Foot Care

Caring for your feet while hiking is a vital part of the trail experience. Take it from one who had to abandon a hike for a small irritated blister under one toe – issues with feet can wreak havoc on your

plans. Proper care of feet ahead of time can help avoid a lot of misery on the trail and also avoid injury.

Shoes

Hiking shoes are really a personal preference in many instances. I have worn both boots and trail runners and am now a convert when it comes to using trail runners for East Coast trails. The lightweight ability of these shoes, the quick drying capacity in wet, soggy conditions, and the ability to navigate rocky terrain have all helped me remain with this type of footwear. But I also made sure I got checked by a professional when buying shoes. I went to a professional running shop and had them evaluate my foot type for the type of shoe I needed. I ended up with what is called a motion control shoe because I pronate. Different shoe types, based on construction, can make your foot, then your leg and hip, move differently. Ill-fitting footwear can affect not only your foot but can cause knee and hip issues and even injuries. Hence the need for a foot professional to make sure you are wearing the right type of shoe for your foot. I also go with a size larger shoe than my foot size as well.

Trail Runners dry ultra quick after being in slush

Insoles

I am a big believer in proper insoles. This can take some doing as there are so many to choose from. A professional can help you determine what type will work. I actually worked with a physical therapist after having some nerve issues in my calf, and he recommended the blue Superfeet. I have worn them ever since. Get a professional opinion on the right insole to match your foot type. It adds to the support of your foot and makes for a better journey and less injury.

Socks

Socks are very important to help minimize pressure points and blister formation. Going with a good merino wool blend helps to wick moisture way from your foot which can cause blisters. DO NOT wear cotton “gym” type socks. As your foot sweats, they get wet, stay wet, and the moisture will make you suffer with blisters that will pop up after only a few miles of walking. In a follow-up blog I will rate a few socks I have tried.

Foot Care

Make sure you are doing proper foot care on your journey. Whenever you stop, take off your shoes, remove the insoles, and take off your socks. Let them all dry in the sun if possible and air out your feet. You will find instant relief if they are feeling hot and tired. Also, be sure you are carrying a proper first aid kit (with duct tape, band aids, etc) should there be issues with hot spots and blister formation. Check out the blog on blister care should they happen.

Your feet will take you wherever you need to go on your hiking journey with some proper care and TLC

Guest Blog: Dry Your Boots! (and out of the way Trails to Try in NY and New England)

Hiking is a great way to exercise, because it promotes both physical and mental health. The beautiful scenery along a trail has the ability to put the mind at ease. It can help you relax after a stressful week at work. It also offers a significant amount of physical benefits including: burning calories, promoting strong bone structure, lowering the risk of diabetes and hypertension.

People that hike regularly are aware of how important it is to wear the proper attire. Hiking can be quite dangerous, if you are not wearing the proper footwear. Those that do not consistently hike may wear sneakers, because that is the most common type of shoe people use when doing a physical activity. The problem with this is the soles of sneakers (exception is trail runners) are not designed for you to walk on hiking surfaces. They were not made to grasp rock, soil and tree debris. These types of soles will increase your chance of injury. You could easily slip and fall, or twist your ankle. Regular hikers usually wear hiking boots, because they give their ankles proper support and contain soles that possess the ability to grip those tough outdoor surfaces. These boots allow them to enjoy their hike and aid in preventing serious injury.

Another issue hikers may experience is wet trails. You can still hike through them; however you must pay extra close attention to your surroundings. Here is a list of hiking trails that are known for getting muddy (but ripe for adventure!) -

·         Debar Mountain Forest: Azure Mountain (NY)

·         Cascade Mountain (NY)

·         Pharaoh Mountain (NY)

·         Speckled Mountain (ME)

·         Blueberry Mountain (ME)

·         Slide Peak (NH)

 Hiking through muddy trails can cause your boots to get wet. It is very important to dry them when you return home, because the water can cause wear and tear. If you choose to not dry your boots, you are putting yourself at risk for getting blisters the next time you go hiking. The moisture inside of the boot will cause your feet to rub against the inside thus causing a painful blister. A blister is a sore caused by the skin rubbing against something, they usually become filled with fluid and eventually the skin breaks. When this occurs you need to put ointment on them and a bandage. This will prevent an infection.

Blisters are agonizing and will slow you down on the trail. Boot dryers are an excellent option for keeping your hiking boots in great condition and will prevent blisters. Hiking boots are expensive; the average cost for a pair is 100 dollars. I am sure you want to get the most for your money. If you care for them, your boots will have a long life span. Boot dryers can dry your hiking boots using an effective temperature. If your boots are exposed to a temperature that is too hot, the glue used to put the materials together could melt. If you are thinking about purchasing a boot dryer, make sure you get one that uses forced warm air, because this type of air works best with your boots. Many hikers enjoy traveling and go hiking while on vacation, therefore they should purchase one that is portable.

If you have not tried hiking, I suggest you try it once! You could get hooked on a hobby that is both beneficial to your physical and mental health. Make sure you wear the proper attire and dry those boots when returning from your adventure.

About the Author:

Williams Direct Dryers provides its customers with quality products. Our customer base includes NASA, the United States military, the Canadian military, fire departments and many businesses. We offer both commercial and residential dryers. Please take a look at our products here.