How to Break In New Hiking Boots: Lessons from basic training
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of getting a new pair of hiking boots, ready to hit the trails and conquer new adventures. However, there’s one crucial step that’s often overlooked—breaking them in before tackling a long hike. It was a tough lesson I learned during my time in basic training, where we didn’t have the luxury of breaking in our boots before long marches. That experience taught me just how important it is to prepare your footwear properly for future adventures.
Toughing It Out in Basic Training: Blisters and Numb Feet
During basic training, we were all issued standard military boots—heavy, stiff, and extremely uncomfortable. For most of us in the flight, these boots were brutal in those first few weeks. Blisters became a painful daily reality, and after long marches, my feet, along with everyone else’s, would go numb from the constant pressure and friction.
But, as tough as it was, we knew we had to power through. Every day, we’d lace up our boots, tighten them down, and brace ourselves for the discomfort that came with every step. We didn’t have much of a choice. Breaking in those issued boots wasn’t optional; it was a necessity. Our feet eventually toughened up, and although the blisters didn’t go away, we got used to the pain.
The Wait for Non-Issued Boots: Why Danners Became My Favorite
We all knew that non-issued boots—boots like Danners—were more comfortable and much lighter, but there was a catch. You needed a waiver to wear non-issued boots during basic training, and none of us wanted to go through that process. The paperwork, waiting time, and hassle just didn’t seem worth it at the time, so we toughed it out.
However, once we made it through graduation and were preparing to ship out to tech school, we finally had the freedom to buy our own boots. For me, that meant picking up a pair of Danners, which quickly became my favorite. They were lighter, more flexible, and honestly felt like heaven after enduring the stiff, heavy issued boots for the past 8 and a half weeks. It was incredible how much of a difference a good pair of boots could make. The comfort and support were immediate, even before breaking them in.
The Importance of Breaking In Your Boots
While my Danners were comfortable from the start, I still made sure to break them in properly before any long treks. New hiking boots, like military boots, are stiff and need time to adapt to the shape of your feet. Without proper break-in, you’ll likely experience rubbing, hotspots, and, yes, blisters—just like we did in basic training. Breaking them in ensures that the material softens and the boot starts to conform to your unique foot structure, which leads to a much more comfortable hike.
Here’s how I break in my boots:
Wear Them Around the House – Before hitting the trails, I wear my boots at home, around the yard, and during daily errands. This allows my feet to get used to the boots gradually.
Go on Short Hikes First – I never take new boots on a multi-day trek right away. Instead, I start with shorter, less demanding hikes to continue the break-in process. This way, I can feel where the boots might rub and address any issues early on.
Adjust the Fit – If my boots feel tight in certain areas, I adjust the lacing or use different socks to dial in the fit. Small tweaks can make a big difference in comfort.
Pay Attention to Socks – High-quality hiking socks are just as important as the boots themselves.
My Go-To Hiking Boots: Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
Over the years, I’ve tried my fair share of hiking boots, and I’ve finally found my favorite: the Cloudrock 2 Waterproof boots. These boots strike the perfect balance between comfort, durability, and protection, and they perform exceptionally well in wet and unpredictable weather. They’ve become my go-to boots for all my hikes.
What I love most about the Cloudrock 2 is how lightweight they are compared to other boots, which is a huge plus on long hikes. The waterproofing is top-notch, keeping my feet dry when trekking through muddy or rainy conditions, while the support is strong enough to handle rocky trails.
But even with these great features, I still take the time to break them in properly. Every pair of boots needs that attention, no matter how well-designed they are.
Final Thoughts:
Your hiking boots are one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll invest in, so take the time to break them in right. Whether you’re hiking a local trail or preparing for a multi-day adventure, your feet will thank you. Trust me—after my experience in basic training, I learned the hard way that a little preparation can save a lot of pain later.
So, if you’re ready for your next adventure, make sure your boots are too. Lace them up, break them in, and enjoy every step of the journey!
