hiking boots sizing

[RuggedJay]

I am use to precise Fitting street and dress shoes. Wanted to start hiking again and in the market for boots. My buddy is telling me to buy bigger by 1/2 a size because my feet will swell on the trail and room for thick socks when its cold. What's the consensus? Loose or fitted footwear?

[Misterclick]

If you are spending bucks for real quality get your size. It will be a combo of you breaking it in and it breaking YOU in. If you are going middle of the road or low take your friends advice.

[Reelemup]

If you are hiking in wet grass just get the size you need it will stretch out. Hiking on dry trails your boot stays the same. So pick something that feels right at the first time .California is really not that cold unless you hike above the snow line. But again as long as you walk your feet will stay warm enough.

[newglockster]

Make sure your toes do not hit the front of your shoe!

[briguybro]

You really need to try them on with the socks you plan on using with them and get the size that feels best at the store rather than 1/2 size bigger. If you try them on with regular socks rather than hiking socks, then yes, get 1/2 size bigger. Also, consider if you actually need a boot for hiking. You may be better off with lightweight hiking shoes rather than boots. During my years as a scoutmaster watching boy after boy getting blisters from boots, I finally came to the conclusion that traditional hiking boots aren't necessary unless your hiking with a backpack weighing over 30lbs. In most cases, the boys wearing boots got blisters and the ones wearing shoes did not. I go overnight backpacking about twice a month and use mesh trail running shoes rather than boots. I've never had a blister since switching from boots and they dry very quickly so they are ideal for wet conditons. I put in some Dr. Shoels insoles to add extra arch support and they are best pair of "boots" I've ever had for hiking. Merrell makes some hiking shoes which are lighter weight and designed for hiking. Boots are really only needed if you are carrying a lot of weight or constantly going through mud or snow. Check out backpackinglight.com if you are starting to buy hiking gear. They have been my favorite source for hiking equipment advice.

[klewan]

Go the 1/2 bigger. You can add insoles and socks to shim them to a perfect fit. Then remove them if you need the room. The light shoes are really nice, no break in, less work to move them on the trail. I bought a pair of Nike Lava Domes when they first came out in '85. It worked.

[bush wacker]

As stated above, start with the socks you plan on wearing ( good quality socks are key to happy feet) and try on several different pairs of boots.I would stay true to size. If you go 1/2 size bigger, then you're always going to have to go with a thick sock to make the boot feel snug and you'll never get a true fit. Once your feet start to sweat and the socks get wet your foot will start moving around and you'll get blisters, you'll also be more prone to heel lift, which will cause blisters. I have never had my foot swell, however, I have had my boot swell due to moisture. I have gone through a lot of different boots, both for work and recreation and have found when trying on new boots, if it feels super comfy in the store, it's probably going to be uncomfortable down the road. A good fitting boot is going to be snug to tight in the store and need to be broken in to conform to the shape of your foot. As stated above, get a boot thats going to fit your needs. If your not going to be carrying a heavy load or moving through rocky uneven terrain you may not want a heavy leather boot. I have way to many pairs of boots, but seem to have three that are my go to boots.

[lewdogg21]

Like others have said unless you are packing a load or are on steep and uneven terrain you can get away with some trail shoes or something like that but in hi tops. There are many nylon/leather combo's and some even have gore-tex or other waterproof membrane. Be advised that gore-tex does not breathe as advertised.

[skilletboy]

I used to sell hiking boots for a spell during my grad school days.

DO NOT get a half size bigger. I swear the things people believe. Have your foot measured at a reputable boot seller, REI, Mel Cottons (San Jose), etc...

Remember your arch length may be different than your toe (overall) length. You want to match the best you can with your arch length unless your toe length is longer than the arch length go with Toe. http://brannock.com/cgi-bin/start.cg...tructions.html

Ex. I am a 10 1/2 arch length but a 11 toe length. Normally you want shoes that fit your arch the best but bc in a 10.5 my toes would nt fit I go with an 11.

Also buy SUPERFEET! I cannot stress this enough. I use them in ALL my boots.

Today's modern boots are designed to fit to size and will not ADJUST or some something strange like that depending on the terrain. My preferred brand is Asolo, then Vasque, I also like Scarpa...

[skilletboy]

Like others have said unless you are packing a load or are on steep and uneven terrain you can get away with some trail shoes or something like that but in hi tops. There are many nylon/leather combo's and some even have gore-tex or other waterproof membrane. Be advised that gore-tex does not breathe as advertised.

Gore-Tex stops breathing when the outside temp gets at or above 88 degrees... That's at least what the Gore-tex rep told me. So if you plan on getting boots for summer only and hot temps, then Gore-tex might not be the best option.

[TMB 1]

Just get these in your normal size & some wool socks.
These are the best hikers I've ever worn!
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...ndl/748580.uts or http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabel...eg/1221423.uts

[glockman19]

For a hiking boot you can't beat Danner 452's or 453's. And I think the price is reasonable. on sale now for $149.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/compare_items.jsp?categoryIds=104797980|104747580|104383080|104104980&entityId=748430&entityId=748622

[Uxi]

I say get the right size and properly break it in. Then do the same for your backup pair (I keep a spare pair in my ruck).

Of course the sizing can vary based on different brands. Bates tend to run small on me for example but Danners are spot on.

[RikSors]

When buying shoes/boots:

Personally size your boots (on-line purchase is a no go).
Forget the 1/2sizebigger myth although toes should be able to wiggle
Wear the socks and liner(blister prevention) you plan to use on your hike.
Break-in your boots (don't buy the day before the big hike).
Buy boots late afternoon (feet should have at least expanded at that time).
Comfort (not price) should be the main concern.
Buy once, cry once. Thank me later.
Lastly, think - "Function over fashion".

Those are the things I do when I buy my boots.

YMMV