Why Do My Hiking Boots Hurt My Achilles?

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities, and it’s not surprising why. It’s an excellent way to get physical activity, explore nature, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One important factor in enjoying your hike is having the right gear – including good hiking boots. Unfortunately, many hikers experience pain in their Achilles when wearing hiking boots.

The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the heel and connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. When you wear hiking boots that are too tight or too loose, it can cause friction on your Achilles tendon and lead to irritation or even injury.

If your boots are too tight, they can rub against your ankle and cause blisters. If they’re too loose, they can slip up and down as you hike, which can also irritate the Achilles tendon.

In addition to finding boots that are the right size for your feet, there are other things you can do to avoid hurting your Achilles when hiking. Make sure you break in your new boots before hitting the trail.

Wear them around the house for a few days or take short hikes with them before going on a longer excursion. It’s also important to wear socks specifically designed for hiking; these will help prevent friction between your boot and skin.

You should also pay attention to how you lace up your hiking boots. If they’re too tight at the top, it can cause pressure on the Achilles tendon when you walk downhill. To avoid this problem, try lacing up only halfway or wearing gaiters overtop of them.

Finally, make sure you stretch before hitting the trail; this will help loosen up any tight muscles in your calves and ankles that could be contributing to discomfort in your Achilles.

Conclusion:

Wearing properly fitting hiking boots is key to avoiding pain in your Achilles tendon while out on a hike. In addition to finding well-fitting footwear, it’s also important to break them in beforehand, wear socks specifically designed for hiking, pay attention to how tightly you lace them up, and stretch before heading out on a trek.

Photo of author

Alex Wright