On boots

[+drsolly]

I discovered something new about wearing boots yesterday. Well, new to me.

 

As I was walking along, my toes were hurting, especially going downhill. We were on a long route, and it was getting worse and worse, and I was starting to wonder if I'd be able to walk all the way. Then I thought about it a bit, and realised that as I walked along, my feet were sliding forward in my boots, my toes were getting rammed up against the front of the boot, and that was what was hurting. And then I thought, there's a way to relieve that.

 

So I stopped for a minute, and redid my laces, making them really tight. Then when I walked along, the forward motion of my feet wasn't being transmitted to the ends of my toes, but was being spread over the top of my foot, and that meant that my toes were hurting a lot less. It would have been better if I'd done my boots up that way in the first place, but it really made a big difference, and I was able to complete the route (75 caches).

 

My toes are fully recovered today.

[+Graculus]

And then I thought, there's a way to relieve that.

 

For a moment there I thought you were going to say you walked down the hill backwards so the weight was on your heels not your toes

 

Chris

Graculus

Volunteer UK Reviewer for geocaching.com

UK Geocaching Information & Resources website www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk

Geocaching.com Knowledge Books

Edited July 10, 2010 by Graculus

[+drsolly]

And then I thought, there's a way to relieve that.

 

For a moment there I thought you were going to say you walked down the hill backwards so the weight was on your heels not your toes

 

 

It was so painful at one time that I seriously considered doing exactly that!

[+drsolly]

And then I thought, there's a way to relieve that.

 

For a moment there I thought you were going to say you walked down the hill backwards so the weight was on your heels not your toes

 

 

It was so painful at one time that I seriously considered doing exactly that!

[+nevryan]

Great tip and well worth remembering

[+RuberyBlue]

If you are suffering with boot problems take a look at this.........

 

There's more than one way to lace boots!

 

Boot lacing

 

RB

 

KRO!

[+jason johnson]

All that walking you must do I`m surprised you`ve got any feet left

[+Lydford Locators]

If you are suffering with boot problems take a look at this.........

 

There's more than one way to lace boots!

 

Boot lacing

 

 

Amazing, I was recommended technique #1 for my plantar faciatus when I bought my new boots - I thought they were making it up, but good old Cotswold Camping knew what they were talking about.

[+RatRunCrew]

When I was 'learning' about hiking and climbing, our mountain leader said it was fine to walk down the mountains 'sideways'

About 90% of the students turned up in brand new unbroken boots. One even bought his boots from the local shop near Capel Curig!

[+vw_k]

I used to fit and sell walking boots and it amazed me how many people took no notice of the information I was trying to give them on getting a good boot fit, or how many people couldn't even tighten and tie bootlaces properly! So many people would tie their laces very loosely (or just try pulling them very hard from the top, leaving the front of the boot loose) then wonder why their expensive walking boots still didn't fit well!

 

A good outdoors shop will be able to show you different lacing techniques. They should also look at the shape of your feet (usually without socks on) as well as measuring both of them (most people's feet are NOT exactly the same size) and will be able to recommend boots suitable for the shape of your foot as well as the sort of activities you want them for. The shape of different boots differs not only in forefoot width but can also vary in instep height and width around the heel. The brand of boots your friend recommends may not be the most suitable for you too.

 

Useful link, RB. Another tip is if you find your laces slip when tying the knot, try putting an extra turn in the first part of the knot, this adds extra friction to the laces and helps stop them loosening when tying the second part, is can also help spread the pressure across the part of the boot where the knot is tied.

 

Glad you managed to solve your problem, Dr S

[+smstext]

I keep suffering from blisters. Correct size boots, worn in but usually start around 6 mile Mark and doesn't matter what brand or even if I've got a different size. Any advice?

[+Pharisee]

I keep suffering from blisters. Correct size boots, worn in but usually start around 6 mile Mark and doesn't matter what brand or even if I've got a different size. Any advice?

Stop at 5.9 miles???

Seriously... I use 1,000 mile socks. They're sort of one sock inside the other, the inner sock being a silky sort of material while the outer is a woollen type . The inner sock sticks to your skin and any relative movement is between the two socks, not between your skin and the sock... Never, ever had a blister whilst wearing them and I've walked quite a few miles over the years (not as many as DrSolly, though )

[+Original A1]

Good boot tips. I have the same problem at times as Dr Solly, so will try Tip 1 next time I'm out.

 

Already "invented" Tip 5 for myself.

 

As to blisters, the sock idea sounds worth trying out. I personally put Compeed onto my heels as that's my weak area. Works for me, although it gets a bit pricey if you're doing a lot of walking.

 

Oddly enough, I was in Tiso's yesterday looking about getting new boots because mine were worn inside to the extent that there were dents that the toes fitted into! After discussion with a very helpful assistant, we concluded that the best thing was to try new insoles. I mention this particularly because I appreciated that he didn't go for the big sell and try to flog me some new boots regardless, but took my individual needs into consideration. When I said so, he said they're not paid commission specifically to avoid misadvising, so I told him it was the best thing as it meant that their reputation would continue to be endorsed by word of mouth.

 

[+Lydford Locators]

Blisters: That same man in Cotswold Camping also suggested that I wear liner socks under my hiking socks. I followed his advice, the socks rub on each other rather than on my feet and I've not had a blister since.

[+Amberel]

I use 1,000 mile socks. They're sort of one sock inside the other, the inner sock being a silky sort of material while the outer is a woollen type . The inner sock sticks to your skin and any relative movement is between the two socks, not between your skin and the sock... Never, ever had a blister whilst wearing them and I've walked quite a few miles over the years (not as many as DrSolly, though )

Just been there and I'd like to order some, but I'm confused by the huge range! 2 season, 3 season, 4 season, all terrain, approach, classic, heavyweight walking, lightweight walking? I guess maybe one of the last two, but it's not clear why you should choose one over another.

 

Rgds, Andy

Edited July 12, 2010 by Amberel

[+drsolly]

 

Amazing, I was recommended technique #1 for my plantar faciatus when I bought my new boots - I thought they were making it up, but good old Cotswold Camping knew what they were talking about.

 

I had plantar fasciatus, and I know a good cure for it (worked for me). Anyone interested?

[+Lydford Locators]

I had plantar fasciatus, and I know a good cure for it (worked for me). Anyone interested?

 

Thankfully mine appears to have gone now, although I still have the gel inserts in my walking boots.

 

I may regret asking, but do tell what your secret is as I was told to stop walking for 18 months (not easy for an addicted geocacher and something I chose to ignore).

[+smstext]

so these socks are they called liner socks as myself and my partner will get a couple of pairs each asap if someone could point us to them

 

with reference to the video above, there is no mention to the british army way of doing the laces?

Edited July 14, 2010 by smstext

[+Lydford Locators]

so these socks are they called liner socks as myself and my partner will get a couple of pairs each asap if someone could point us to them

 

 

I got some from Go Outdoors recently.

Edited July 15, 2010 by Lydford Locators

[+*mouse*]

Good socks are as essential as good boots imo. Shop around and find a sock combination that works well for you.

 

I have taken to cutting socks down to make my boots fit perfectly. I have thin heels and no boot fits well, so I wear a thick pair of socks with the toe half cut off over my usual cool max. Holds my heels in place so they don't rub while still giving my toes room enough.

[+JUSTHEJOB]

I find its better if you have them on the correct foot

[+t.a.folk]

Good socks are as essential as good boots imo. Shop around and find a sock combination that works well for you.

 

I have taken to cutting socks down to make my boots fit perfectly. I have thin heels and no boot fits well, so I wear a thick pair of socks with the toe half cut off over my usual cool max. Holds my heels in place so they don't rub while still giving my toes room enough.

 

Re-assuring to read I'm not the only person to have to custom fit my footwear.

 

I found my boots too slack around my narrow heel ( so out of proportion to my wide square toes )

til I took out the insoles that came with the boot and replaced them with "High Profile Superfeet "

(Braisher Hillmaster boots because slimmer boots no good to me because of wide square toes ,low ankles etc )

The "Superfeet " insoles are not cheap(last purchased at £32a pair ),but they did the trick for me .

Stopped heels slipping with every step ,blisters on heels and holes in socks .

The heel section of the "Superfeet " insole is thicker than the usual insoles provided with boots named above , and has sides that come up about 1cm around heel to help stop sideways slip

 

On shoes I need to attach sticky backed chiropody felt around inside of heel area and some way along the sides ( slimmer shoes no good because wide toes ) Being white, the felt does show a bit ( if anyone looks hard )But better bit of felt showing than not walking because no shoes fit.

The felt (purchased from a well known aptly named highstreet chemist ) is intended to be stuck on skin ,

but I find it sticks much better to insides of my shoes than any purpose bought "heel grip " I ever tried

The felt when bought is very thick but is easily made less thick .

Costs several pounds a packet but worth it to me .

[+Team Noodles]

 

As to blisters, the sock idea sounds worth trying out. I personally put Compeed onto my heels as that's my weak area. Works for me, although it gets a bit pricey if you're doing a lot of walking.

 

proper Zinc Oxide tape is your friend if you insist on pre-emptive 'treatment'.

[+Boggin's Dad]

Two big helps in the comfort of walking

 

1. As mentioned custom insole, I have them in my boots - fitted in a 'Cotswolds' outdoor shop, They are worth every penny, my boots then become part of my foot, no slipping/sliding, and no blisters (I did walk my boots in a bit, but took not time at all)

 

2. Walking Poles - You can go for something as cheap as a seasoned hazel stick from a hedge, to an extendable shock absorbing one from a shop such as that mentioned above. These help limit the impact of gong down hills, and I find also help 'push' along

[+vw_k]

sms - Yes they are called "liner socks" or sometimes "sock liners" or usually something along those lines, most outdoors shops sell them.

 

Merino wool socks are worth trying as they do a good job of wicking moisture away from your skin and also have a natural antibacterial propery.

 

Custom insoles, I have custom moulded insoles in my walking boots and "superfeet" in my approach shoes, both work well. A good walking shop will look at your feet and stand you on an insole to make sure you get one that is suitable rather than just asking what size you are and pulling one off the shelf.

 

Walking poles are also great. Some people are happy with one, I usually use one on gentle walks, they also come in handy for cache retrieving and nettle beating, but will use two if trekking or walking long distances. Using two rather than one keeps your gait straight as when you use one some people tend to "twist" their hips slightly towards the side with the pole when walking. Using 2 poles gives you 2 more points of contact with the ground and takes some of the strain off your legs as you effectively are walking with all 4 limbs. The impact on your knees and ankles when walking downhill is up to 4 times that of when walking on a flat surface.

[+AngryBirds]

I need to buy good boots, suitable for wet conditions and comfortable for short walks (5 - 10 miles). As I am heavy and destroyed many pairs of lesser quality boots, I would like to find qualified people to give me the right advice. Is there a specialist shop in the Brighton / Portsmouth area?

[+Boggin's Dad]

I need to buy good boots, suitable for wet conditions and comfortable for short walks (5 - 10 miles). As I am heavy and destroyed many pairs of lesser quality boots, I would like to find qualified people to give me the right advice. Is there a specialist shop in the Brighton / Portsmouth area?

 

I would reccommend 'Cotswold Outdoors' They have a shop in Chicester, as well as Southampton. I have not used either of those, but the one in Keswick had very knowlegdable staff, and as will spend as long with you as you want - I guess probably best to avoid Saturday or Sunday - try the website I think it is www.cotswoldoutdoor.com.

 

The last pair I bought Zamberlan leather boots (not Cheap!!!!) are 4 years old, and have been all around the Lake District, North Penines, Dartmoor as well as a trip across China from Kathmandu to Bangkok, and on to New Zealand. Well worth every penny.

 

Get a good pair, that fit well, consider the custom insoles, and you will wonder why you haven't had a pair like it before

[+drsolly]

I had plantar fasciatus, and I know a good cure for it (worked for me). Anyone interested?

 

Thankfully mine appears to have gone now, although I still have the gel inserts in my walking boots.

 

I may regret asking, but do tell what your secret is as I was told to stop walking for 18 months (not easy for an addicted geocacher and something I chose to ignore).

 

I discovered I had a problem when I was out with some people and I couldn't keep up because of the pain.

 

I found that when I got up in the morning, it was particularly painful, but then quickly settled down somewhat.

 

So I went to the doctor. He said it was an overuse problem, and suggested that I walk a lot less. Ugh. He also gave me some stretching exercises. I don't think they helped.

 

So I did some research.

 

The morning pain has a specific cause.

 

While you're asleep at night, the feet start to heal. But they aren't in the position that you use for walking (soles at right angles to the shin), they're more like parallel to the shin. So when you first put weight on them, all the healing that happened overnight, is torn out.

 

The answer is to have your feet in the walking position while you're sleeping. And you do that with a simple thing called a "Night splint", which holds the feet at the right angle. It isn't painful at all, but if you need to get up in the middle of the night, you'll find that you can't walk with it on!

 

A couple of weeks of that, and my feet were right as rain.

 

I still use gel inserts and/or gel insoles, though.

[+Unobtainium]

I now know why you're the doctor.

 

I've had pain in the morning for some time now and never knew what it was. Being a 'typical bloke' as my wife would say, I've not bothered the GP about it. I'll try the splints and see what happens.

[The Red Kite]

I find its better if you have them on the correct foot

Glad I'm not alone on that then. I was beginning to think I was weird

[+drsolly]

I now know why you're the doctor.

 

I've had pain in the morning for some time now and never knew what it was. Being a 'typical bloke' as my wife would say, I've not bothered the GP about it. I'll try the splints and see what happens.

 

I ought to point out, I'm not a medical doctor, I'm a real PhD. If you want professional advice on econometric analysis, I'm your man, but on medical matters, I'm only reporting what worked for me. But my reasoning was, surely a night splint can't make anything worse, and if it doesn't work, I've lost £25 or so. An unexpected downside for me, is that it makes getting up in the middle of the night a bit of a performance, because you can't really walk with the night splint on. Not even a few paces. It only take a few seconds to put it on or off, though. Also, I found that wearing a light sock before I put it on, was good because then it didn't rub against the skin.

 

You only need to put in on the foot that hurts, if only one hurts, and I got some relief within a couple of days, and what feels to me like a complete cure within a week or two. I occasionally get a twinge that's maybe a recurrence, and to be on the safe side, I wear the night splint overnight for one night.

 

Let us know how you get on.

[+104daysummervacation]

Hi drsolly,

 

Have your big toenails fallen off yet?

 

You might find that the pressure on your toes form the boots might cuase them to die and fall off.DOnt worry,new ones will grow underneath,dont be tempted to pull the dead ones off becasue the new ones will be soft and feeble if they come off too soon.

 

I do not wish to come across as a " know it all " but I am a GP and it is amazing what agony people suffer with their poor feet.

 

What we find the most effective for plantar fasciitis is the frozen golfball stretch every morning and night to lengthen the ligaments .Shoe wear ca help a lot,orthotics ( specail insoles) or the "ugliest shoes in the world " MBTS (amazingly wonderful ,no I dont get comission, but i never wear anything else (my ex-marathon running feet have no metatrsal fatpads left (the fat moved to my midriff instead) ) and now the "medical crocs" are also really good for plantar fasciitis.

 

Does anyone think we should have an "ask the doc " thread?

I'd be pretty scared though ,since some geocachers on this forum can get rather more witty /sarcastic /knowledgable than I might cope with.(Actaully ,I am sure there are stacks of medical geocachers,now,that is an idea,maybe we could have a thread with different specialities?

Apart form the fact that we all geocache to get away form work ,but then medicine is a vocation and we never avoid an opportunity to help our fellow humans .

I shall stop rambling now and have something to eat.

 

Cheerio for now

[+Unobtainium]

Thanks DrSolly, I knew you weren't a medical doctor from your previous post. We've got a free physio at work so I'm going to book a slot now I know that I have a knew condition.

[+drsolly]

Hi drsolly,

 

Have your big toenails fallen off yet?

 

 

No, they're fine thanks.

[+weston wanderer]

I developed plantar fasciitis last October and was told it would take a couple of years to heal. however I bought Dr Scholl gel inserts for my heels and wore them for 3 months as well as doing stretches from a physio website. One day I suddenly noticed the pain had gone.But what is the frozen golfball stretch? Is it exactly as it reads?

 

Your ask the doc section sounds a great one!

 

 

What we find the most effective for plantar fasciitis is the frozen golfball stretch every morning and night to lengthen the ligaments .Shoe wear can help a lot,orthotics ( specail insoles) or the "ugliest shoes in the world " MBTS (amazingly wonderful ,no I dont get comission, but i never wear anything else (my ex-marathon running feet have no metatrsal fatpads left (the fat moved to my midriff instead) ) and now the "medical crocs" are also really good for plantar fasciitis.

Edited July 24, 2010 by weston wanderer

[+molfrew-mosstoad]

I developed plantar fasciitis last October and was told it would take a couple of years to heal. however I bought Dr Scholl gel inserts for my heels and wore them for 3 months as well as doing stretches from a physio website. One day I suddenly noticed the pain had gone.But what is the frozen golfball stretch? Is it exactly as it reads?

 

Your ask the doc section sounds a great one!

 

 

What we find the most effective for plantar fasciitis is the frozen golfball stretch every morning and night to lengthen the ligaments .Shoe wear can help a lot,orthotics ( specail insoles) or the "ugliest shoes in the world " MBTS (amazingly wonderful ,no I dont get comission, but i never wear anything else (my ex-marathon running feet have no metatrsal fatpads left (the fat moved to my midriff instead) ) and now the "medical crocs" are also really good for plantar fasciitis.

 

I have the same problem Chris, I found Orthaheel by schol helps no end as for the golf ball treatement take a look

he talks & demonstrates it about 2.30min in.

[+smstext]

DrScholl, it that your brother DrSolly?

[+Original A1]

 

As to blisters, the sock idea sounds worth trying out. I personally put Compeed onto my heels as that's my weak area. Works for me, although it gets a bit pricey if you're doing a lot of walking.

 

proper Zinc Oxide tape is your friend if you insist on pre-emptive 'treatment'.

Well I wasn't sure I was "insisting", but pre-emptive is certainly better than getting the blisters and then suffering with them! I have zinc oxide tape from my sports massage days, and that's fine for those who aren't allergic to it (some are), but it doesn't cushion the heel in the same way as Compeed does and I've always found it better for strapping other areas such as pronated feet, ankles, etc.

 

Still, as this is an advice column of sorts, hopefully others will try it and find it benefits them.