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If you are buying new hiking boots before a trip there is a break in period before the boots get comfortable and you don't want to go on a long backpacking trip with brand new boots. Time will depend on the person and how much time they can spare for breaking in and distance can depend on the terrain but there should be at least an average value for this.
On average how long/how many miles do you need to put on a pair of hiking boots before they are broken in?
It depends. For the boots I had, and military/long walking events experience:
I hard there are some tips to lower the break in time (or the consequences):
With modern footwear, the only thing you should have to worry about are blisters. If you get a good pair of boots, there shouldn't be a break in period for the shoes, just your feet. As for the blisters, I have tried wearing pantyhose style stockings under my regular socks, but I didn't like them as they were too tight and allowed my feet to slip inside my boots.
Now, when I get new boots, I carry a few different sized bandages (Band-Aids) with me for the first couple trips. As soon as I notice an area rubbing on my foot, I apply a bandage. I also apply the bandages the next time I use them, but everything is usually OK, by the third day. (I have also tried using moleskin for this but I like the regular bandages better.) Also, I find I need to apply the bandages longer for hiking boots with full leather uppers, but the time needed will be determined by how stiff the leather is.
As described above, I have also tried soaking my leather boots, letting them dry for a bit, and then wearing the damp boots for several hours. This does allow the leather to conform to the legs more quickly, but I still usually need to use the bandages to get past those first couple uses.
That said, I still prefer to start wearing my boots the traditional way, without soaking. If I have the time, I'll apply saddle soap, mink oil (is my preference), or any other leather conditioner very liberally and let them sit for a couple days to a week with a towel or application rag covering them. (Dust will collect on the boots and dry the leather conditioner if they are not covered). I'll wipe them clean and then do it again. I'll do this 2-4 times, until the leather is buttery soft. This will also make them completely waterproof.
As a boy, I bought Raikle boots from REI. I wore them daily to school, and on my paper route. A new pair would take about 3-4 weeks to break in.
One way I read about in a hiking book was to take a long warm bath with your boots on, then wear them until they dried, walking half the time.
The break in period is going to be very dependent on the design of the boot. Mountaineering boots are going to take longer than trail runners.
The break in period also depends on your feet. If you have a common foot, the boot is closer to the shape of your foot. If you are like me, having a thick foot, and one that is wider (EE to EEEE) then your first challenge is finding a boot that fits at all.
I recently bought a new pair of work boots. Wolverine. Not top of the line. Not walmart cheapies. They fit right away. But I buy work boots a half size big to wear two pairs of heavy socks. And I wouldn't want to go backpacking in them. Too heavy.
Backpacking I now use low top Merrell's. They fit me. They provide just enough support.
Buy your footwear a month before the trip. Wear daily.
