Don’t treat your feet as an afterthought next time you’re in the mountains, says Alex Roddie
WHAT ARE the two things most likely to put anyone off mountain adventures for life? Fatigue and pain. Especially tired or sore feet. We all know someone who tried out hillwalking or backpacking that one time, maybe as achild, suffered from horrendous blisters, and never set foot on ahill ever again. That’s ahuge shame!
Anyone can suffer from blisters or other foot problems, so it’s worth putting as much effort into footcare as you might do gear selection or your overall hill fitness.
Something I’ve realised is that keeping feet happy is not necessarily adone deal. You don’t learn asecret, crack acode and then have blister-free feet for ever more. Although Iget far fewer blisters now than Idid 15 years ago, they do occasionally sneak up on me – so it’s always worth tweaking your approach. What worked for you last year may not work this year, especially if you’ve changed your shoes or gained/lost weight.
FOOTWEAR
Traditional boots or trail shoes? Waterproof or unlined? There aren’t really any right or wrong answers, so let personal preference be your guide (up to acertain point, mind – I’d always recommend wearing ‘big boots’ for winter mountaineering).
Fit is the most important factor. Comfort when trying on footwear can tell you a properly at astore with knowledgeable staff. Look for independent gear shops with agood reputation for footwear. Shoes that are too tight will pinch and can restrict circulation (bad news in winter), and will swell even further when wet or frozen. It’s better to have shoes abit roomy than abit too tight –but too roomy and your foot will move around too much, causing blisters and maybe even bruising. Fit can be adjusted to adegree using thicker socks or insoles, but is kinder on your feet and less likely to cause blisters. If your feet overheat easily then non-waterproof mesh shoes can offer better ventilation. They also dry out more quickly in wet conditions.
Shoes can start causing blisters when they begin to wear out. Don’t chuck out are genuinely past it then replace them.
SOCKS
Socks are important! Irecommend spending money on good socks –or, Synthetic socks tend to be cheaper, more durable and quicker to dry, whilst merino wool tends to be naturally stretchy and merino blend can be the best of both worlds. Never wear cotton socks on the hill.
Look for a good fit – not baggy, but not too tight either – with a good level of cushioning under the heel and forefoot. And choose an appropriate sock for the season. Thin, light socks are great in summer but can result in cold feet in winter. When backpacking, carry a dedicated pair of warm sleeping socks ��
