ActiveHiking & WalkingForget ‘breaking in’ your walking shoes – do this if you want to hike comfortably insteadI wish someone had told me this before I bought my first pair of walking shoes.When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

ActiveHiking & WalkingForget ‘breaking in’ your walking shoes – do this if you want to hike comfortably insteadI wish someone had told me this before I bought my first pair of walking shoes.When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

I wish someone had told me this before I bought my first pair of walking shoes.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Klattermusen)

Young woman walking in the mountains

(Image credit: Klattermusen)

Buying even thebest walking shoesorbest hiking bootswon’t guarantee your feet will be comfortable when you’re out trekking. Why? Because not all shoes were created equal, therefore you must make sure you tailor your new footwear to fit your feet. This isn’t hard, either – all you have to do is lace them up properly.

‘Breaking in’ walking shoes is old-fashioned, and in most cases, it’s completely unnecessary unless you buy heavy ol' leather hiking boots. Modern hiking boots feature padded collars, synthetic, breathable mesh uppers and foamy, bouncy midsoles, making every step in the shoes comfortable.

That said, the last companies use to create the shoes can look very different from your feet, which means the interior of the boots won’t necessarily feel comfortable to you, no matter how much padding is involved. This is where lacing comes into play. Trying different lacing methods can mean the difference between enjoying outdoor trips and wishing they ended sooner so you can take the shoes off quicker.

How to lace your walking shoes

There are tons of different lacing methods to choose from, offering solutions to heel slipping, tight toe boxes and more. And when it comes to lacing your shoes properly, the best source we could find isASICS' Lacing Techniques for Runnersguide, the most comprehensive article we found on the subject online.

(This does reduce the length of the laces, so be careful!)

Now that you know how to adjust your shoes to your liking, learn more abouthow to stay dry outdoorsandwhat’s breathabilityto ensure you choose thebest walking trousersand thebest waterproof jacketfor your needs. Also, here are 7 essentialcamping cooler tricksto keep your stuff chilled for longer when on a trip.

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