First of all, make sure to break in your hiking shoes well before you go hiking. No matter how well made a hiking boot is, if it is improperly broken in it will be stiff, awkward, and uncomfortable. Walking for just 10 or 20 minutes a day is more than enough to do the trick after a couple of weeks, but you need to give it time.

Of course, in addition to the right hiking shoes, you need to have good socks. Wearing thick socks can provide a cushion – particularly if your hiking boots are brand-new. They will make sure that you shoes stay in place, stopping them from rubbing your feet. They will also help to keep your feet warm, and to wick sweat away as you walk.