Which socks should I wear with men's walking boots?

The pair of socks you wear could make an enormous difference to how comfortable you find your new men's hiking boots. But since there are several types and brands to choose from, it might feel tricky to know where to start.

We've written a handy walking socks buying guide to demonstrate the importance of this often-overlooked but vital accessory. Knowing which features to look out for could determine the success of your next adventure, especially if your feet need extra support.

How should walking boots fit?

Men's walking boots should be snug but not too tight.

You need to aim for all-day comfort but also think about other factors like the thickness of your socks and the natural swelling of your feet. When you come to try on some walking boots in-store, we'll focus on four areas:

• The insole: Take the insole out of the boot. With your foot placed on the insole, you should see a gap that's as wide as one or two of your fingers above your big toe. This little bit of wiggle room will go a long way when it comes to keeping you comfortable on steep descents.
• The heel: Your heel should fit snugly but naturally into your shoe, a bit like an egg in an egg cup. If it's not secure, the movement will generate heat; unfortunately, that heat could give you blisters.
• The width: You should never choose a men's hiking boot that causes a pinching sensation in any area. The fit needs to be snug, but you'll quickly know if your shoes are too tight by walking for just a few minutes indoors.
• The depth: Everyone has a different foot size, so you'll need to think about the width and depth of your shoe. Try to strike a balance; if your new men's walking boots fit perfectly for length and width but it feels like there's too much space above your foot, we might recommend trying another insole.

How to clean walking boots

Taking care of your boots is a guaranteed way to keep them in good condition for longer.

Men's walking boots are available in many different types of material, including leather, full-grain leather and synthetic fabrics like nylon. Knowing how to clean your boots will therefore depend on the specific brand, type, and fabric.

We know that when you get back from a long day out, the last thing you want to think about is cleaning your boots. But leaving them caked in mud will shorten their lifespan, so the most important thing you can do is give them a rinse straight away.

In our care and repair guide, we've explained more about how to look after your technical clothing in the most suitable way. So, whether it's a new waterproof jacket or a pair of men's walking boots, you can keep your kit looking pristine.

Choose the best men's walking boots with Tiso

When you're looking for new hiking boots, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the array of brands and styles available. But whether you've got your heart set on a new pair of mountaineering boots or lightweight men's walking boots, we can help you decide.

Head down to your nearest Tiso store to receive world-class advice from our team of specialists. When you buy men's hiking boots with us, we'll never pressure you to choose one over another. We listen carefully to your preferences before recommending the right footwear, making sure that you'll get kit to last you for years to come.

We've written a walking boots buying guide to get you started. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the Tiso team if you've got a question about our men's waking boots or any other kit.

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