How should walking boots fit?

Before you try boots on

Try boots later in the day, when your feet are slightly larger after walking around. Wear or bring the socks you will walk in, and any insoles or orthotics you use. Measure both feet, standing, as one is often slightly longer; fit to the larger foot.

Our walking boot size chart and the boot size converter help you find a starting size across UK, EU and US sizing.

The fitting check, step by step

Work through these checks with the boots laced as you would for a walk. Take your time: ten minutes walking around the shop tells you far more than a quick stand in front of the mirror, and most good outdoor shops have a slope or ramp for exactly this test.

1. 1

   Unlaced, slide your foot forward until your toes touch the front. You should fit a finger behind your heel.

2. 2

   Kick your heel back into the heel cup and lace firmly from the toe up.

3. 3

   Stand and wiggle your toes. They should move freely without pressing the sides or top.

4. 4

   Walk around and up and down stairs or a slope. Your heel should lift only slightly, if at all.

5. 5

   Walk down a slope or ramp. Your toes should not touch the front of the boot.

6. 6

   Check for pressure points across the widest part of the foot and over the instep.

What each part of the boot should feel like

The table summarises what to look for. A boot that fails on one point may be fixed with lacing or an insole; one that fails on several is the wrong shape for your foot.

Should walking boots be a little big?

Slightly longer than your foot, yes: the thumb's width of toe room is what stops toes hitting the end on descents. Loose all over, no. A boot that is too big lets the foot slide, which causes rubbing, blisters and black toenails. Many people end up half a size above their street shoe size, but it depends on the brand and your feet.

Our article on what size walking boots to buy covers sizing up in more detail.

Fixing small fit problems

Small issues can be solved without changing boots. Heel lift often responds to a heel-lock lacing technique, shown in our guide to heel slipping in walking boots. Too much volume can be reduced with a thicker insole or sock. Pressure over the instep can be eased by skipping a lacing hook.

Larger issues, such as width, toe space and overall length, need a different boot. If standard fits squeeze you, our guide to the best walking boots for wide feet lists wide-last models, and our best walking boots for UK hills guide notes which brands run narrow or roomy.

See walking boots for wide feet →

Buying online

If you buy online, order your usual size and perhaps half a size up, then try both indoors in the evening with your hiking socks. Walk up and down the stairs and keep them clean so you can return the pair that does not fit. Check the seller's returns policy first.

Frequently asked questions

How much toe room should walking boots have? About a thumb's width, roughly 15 to 20 mm, in front of your longest toe when your heel is pushed back.

Should walking boots feel tight at first? Snug, yes, but not painful. Leather softens a little, but boots should feel comfortable from the start.

Is some heel lift normal? A small amount in new, stiff boots is common. Noticeable lift needs better lacing or a different boot.

Should I size up for thick socks? Fit with the socks you will use. If you plan to wear thick winter socks, try boots with them.