breaking in hiking boots, Gear, Atlas Mountains
Break-in should be a gradual comfort check, not a process of deliberately damaging your feet. Start with a boot that fits appropriately.
Build a sequence of trials
Try short wear with the intended socks, then manageable local walks. Add hills and load gradually. Note repeated hot spots and adjust before a long day.
Avoid forced shortcuts
Do not soak, overheat or bend the boots using improvised methods. Follow the maker's instructions. Such shortcuts can affect materials and still fail to solve the underlying fit problem.
Leave time for a different choice
Persistent pain or slipping may require another size or shape. Read the blister-prevention guide and boot-fit checklist. Before an Atlas holiday, tested comfort is more important than proving that a newly purchased pair can eventually be endured.
Related reading
Atlas Hikes
Editorial team