With proper care, hiking shoes provide maximum comfort and support. Let’s look at how to keep them flexible yet firm enough to support you safely without causing blisters.
New hiking shoes can feel stiff and cause discomfort, sometimes pain or blisters, on your first few outings. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help you avoid this and feel comfortable from the start. It comes down to proper care and good habits.
Before first use
As with any shoes, especially leather ones, it’s always a good idea to wear them around the house several times before taking them hiking for the first time. This lets your feet get used to them while the shoes start to soften and mould to the right shape.
When storing your shoes
When your shoes are stored away unused, stuff them with newspaper or use a shoe tree to help them keep their shape and prevent the leather from sagging.
Softening with treatments
Finally, there are softening treatments made specifically for hiking shoes. Be sure to choose a product suited to the main material of your shoes, or you could damage them. If they’re leather, it’s essential to condition the leather from time to time with a suitable cream or wax. This also helps protect them and extend their lifespan. Remember, though, that your shoes need to remain stiff enough to provide support and help prevent injury. Trying to soften them as much as possible is unnecessary and could even be dangerous.
