in the field, particularly on sloped terrain or during long stages.

Note the measurement precisely, without rounding. This length in centimetres becomes your reference for identifying the correct size according to manufacturers' charts.

Understanding size conversion charts

Each manufacturer provides a chart linking foot length to the corresponding size in European (EU), British (UK), or American (US) sizing. These charts generally include a comfort margin designed to accommodate the thickness of a standard sock and prevent toes from hitting the front of the shoe.

You therefore don't need to add any safety centimetre to your measurement. If your foot measures 27.3 cm, you add nothing: you apply that measurement to the brand's size chart and choose the indicated size. For Cimalp shoes, this corresponds to a size 44, for example.

If your measurement falls between two sizes, go with the larger one. This better accommodates volume variations caused by heat, exertion, or moisture. A slightly larger shoe also offers more comfort on descents, where the foot naturally slides forward.

Here is the Cimalp shoe size chart, taking into account foot swelling during exertion:

Special cases to consider

Some factors can influence your size choice:

• The type of hiking: For multi-day treks with a loaded pack, feet swell more. You'll need a shoe with a slightly larger internal volume. For day hikes or brisk walking, a tighter fit may be preferable for greater precision.
• Sock thickness: A thick or technical sock takes up more space in the shoe. Take your measurements and do your fittings with the socks you'll be wearing in the field.
• The type of shoe: A low-cut shoe for fast walking has different support and constraints than a high-cut model for mountaineering. The stiffer the shoe, the more precise the fit needs to be.
• Foot morphology: Some people have a high instep, wide feet, or hammer toes. In these cases, it's best to choose a brand or range suited to these specificities. Some brands offer "wide" or "high volume" versions designed for these foot shapes.

Check out all our tips on how to choose your walking shoes.

Trying on hiking shoes properly

Once you receive the pair, take the time to try them on properly. The aim is to simulate real conditions as closely as possible.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Put on your usual hiking socks, the same ones you'll wear in the field.
• Try the shoes on at the end of the day, when feet are naturally slightly more swollen.
• Lace your shoes carefully, applying the same tension you would use on a hiking trip.
• Walk several dozen metres, go up and down stairs, do some squats. The aim is to check that your foot doesn't slide forward and that the heel stays firmly in place.

A good shoe should offer firm support without compression. Your toes must be able to move freely. You should feel neither pressure points nor looseness. Also take a moment to re-lace after a few minutes: this allows your foot to settle better and helps fine-tune the comfort.

If discomfort appears quickly or you feel your foot sliding in the shoe, don't wait to ask for a different size. Better to exchange now than to suffer on the trails.