these boots are made for hiking

On a hiking trip, boots are one of the most important items you can own. Ill fitting boots can lead most basically to blisters, and more seriously to structural foot injuries. When I bought my first pair of backpacking boots I had no idea what I was doing. So, I only tried one pair that were recommended by a friend. The store did not encourage me to try on any other kinds, and they suggested getting a boot a whole size bigger than my shoe size. I was also told that blisters were normal in the initial break-in period, but once the leather was softer would be fine. All this resulted in years of the worst blisters I have ever had, or seen. Moleskin did not work; duct tape did not work; nor liner socks, thicker socks, thinner socks, or different insoles. One long trip I resorted to cutting up my foam sleeping pad and duct taping that to my heels. It was miserable.

This was long before the policies of 100% satisfaction guaranteed was well established. I spent a lot of money on these boots, so i kept wearing them. Plus, they were really high quality, highly rated boots - just not really good boots for me.

A couple years later I started working at Eastern Mountain Sports. It was there that I learned that not only do we have different widths and lengths of our feet, but different sized and shaped ankles. And that some brands of boots fit people better than others based on how the boots is constructed. After trying on a few different brands this becomes clear - some boots your feet swim in, others are too narrow, etc. I had once been told I had a narrow foot with a nigh arch, but the boots that were the most narrow in construction completely did not fit. I actually have a regular sized foot, but a very narrow ankle. I finally bought a pair of Raichle leather hiking boots that I love. I have had the boots for 12 years, and have had maybe 2 blisters; a problem which was solved with varying my socks.

I am now getting to the point where I need to retire these boots and get a new pair. Even though I know how to shop for new ones, I am still scarred by those early years, and afraid of getting a "bad" pair of boots.
But here are some steps to reduce that risk:
1) Go to a reputable retail store - where in the boot department they know their boots and how to fit the right boot to the right foot.
2) Try on a variety of boots and walk around the store in them. And if that store doesn't have what you need, go to another store and see what brands they have.
3) Choose a store with a good return policy. Some stores will only take your boots back if they haven't been worn outdoors. you can get a decent sense of their comfort that way, but ultimately you need to field test them.
4) Buy a boot that will match your activity needs. Backpacking boots differ from lighter hiking boots; rocky steep terrain require a different boots than flat or rolling hills. Again, going to a reputable store will help. They should ask you this question.
5) Typically you want a boot a half size bigger than your shoe size. This accounts for sock variations, as well as the natural swelling of our feet.
6) try the boots on with a sock combination you know works for you. Bring your own. Or if you wear orthotics, bring those.
7) Buy your boots early enough before your trip (usually 2+ months) to break them in. If they are all leather they will take a bit longer to break in than the cordura/nylon/part leather ones. If they are uncomfortable after a couple times of wearing them, bring them back.

They're your feet, and will carry you far into the wilderness. Buy a pair of boots that fit, that are comfortable, and take time to break them in. It will make the hiking experience - and your feet - so much more joyful.
--Deb