Chapter Two:
Footgear
Hurting feet are right up there with toothaches and earaches. When it happens nothing else matters but the cessation of the pain. It’s overwhelming and incapacitating. I’ve had perfectly happy feet decide to grow an inch on a hike and painfully pound against the toes of the boots until my feet became so cramped I couldn’t walk. I’ve witnessed the desperate effort of a friend to alter ill-fitting hiking shoes by chopping and slitting out the sides and toes. Still he suffered blisters that grew into ugly, flesh-eating wounds that took several days to heal.
Nothing is more important than your feet on a hike. What you wear on them should fit comfortably each and every step of the way. If you’re hiking in inclement weather you’ll need to wear footwear that keeps feet warm and dry.
Other than that, it’s up to you. I’m not going to suggest you wear a certain type of boot with specific characteristics because I’ve seen experienced hikers wear different things very successfully. I’ve met top-flight outdoors people wearing sneakers, even sandals on their long, arduous treks.
Before you set out on longer hikes, test your footwear on short walks to make sure shoes (or whatever) are well broken in. If you’re going to carry a pack, make sure you take test runs with that same pack (fully loaded). (Image 2.1)
Image 2.1: The Vibram sole with a beefy lug for traction and protection from rocky trails.
I wear boots that cover and support the ankles with a tough, pliable, water-resistant leather upper. I need to wear ankle-high boots to support my weak ankles. My ligaments in that area have long since stretched beyond repair due to numerous sprains. Every time I misstep, my ankles can break up to 90 degrees.
I also like thick durable soles (so I don’t feel all the rocks and roots I clamber over) with a deep lug (tread) for traction.
I like my boots made of tough, strong materials so I won’t stub my toes easily.
And I like to step lightly.
With these requirements I end up with a high ticket item. A pair of boots like that cost $140–200.
Socks
Do not wear cotton socks. They’ll get wet with perspiration causing friction and blisters. (Image 2.2)
Image 2.2: Wearing synthetic liners underneath synthetic wool socks helps keep feet dry.
Wear synthetic liners made for hiking underneath wool or synthetic wool socks.
The liners keep your feet dry by wicking the perspiration from feet to outer sock. There the moisture can begin to evaporate. One still needs to change liners and socks periodically during a hike to make sure feet remain dry. Make sure you bring at least two pair of each.
Blisters
The most common malady. Prevent them by insisting on good fitting boots, wearing liners and changing liners and socks to keep feet dry. Inexperienced feet will get blisters anyway so keep initial forays short until feet toughen. Try moleskin or bandages on areas prone to blistering before you set out. Be aware of hot spots on your feet before blisters form and apply moleskin.
Daft
Image 2.3
Ill-fitting boot stories are common and ugly. Most are born out of stupidity, haste or frugality. It’s always the same: Ten miles into the hike and you wish you had taken your footwear seriously. Cramped and blistered feet are heinously painful and quite nearly debilitating. Fun no more, the trail becomes a trial.
My worst case involved steel-toed work boots. I thought since they performed so well in a warehouse that they’d be just the ticket on the trail. But the steel was ice cold in the mornings and eventually chewed into my toes. Often you can find folks to commiserate with—others who have suffered in the same way. But I stand alone. Never have I heard of anyone else daft enough to hike in steel-toed shoes.
Parting words
Labels to look for
Mail order
Price tags
| Boots | $45–200* |
| Liners | $3 |
| Socks | $6 |
| Table 2.1: [* Price ranges are approximate.] |
Image 2.4: It’s very important to try on new hiking boots with a fully loaded pack. Feet expand with added weight and exercise.
Image 2.5