Well cared for, hiking shoes guarantee maximum comfort with optimal support. Let's look at how to ensure they are both flexible and sufficiently rigid, to accompany you safely without causing blisters.
New hiking shoes can feel stiff and cause discomfort, sometimes painful, or even lead to blisters during the first outings. Fortunately, there are a few tips to avoid this and feel as comfortable as possible from the very first use. It's all about proper care and developing the right habits.
Before the first use
As with any pair of shoes, particularly leather ones, it is always advisable to wear them at home several times before using them for hiking for the first time. This way, your feet will get used to them and the shoes will already start to gain in flexibility and take on an optimal shape.
For storage
When they are stored away at the back of your wardrobe, unused, you can stuff them with newspaper or use a shoe tree to help your shoes keep their shape and prevent the leather from collapsing.
Softening with treatments
Finally, bear in mind that there are softening treatments specially designed for hiking shoes. However, be careful to choose a product suited to the main material your shoes are made from, or you risk damaging them. If they are leather, it is essential to condition the leather regularly with a suitable cream or wax — it is also the best way to protect them and guarantee their longevity. Finally, do not forget that your shoes must be sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support and prevent injury. It is therefore pointless, even dangerous, to try to break them in as much as possible.
