How Should Your Walking Boots Fit

Well-fitting footwear is the foundation of your outdoor gear. Our experienced in-store staff can help you find the perfect walking boot fit for your feet and needs. If you're unable to visit us in-store or want to check whether your existing boots fit correctly, this simple guide will walk you through what to look for.

Size

What size should your walking boots be?

Should you size up in walking boots?
No, this is a common misconception.

Your boots should be snug but not tight, with enough room to wiggle your toes without your foot sliding around. Aim for about a finger's width of space at the front of the boot.

"Getting the right fit is a bit of an art, where speaking to expert staff in a shop can make all the difference. They will understand not just the kind of boot you need for your chosen activity, but also which models are likely to be a good fit for your unique foot shape.” - Jeremy Stevens, Footwear Buyer

When should you try on walking boots?
Your feet naturally expand throughout the day, especially if you've done any walking. Trying on boots later in the day can help to ensure a more accurate fit

If you're trying on your boots at home, you can try them at different times of the day.

Socks

What socks should you wear with walking boots?

How to check your walking boots fit

Use orthotics (if needed)

If you wear orthotics, remove the existing footbed and place yours inside the boots.

Position your foot correctly

Slide your foot into the boot, making sure your heel is firmly at the back.

Lace-up properly

Loosen the laces to the toe before tightening them back up.

Secure the laces to keep your toes in place while ensuring your heel stays firmly in the back.

There are different lacing techniques to improve fit—read our guide to find the best one for you.

Check the fit

Width

Are your feet rubbing against the sides? This can cause discomfort and wear out the boots quickly.

Volume

Is your foot filling the forefoot of the boot? Too much space here can cause creasing and instability.

Heel & toe fit

Your heel should not slip, and your toes should not hit the front of the boots. Test this by walking up and down stairs or on an incline, if possible.

Toe room

A great way to check the size is a simple insole test. Remove the supplied insole from inside the boot, lay it on the floor in front of you and stand on it with your heel positioned at the back of the insole. You should be able to see roughly a centimetre (finger's width) of insole in front of the toes.

What else affects how your boots fit?

Break-in period
New boots may feel a little stiff at first, but they should not cause pain or discomfort.

Different boot types
Lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight walking boots can fit and feel different. Lightweight boots tend to be more flexible and comfortable straight away, while midweight and heavyweight boots offer more support and durability but may require a longer break-in period. Choosing the right type depends on the terrain and level of support you need.

Materials
Waterproof boots can feel slightly snugger than non-waterproof options. This is because the extra lining can reduce internal space. When trying on waterproof boots, ensure you have enough room for your feet to move comfortably without feeling too tight.

The best way to get the right fit

Trying on boots at home is helpful, but nothing beats expert fitting advice. Visit us in-store, and our team will help you find the best walking boots for your adventures.

Walking boot picks

How Should Your Walking Boots Fit?

What size should your walking boots be?

What socks should you wear with walking boots?