How to soften your hiking boots

Well-maintained hiking boots guarantee maximum comfort and optimum support. Let's take a look at how to make sure that your hiking boots are both flexible and rigid enough to keep you safe without causing blisters.

Photo: jacqueline macou on Pixabay

New hiking boots can feel stiff and can cause discomfort, sometimes pain, or blisters on your first few outings. Fortunately, there are a few tricks to avoid this phenomenon and feel as comfortable as possible from the very first time you wear them. It's all about maintenance and good habits. 

Before the first use

As with any pair of shoes, especially leather ones, it is always advisable to wear them at home several times before using them for the first time. This way your feet will get used to them and the shoes will already start to become more flexible and take on an optimal shape. 

Storage

When they are lying in the back of your wardrobe, unused, you can stuff them with newspaper or use a shoe tree to keep your shoes in the right shape and prevent the leather from sagging. 

Care

Finally, you should know that there are softening products specially designed for hiking boots. However, be careful to choose a product that is suitable for the main material of your shoes, as this can damage them. If they are made of leather, it is essential to nourish the leather from time to time with a suitable cream or wax, as this is also the best way to protect them and ensure their longevity. Finally, don't forget that your shoes must be sufficiently rigid to ensure sufficient support and avoid any injury. It is therefore useless, and even dangerous, to try to loosen them as much as possible.