Put on the boots and feel how they fit. If you want boots for more than just day hiking, there needs to be extra room in the toe to prevent your toes from jamming up into the front of the boots when you walk downhill. Slide your feet forward in the boots until your toes touch the front and stick your finger into the back of the boot near your heel. Your finger should go in easily, otherwise the boots may be too small.
Lace up the boots and walk around. You should be wearing the socks you intend to hike in and preferably should have a backpack on with some weight in it. Walk up and down an incline to check if your toes bump up against the front of the boot.
Trace your bare feet on the piece of paper as accurately as you can. Cut out each tracing and insert into the proper boot, laying it on the bottom of the boot as flat as possible. Any places on the edge of the paper that curl up against the side of the boot are potential hot spots that might become blisters when you hike.
Break in your new boots. Wear your boots as much as possible before going on a long trip in order to conform them to your feet as well as identify any spots that rub you. These hot spots can easily turn into blisters if you are not careful.
Return your boots if they are too uncomfortable to wear hiking. If you find that you've chosen the wrong pair of boots, take them back to the store and find out if you can return or exchange them.
