sore feet

“Hey, I have recently been hiking and have experienced a strange phenomenon.... when I get done with my hikes at the end of the day my feet are blistered and my toenails feel like they are gonna fall off....yes I am certain its my boots, but when I invest in a new pair, what do I need to look for as to avoid this problem? Or possibly is that just something you live with.....”

“Your boots don't fit. The blisters are from friction, so try wearing 2 pairs of socks. The toe-banging is a problem I also have, but I'm having problems finding a solution. Analyze your walk, determine when exactly in your stride that your nails are being compressed, and that may lead you to a solution, be it stretching the toebox, padding, etc.”

“Toe banging. As treebait said the boots don't fit your feet. If you're up for a new pair of boots try one with a wider/longer toe box. On the other hand, do your feet slide forward in your boots? Might be able to reduce that by changing the way you lace your boots.”

“I'm looking to buy some boots (my first Pair) any suggestions? What brands are the best?”

“The best brands are the ones that fit you well and fit the way you hike. Depends on many factors. But as you may be a troll as you have no profile, I'll leave it at that.”

“And What do You mean I might be a troll? What's a troll? I'm just a newbe looking to spend my bucks the right way. I'm wearing tenny's right now.”

“Since your new expect some foot pain due to the exertion involved, it takes a while to get your feet toughened up.

If the above advice doesnt work you might consider not biting so hard :}


All newbies are trolls. Fill out your profile and post a picture to Phils and post a trip report here or show up on a TT group trip so that we may take your liver , er see you... then we might give you a break.”

“There's no answer to the "which boot is best?" question.

Just try some on. Go to a store with a good return policy. I bought some recently at Cabela's. When the seams started bursting after six months, they took them back for store credit.

I'd be looking for something that is waterproof and feels good on the feet with good ankle support.

BTW, tennis shoes aren't that bad. Lots of times they are the best option for dayhiking. The heavy backpacking boot can be superfluous. I'd bring some gore-tex socks and wear tennis shoes on many hikes.”

“LOL... and right now, RL, those boots are sitting in a Cabela's "Bargain Cave" somewhere, at 5% off the price you paid. Trust me! lol”

“Go to a pro to get fit. Phil Oren puts on clinics to show people about fit. Look on pg.88 of this months issue of Backpacker. If you don't have a outfitter with qualified staff to help you, it is pretty much trial and error.

Some times modification need to be made to the boot for your needs. Like me I need to wear two different weight socks on each foot, and shim the heel box of my right boot.

Buy from someone with a return policy that is no hassle like Sierra Trading or REI.

Good Luck”

“get the cheapest boot you can find...then go out and hike...I suggest you don't wear socks on your first hike out. this way the sweat from your feet will be absorbed by the leather and soften them up...if that don't work, I'd try following the previous suggestions...those other folks take backpacking very seriously and actually TRY to help newbies...my goal is to be a butthead, so don't pay me no never mind.”

“Get some sports tape - the cloth kind - and tape the areas that tend to get blistered before going on your hike. Trust me on this one - I used to have this problem all the time but the tape stopped the excess friction and prevented blisters. Also, smartwool socks help alot too - they've kept my feet drier.

For the bruised toes - maybe you need to cut your toenails shorter? Sounds stupid - but it might help. That and a pair of well-fitting boots.

Good luck!”

“sore feet- man you should see the sixe of the blood blister on the back of my heel. ITS COOL!”

“i got these cheapo's at payless for like $35. they are a "light hiker" type of boot. they are called HITEC and are made in china, i'm sure. i have had them over a year and worn them everyday to work(i work maintenance and am very hard on my shoes), ,and taken numerous hikes in them(at least a huundred miles) and they are still together and fit great. they just fit my feet well and i'm glad i didn't dump a ton of cash for them.

anyways, i noticed that when you go down steep hills, your feet smach up into the toe of your boot. so when you try them on, go down a steep inclind and see if they do that. don't buy them if they do.

plus what everybody but stikmon said....”

“Thanks for all the Info. even from confessed buttheads. Will be glad to fill out a profile as soon as I can find out how.(I'm even new to the net). As far as taking a trip I'm going to LBL next week so be looking for a report. Monday I'll be checking out the stores with good return polices.”

“WEll I have a profile and a new boots!”

“I believe ya. Trust me, this is standard treatment. They all thought I was a troll, some still do. Go on a trip and post pics :)”