How to Break in Hiking Boots

a man shaking his dog's hand with his hiking boots on

This article is part of the Hiking Boots 101 series.

Skip the discomfort on the trails this year and feel confident that your hiking boots are properly broken in. Our Footwear Experts have outlined the most effective way to break in hiking boots. From good habits and tips to explaining how long it takes to break in hiking boots, we’ve got you covered!

How to Break in Hiking Boots: Habits and Tips

Make sure your hiking boots are not only broken in correctly but also don’t sustain any damage while being broken in with these good habits and helpful tips! By avoiding quick fixes for breaking in hiking boots, you can achieve a comfortable fit while maintaining the integrity of your boots and feet.

1. Start simple: Try wearing your hiking boots around the house or going on a short walk around the block.

Tip: If you are unsure about what fit you need for hiking boots, stop by your local SCHEELS store to get fitted by an Expert!

2. Move on to longer walks: Once you’ve spent some time walking around your house or going on short strolls, move on to longer walks. This can be taking a short trail or a local park path with minimal gear.

Tip: Watch for hot spots. These are areas where your hiking boots pinch or rub against your skin. If you notice frequent hot spots, it could have to do with your socks. Check out our Experts’ advice on which socks to wear while hiking!

3. Build up to your normal: After your boots feel comfortable on longer walks, build up to your normal trails while carrying your ten essentials. Spend at least a couple of days doing this before you go on an official trip, so when the real thing happens, your boots are fully broken in!

Tip: If you get blisters, give your feet time to recover. This is where short walks can come in handy. If you feel blisters starting to form, properly treat them before heading out on your next walk.

How Long Does it Take to Break in Hiking Boots?

How long it takes to break in a hiking boot comes down to a couple of variables. This can be anything from what type of hike you prefer to go on or what type of hiking boot you purchased.

Baseline of 1 to 4 Weeks

Give yourself 1 to 4 weeks to break in your hiking boots. Whether you prefer day hikes or week-long trips can extend or shorten the period it will take to break in your boots.

Short hikes: If you tend to take shorter hikes, breaking in your hiking boots will take closer to 1 to 2 weeks. Due to wearing your boots for a shorter period while hiking, they will not have to be as broken in to be comfortable during your entire hike.
Long hikes: If you plan to hike for longer periods, like national park trails or similarly long paths, make sure to give yourself a full 4 weeks or more to break your hiking boots in. This will ensure your hiking boots are broken in completely to keep you comfortable during rigorous hiking!

What Type of Boot are You Wearing?

Similar to the type of hikes you go on, the style of boot you purchase can also affect how long it takes to break in a hiking boot.

Lightweight hiking boots: If you go with a lightweight hiking boot, like the HOKA Anacapa, it will likely take less time to break them in. You should still give it 1 to 2 weeks before you go on a longer hike, but these types of boots will likely feel closer to broken in right out of the box.
Traditional leather boots: If you go with a heavier leather boot, like the Merrell Moab, it will take longer to break your hiking boots in. This is where you would want to set aside 3 to 4 weeks before your hiking trip to break them in.

By using these habits and tips on how to break in your hiking boots properly, you can be sure that your hiking boots are ready for your next adventure. If you have additional questions about breaking in hiking boots, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Footwear Expert.