Which one is better for your trip, hiking boots size up or down? We will compare the two side by side. Let’s stay with us till the end to find out the answer.
Top Rated Good Budget Best Hiking Boots for the money
#1. Hiking Boots Size Up Or Down: Comparison Table
Size is the first thing to consider when buying hiking boots. However, hikers have a headache deciding whether to wear bigger or smaller footwear. Here is how the two options differ.
| Hiking Boots Size Up | Hiking Boots Size Down | |
| Comfort | Extra space for your feet to slide comfortably, but it may result in blisters | Not enough space for your feet to move freely, leading to injuries |
| Fit | Depending on the material, but buying bigger shoes is more popular | Depending on the material |
| Support | Depending on the material | Depending on the material |
| Pros | – More comfortable
– Easier to walk in |
– Fit firmly |
| Cons | – Risks of blisters
– Not snugly fit |
– Pressure on some parts of your feet
– Toes overlapping each other |
| Best For | All hikes as long as the extra space is minimal | Leather boots because they expand over time |
#2. What Is The Difference Between Hiking Boots Size Up Or Down?
The comparison table above may not be enough for you to make your decision. So let’s dig into each factor and see how smaller and bigger hiking boots work.
Comfort
When seeking the right size for your hiking boots, you need to pay attention to two things:
- Heel cup
You will want extra space between the heel cup and your feet for more comfort. Hence, your feet have room for air circulation and feel more comfortable.
However, if the slide is too much, you will accumulate more heat when you walk. As a result, you may suffer from blisters.
- Toe box
When hiking, you need footwear with more room at the end. The toe box should also be higher to prevent your toenails from smashing damage and bruising.
Regarding comfort, hiking boots sizing up is a better choice because it allows more space for your feet to move. Yet, please note that if it’s too much, your feet will get hurt.
Fit
Hiking footwear fits if you feel comfortable in every part of your feet without any tight area. There should be room for your toes to wiggle.
Ideally, you need a pair of boots that fit snugly. Yet, if you only consider bigger and smaller ones, we will focus on other features.
Trekkers, hikers, and backpackers commonly purchase boots that are 1/2 size bigger than their typical foot size. They often wear socks to adjust how fit their shoes are. For example, they will wear thick socks if they buy too big boots.
The case for hiking boots sizing down is different. You can wear thin socks with your tight shoes, but they won’t help much.
While hiking on a sharp downward slope or standing neutrally, the end of the shoe presses against your toes, making them overlap. Furthermore, your feet still experience pressure on the sides and top, even with loosening laces.
However, smaller hiking boots can be a wiser investment in some cases, and we are talking about their material. For example, leather boots tend to stretch over time. Hence, it’s necessary to buy tight models that can fit nicely one day.
Support
Normal support should be sufficient for the majority of people. Ask your doctor if you have foot issues, such as chronic discomfort or plantar fasciitis.
Also, consider the terrain, the package you’ll be carrying, the height of your arch, and the actual design of the shoes.
You may always insert an insole, but having the remainder of the foot fitted properly will guarantee surefootedness on all hikes.
Smaller boots can secure your feet better than the bigger ones do. However, good support also depends on many other factors, with the material playing the most vital role.
#3. Hiking Boots Size Up Or Down: Which Should You Go For?
If you have to choose between bigger and smaller boots, we recommend going for the bigger ones. They will allow you to move freely and comfortably during your intense hikes.
However, if you intend to buy hiking boots sizing up, ensure they are only slightly larger than your normal shoe size.
It would be best to invest in shoes that fit your feet nicely. To choose the right footwear, please follow these steps:
- Measure your foot size
The best method is to have properly calibrated fit equipment to measure your foot’s width, length, and arch length.
You can also pull the insoles out of the footwear and stand on them to check the length. You get the right fit if the space between the insole and your longest toe equals your thumb’s width.
- Try your shoes at the end of the day.
After a long working day, your feet tend to swell and reach their largest size. Hence, they will help avoid getting shoes that are too tight.
- Use appropriate socks
You can quickly examine the fit and feel of new shoes when wearing familiar socks. Make sure your socks’ thickness fits the clothing you want to wear.
Furthermore, use synthetic socks on the trail instead of slow-drying cotton ones, which often cause blisters.
#4. Frequently Asked Questions
The answers and information below will help you gain more insights into the traits and qualities of Hiking Boots Size Up Or Down.
Is it better for hiking boots to be bigger or smaller?
Many hikers advise buying hiking boots that are a half or full bigger size than their regular shoe size.
Do you want to size up hiking boots?
Yes, in general. Your feet will swell a little after hours of hiking.
Hence, buying hiking boots sizing up ensures that your feet still have room for movement and enough space for air circulation.
How much room should you have in hiking boots?
The recommended space between your toes and the front of your hiking footwear is one to two finger widths or roughly 1.5 thumb widths.
Is it OK if hiking boots are a little big?
Yes. Bigger boots are still better than the smaller ones because they can adjust to your feet when they swell, making you feel comfortable.
How do you know if your hiking boots are too small?
Your shoes are too small if:
- You feel pressure when traveling on a steep downward incline.
- Your toes overlap each other.
- The top and sides of your feet are uncomfortable even when you have loosened the laces.
What to do if hiking boots are too big?
If your hiking boots are too big, try the following tips:
- Wear thick socks
- Tighten the laces
- Use toe box inserts
- Insert hiking insoles
- Use ball-of-pads
Try more ideas to fix your big shoes right here:
