Already have an account? Photo: Gaj Rudolf/EyeEm via Getty Images Unboxing a brand new pair of boots is thrilling. Imagine all the adventures you’ll have together! It’s tempting to throw them on and hit the trail right away, but don’t. Hiking in fresh kicks before they’re broken in can lead to blisters, hotspots, and an overall bad time. Here’s how to get your shoes ready for miles of hiking bliss. Do my shoes need breaking in? It’s true: Not all hiking shoes need to be broken in. Trail runners, light hikers, and synthetic boots are generally ready to go out of the box (but still, it’s a good idea to take them for a test ride on shorter excursions so you can figure out any hot spots before embarking on a long adventure). Stiff, ultra-supportive, and leather boots require the most break-in time, and will deliver the biggest consequences if you skip it. Determine which category your new shoes fall into and develop a plan from there. Be sure to leave plenty of time—up to a couple of weeks is ideal—between when you buy the boots and your first big backpacking trip.