boot problem

“Hey guys, was in need for a good pair of boots last year. After trying on and reading as many reviews as I could get my hands on, I went to buy a pair of Scarpa Delta M3s. I walked around the store for a couple of hours in the boots and loved them. Three days into an eight-day adventure in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness I developed severe tendonitis in my Achilles tendon. The pain could have been described as being hit in the heel with a hammer on every step. I was forced to finish the remaining 90+ miles pain free in sandals. From my examination the boot seem to have too much curvature along the Achilles area. Visiting my doctor he said the boots appeared to pull the tendon from the heel resulting in pain on every step. The boots only give me problems on longer trips covering longer distances. I allowed over four months for the break in period, and being a distance runner and a regular backpacker, I think I'm in more than adequate shape. I really enjoy my Scarpa boots and believe it or not their comfortable except on distance trips. I have my receipt and box from the purchases and the boots are in excellent shape. I contacted Scarpa and they said send them in and well see if it is a manufactures flaw, but I don't think it is. Could I get my money back or custom altered? I always read every review possible before buying boots and never heard anyone comment on a boots ankle or Achilles curvature. I don't want them turning into high dollar closet clutter.”

“hMMmm.. there are better boot experts around than me.. I SURE ain't one.

Do you have good relations with your local store? Maybe they would take them back out of good faith?”

“I read where a bootfitter can rub out trouble spots in boots with a device called a rubbing bar.”

“Send them back!”

“I have the same exact problem with my La Sportiva boots...I was thinking of getting them altered.”

“Send them back!

Switch to running shoes. If you have a good pair you already like for running, give em a try. As long as you are keeping your load around 40# it might be worth a try.”

“Send them back!!!!!”

“It's the evil boot man!!

Send them back!!”

“I'm about this close '' to just wearing running shoes. I HATE BOOTS!

If I could only get goretex running shoes. "SIGH"”

“LOL & sirpete!!!!”

“Contact The importer direct, see if they can do anything for you.”

“Wow, I've seen so many reports of broken ankles from people who've switched to running shoes. I don't think I'd do that.”

“Take 'em back!!!

WingDing tried the trail shoes and lost a few toenails after that trip. I used light weight kids boots (forgot mine at home and thats all that was available at the time) and the pain in my ankles didn't go away for a month.

I bought a pair of boots for $225 from REI. Everytime I wore them there was a sore spot on the top of the right foot. I tried 4 times during a year, same sore spot each time, and finally took them back. No receipt, no box, no tags. They took it back (a year later, even) and gave me the full refund! Saw it on the sale rack for $165.”

“Basically I agree - send them back if you can get a refund otherwise you may get some relief from the Achilles tendonitis by using a heel wedge or insole insert that raises the heel up slightly in the boot. I used to have a problem with Achilles tendonitis that I solved by using the green super feet inserts without removing the existing insole - this raised the heel just enough so that I no longer had a problem. It felt a little odd at the start being raised up in the boot but I have long since adapted to the slightly higher heel. BTW - I use really cheap boots - Sears work boots - $20 - $30 - and then double the cost by tossing in the super feet insoles - total cost around $60.”

“Sassafras,

L.L. Bean Torrent Trail Runners

http://www.llbean.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=30412&cgmenbr=1&parentCategory=4226&shop_method=pp

I have a pair of the older ones without Gore-Tex. I really like them for day hiking.”

“Thank you! I'll keep them in mind if my superfeet don't help at all.”

“The brand name liquid break in for leather...comes in a bright red squeeze bottle...found on the polish rack in most repair shops. Apply it to the Tendon Seam on the boots on a short hike, in-side and out, and then hike with the boot on till dry...you have my personal guarantee that this will eliminate the hard curve to the tendon of your foot...if the curve IS the reason your boots hurt, this will alter the curvature by softening the leather to glove like softness.”

“Sometimes my Achilles tendon stiffens up such that it almost keeps me from elevating my toes toward my shin (know what I mean) cause it feels like the tendon will snap off at where it connects to my back ankle, and can't walk any farther till I pop it back in place. I'll have to relax then rub the tendon and muscle, then slowly raise my toes toward my shin to have the tendon POP (seriously) like it goes back in place. Then things are fine till the next time it happens.

This ever happen to anyone? Anyone know what this occurrance is, and is related to?”

“Anyone???”

“Never heard of that particular problem Buddur.

My best advice came for someone I met on the trail who said that she had very tight tendons. Her Doc told her to do streaching exercises everyday and to be sure to thouroughly streach before hiking. It seemed to work for her. You ought to see a specialist on that one.”

“I have tight tendens because I sit at a desk much of the time. Found stretching 'em most helpful. Excercise I read in some out-door magazine some time ago. Stand on a step, facing up the stairs and grab on to the railing. With your heels extending off the step raise up on your toes, then lower your heel as low as you can go without losing your balance.

When you feel confident and balanced enough do one leg at a time. You can and weights if you want.

Disclaimer. It works for me, but I am neither a trainer nor medically trained person!”

“DANNERS, Mtn lights or Explorers, FGL. pay the $ to have them fitted.”