Feet care

“So what do you use as essential feet care?
Cream? Band-aids? Duct tape?”

“Depends, what seems to be the problem?”

“no problem yet, just asking for general precautions and commont treatment”

“Make sure to keep your nails trimmed. You get a hangnail and it hurts like hell.

Also, when hiking, try to keep you feet dry. Make sure to have a second pair of socks handy in case the socks you are wearing get wet. If they do get wet, change them and wrap the wet ones around your neck. They will dry a lot faster.

At the sign of a hot spot (beginning of a blister) STOP! Use moleskin, duct tape, anything to cover the spot.

You may want to try liner socks under your hiking socks. The first 2 trips I ever went on I got major blisters after walking 5 miles. The third trip I used liners and was able to hike 23 miles the first day.

I have heard to apply rubbing alcohol all over them a couple weeks before a major hike. Supposed to toughen them up. I don't know if this works so check with someone before trying.

I like to change into my Tevas when I finsih hiking for the day. It lets my feet breathe.”

“so liner socks who be like a ... double socks... i'm not planning to buy some special hiking socks.”

“liner socks are usually thin. I've used "dress socks" with success before. Generally you want a tighter fit than you might with the "hiking sock" or the wool sock.

You'll want to stay away from cotten - it'll never dry out if you get them wet - either from sweat or from the creek.
last edited: 3/26/05 10:34:30 PM”

“Make sure you get the socks right. I've used liners (not the same ones) since 1972. NEVER a blister. They're worth the small cost.”

“i'm not planning to buy some special hiking socks.”
Sivek

You know the old saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Spend a few $ on good hiking socks. I like Merino Wool. Make sure your boots fit right and are broken in. Keep your feet dry, put duct tape or mole skin on hot spots as soon as they are noticed.
If you wear cotton socks while hiking and get blisters it's gonna suck.
last edited: 3/27/05 8:04:51 AM”

“"i'm not planning to buy some special hiking socks.”

...plan on getting blisters if you dont get the right socks. Remember its your feet that take the brunt of use and abuse while hiking. Poor socks are a guarantee for blisters, bank on it. I get cheap liner socks ($2-4 per pair) and wear em for hiking running and biking, with all the use they last one year or so. Good socks can prevent the need for ducttape, moleskin and other blister remedies.”

“liner socks have never helped me, even cause more slippage and friction. I do better with smartwool or thorlos with a nice pile foot pad.

I always carry moleskin on long trips.”

“as evidenced here by the various combinations of sox and liners people use, trial and error may be ncessary.”

“Tru Dat birch!”

““so liner socks who be like a ... double socks... i'm not planning to buy some special hiking socks.”

You don't have to buy liner socks per say. I use the super thin nylon dress socks you can get at TJ Maxx or others for about a dollar a pair. I found the "gold toe" the best. I found that most of the liner sock on the market use a double bar stitch at the toe and that causes blisters on top of my toes. I have never had a problem with the dress socks.

What matters is not to use cotton.”

“Also take off your shoes and let you dogs air out when you stop for lunch.”

“some people use Gold Bond Foot Powder, it helps keeping your feet dry because it absorbs mositure”

“so I'll go and try these

Wigwam Merino Wool Comfort Hiker Socks

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=53075&memberId=12500226

without liners and I'll see.

thank you for your help”

“Trial and error...but it is worth it.

I use polypro liners and Thorlo mid-weight socks. I add moleskin if I sense any hot spots.

Tried skipping the sock liners and my feet protested!

I never would have spent the $$ on the Thorlos, but had a gift certificate. I liked the socks so much I went back and got a second pair.”

“I used to hike in clodhoppers 40 years ago. Now I hike in lightweight boots. I like foot powder, liner socks & hiking socks. I like trekking poles though it took me many years to get used to them. I hated giving up my old hickory staff.”

“Make sure you have room for both your liner socks and your hiking socks. I use different combinations of different thicknesses of socks for different shoes or boots. You have to have room for your feet to breath, for trapping air for warmth, and for your toes to wiggle. Crowding too thick a sock in a boot will compress the insulation and make hot spots and sore toes.”

“For the last year + I've been wearing two pairs of liner socks, no thick hiking socks for this girl...and no blisters.

Good tip: put on the socks inside out so that the toe seam isn't against your skin.”

“sticks, I use Gold Toe, too. Can't beat the price. I think I paid $4 for 3 pairs.

When buying boots always take any after-market cushions you use, and all the layers of socks you use. If you use an after-market cushion don't forget to take your cushions with you (and replace the boot's original cushions) if you don't buy the boots.

Change into dry socks when you get into camp, remove the cusions from the boots, and loosely lace them up so they can air out on your feet.”