Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Hiking Bootfitter in the DMV

I saw this a few weeks ago:

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/04/11/473733900/go-to-the-tape-a-cheap-easy-way-to-prevent-blisters

I am not nor do I ever plan to be an ultra marathoner.

On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 5:38:25 PM UTC-4, Brad wrote:

All this stuff is great advice. It helps the fitter to know if you run narrow or wide. I have narrow feet and there are only a couple brands I'll buy. I burn through a pair light hikers a year and a pair of heavy hikers about every 2 years.

Definitely break them in. Start with a short hikes and work up to at least 10 miles before you go. With weight. Better to find out before you go if you made the wrong boot choice.

Not mentioned so far is feet maintenance. Some like the two sock method. I used to like it before the sock game got a lot better. That changed for me (and most) when technology got rid of those nasty rag wool socks. I prefer a single, light to medium cushion merino sock. I like lots of compression in the arch and I often wear heavy compression over the calf socks. YMMV, but it is important to find your combo. Number one thing for me on long hikes: keep your feet dry (or as dry as possible). Get in the water? Change socks. Every time you stop for more than a few minutes, take your shoes and socks off. Seriously. If the socks are wet, change them. I try to do a long stop to air out my feet or change socks every 4-5 miles. Sometimes you can't get that. At least air them out and change at lunch. On long treks, I rotate 2-3 pairs of socks a day. Some people like foot powder for friction. Some don't. If I have to rush a sock change, powder helps you get that new sock on when your foot is less than completely dry. Definitely carry moleskin and /or second skin. I prefer moleskin. The second you feel a hotspot, do something about it. Dry your feet. Change socks. Put on some moleskin. BEFORE you blister. Also, test your socks. My feet HATE some weaves/brands. Don't hit the trail with a brand/type of sock you've never worn. 

I'm with Dalton. I've had some nasty ankle/feet/knee injuries and the older I get, the less boot I wear. I generally only put on mids or higher if I'm toting a real heavy pack. I'm doing a 100 miler this summer and I will likely only bring my Salomon trail runners. 90% of my day hiking is is trail runners. I only strap on the big boys if I know I'll be bush whacking a lot. 

On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 1:19:34 PM UTC-7, Dalton Terrell wrote:

Either REI or Casual Adventure should be fine, I've bought from both; but Casual Adventure has hooked us up in a raffle before so that's a big plus in my book!

I'm not sure what NOLS requires but I'm the trail-runner camp too. I prefer the lighter weight and better general comfort. For reference, I normally hike with a 55 liter pack weighing 25 or 30 lbs at most, and on a long trip average 10 miles a day and rarely do more than 15 in a day. There have been some studies related to the ankle support that high tops offer and I don't think there is any conclusive evidence that high tops or low tops are better, here's a random website documenting one study: http://www.livestrong.com/article/405068-do-high-top-basketball-shoes-prevent-sprained-ankles/

From my experience, I've rolled my ankles in heavy leather boots and trail runners, I don't think it matters too much. The boots are more expensive but last a lot longer than the trail runners, so pricing may be a wash or favor boots.

Dalton

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