Hiking - Come share your tips and experiences.
Jonny15121983
Posts: 573 Member
Hey everyone,
I don't seem to meet many people on here who have hiked at all, let alone hike at the moment. I'm fairly new to hiking, it has become a part of my routine over the past month as I have started on this journey.
So far I have done a 70km (43m), 40km (24m) and 30km (18m) as my top three hikes. They were done straight through in one go. The thing is that I really love hiking and would love to go more often but my feet just fail me.
I have had many blisters, mainly interdigital, several black toe nails and pretty severe bruising around the outside of the calf (only one) from the boots. Even resting my feet for a week doesn't result in anything close to healing and the next hike compounds the problems.
I did the 30km in trainers, had heel blisters so got a pair of hiking boots. I wore those on the 70km hike (admittedly I was stupid to break them in on this) and had severe issues as listed above. The 40km the week after just compounded the existing issues making them worse and resulted in new ones due to adjusted gait when walking. It's nearly monday and my feet are a mess, I just want to go hiking again though.
So initially my reaction was to get the boots, then I went for some dual layered socks, now I've just bought some 'toe socks' that are like foot gloves and am wondering if Trail blazers would be better than hiking boots?
It occurred to me that if I had just got some advice first from those with experience then I probably could have avoided a lot of this discomfort. Still better late than never so, is there any advice you can share with me that might be useful suggestions? It doesn't just have to be feet either, any experiences you have.
I would also love to hear about what sort of things you all get up to, maybe some photos of you on your hikes/places you have been.
I don't seem to meet many people on here who have hiked at all, let alone hike at the moment. I'm fairly new to hiking, it has become a part of my routine over the past month as I have started on this journey.
So far I have done a 70km (43m), 40km (24m) and 30km (18m) as my top three hikes. They were done straight through in one go. The thing is that I really love hiking and would love to go more often but my feet just fail me.
I have had many blisters, mainly interdigital, several black toe nails and pretty severe bruising around the outside of the calf (only one) from the boots. Even resting my feet for a week doesn't result in anything close to healing and the next hike compounds the problems.
I did the 30km in trainers, had heel blisters so got a pair of hiking boots. I wore those on the 70km hike (admittedly I was stupid to break them in on this) and had severe issues as listed above. The 40km the week after just compounded the existing issues making them worse and resulted in new ones due to adjusted gait when walking. It's nearly monday and my feet are a mess, I just want to go hiking again though.
So initially my reaction was to get the boots, then I went for some dual layered socks, now I've just bought some 'toe socks' that are like foot gloves and am wondering if Trail blazers would be better than hiking boots?
It occurred to me that if I had just got some advice first from those with experience then I probably could have avoided a lot of this discomfort. Still better late than never so, is there any advice you can share with me that might be useful suggestions? It doesn't just have to be feet either, any experiences you have.
I would also love to hear about what sort of things you all get up to, maybe some photos of you on your hikes/places you have been.
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Replies
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Getting the right boots is key. I can't tell you which boots are right for you, you need to find a good store with someone that can help you fit the right boot. For your current boots, you could try new insoles or socks, but I'd say that your boots simply don't fit you well. See if you can get a refund from the store, though it's unlikely since theyre worn.
You can also wrap your toes with bandaids or mole skin.
With the right boot, you won't have these foot problems. A good pair of hiking boots is essential for hiking imo, but they must fit right.
DON'T keep hiking with your feet in their condition. seriously it will only exacerbate them. Try short walks for a while until your feet heal.0 -
Buy a pair of boots slightly larger, you'll have more room in the toe box area. I hike a lot but have yet to buy a pair of hiking boots. I hike in trail runners with a good tread on the sole. I also use wool socks.0
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Thanks earthout
Yeah there is no way it would get refunded but that isn't a problem. Do you have much experience with the difference between hiking boots and trail runners? I've just found that hiking boots seem so heavy and stiff for such long walks and I can't really see the point or need for such a high ankle. What am I missing here?
I do do walks throughout the week, I just.... I need to get out there, I get so restless. I can't imagine waiting a month or more for them to heal
I guess I'm just hoping that as you say the damage is caused by improper equipment so if I find the right match then it won't exacerbate the problem?
How about you though mate, what are your personal experiences with hiking? Do you still hike now?0 -
queenliz99 wrote: »Buy a pair of boots slightly larger, you'll have more room in the toe box area. I hike a lot but have yet to buy a pair of hiking boots. I hike in trail runners with a good tread on the sole. I also use wool socks.
Interestingly my boots do have a bit of room in the front, I think it was improper lacing technique that resulted in the toes banging over and over again into the front rather than being held back. That's great to hear that you see no need for boots, sounds like it is worth trying out a pair of these trail runners.0 -
Jonny15121983 wrote: »queenliz99 wrote: »Buy a pair of boots slightly larger, you'll have more room in the toe box area. I hike a lot but have yet to buy a pair of hiking boots. I hike in trail runners with a good tread on the sole. I also use wool socks.
Interestingly my boots do have a bit of room in the front, I think it was improper lacing technique that resulted in the toes banging over and over again into the front rather than being held back. That's great to hear that you see no need for boots, sounds like it is worth trying out a pair of these trail runners.
I agree with you and the weight of boots, I don't like it. Also, I have never twisted an ankle while hiking, my ankles are very strong. If the trail gets difficult and rocky I focus my eyes downward.
I have, however, lost toenails but that is part of the fun. LOL0 -
I have hiked in lightweight shoes, but for long hikes, hikes where I'm carrying any significant weight (backpacking), or rough terrain, I need the stability of a hiking boot. Also a taller waterproof boot is nice when crossing streams. You can just stomp through the middle and your feet stay dry.
Walking in boots does feel different than walking in shoes. Your gait changes slightly as your body adjusts to the stiffness.
Even my regular sneakers have more support than most. My feet hurt if I try to wear thin shoes for long.
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queenliz99 wrote: »Jonny15121983 wrote: »queenliz99 wrote: »Buy a pair of boots slightly larger, you'll have more room in the toe box area. I hike a lot but have yet to buy a pair of hiking boots. I hike in trail runners with a good tread on the sole. I also use wool socks.
Interestingly my boots do have a bit of room in the front, I think it was improper lacing technique that resulted in the toes banging over and over again into the front rather than being held back. That's great to hear that you see no need for boots, sounds like it is worth trying out a pair of these trail runners.
I agree with you and the weight of boots, I don't like it. Also, I have never twisted an ankle while hiking, my ankles are very strong. If the trail gets difficult and rocky I focus my eyes downward.
I have, however, lost toenails but that is part of the fun. LOL
Is that pretty much the point of the boots? To stop ankle twisting? Yeah totally ready to ditch the boots if that is all it is lol
Haha yeah I couldn't care less about them falling off, I just wish they would hurry up and fall off, they obviously want to, we all know they are going to, so chop chop toes nails.0 -
Toenails falling is a long process, yep. I trim my nails short before a long hike.0
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BTW, I have never lost a toenail. yuk. :P0
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I have hiked in lightweight shoes, but for long hikes, hikes where I'm carrying any significant weight (backpacking), or rough terrain, I need the stability of a hiking boot. Also a taller waterproof boot is nice when crossing streams. You can just stomp through the middle and your feet stay dry.
Walking in boots does feel different than walking in shoes. Your gait changes slightly as your body adjusts to the stiffness.
Even my regular sneakers have more support than most. My feet hurt if I try to wear thin shoes for long.
My hikes are always one shot continuous without stopping hikes so I manage to keep my pack fairly light with just water, a snack, med kits, headlamp/torch for nighttime hiking and a jumper. The terrain is somewhat rough but I just feel so out of contact with it in my boots, I average about 3mph through the hike which is probably a pretty reasonable speed considering the terrain. No water issues to be concerned of here either.
How far would you usually hike in one go? For how long? At what speed? I'm curious as to what most people do and aim for/enjoy in their hikes,0 -
queenliz99 wrote: »Toenails falling is a long process, yep. I trim my nails short before a long hike.
Yeah that was one of those 'wish I knew' bits of advice I didn't learn about until after I caused the issue lol How long am I looking at here? Any way to speed the process?BTW, I have never lost a toenail. yuk. :P
Me neither, yet lol But 4 or these bad boys look like they will break my cherry xD0 -
I've never been a "speed hiker" type. I don't like stopping a lot but my hikes are more about keeping a steady pace for long periods of time rather than attaining a certain speed. I havent been hiking as much as I'd like since having a kid, but before then my favorite hikes were multi-day backbacks. I had a full pack, about 40-50 pounds, and averaging 15-20 miles a day.Jonny15121983 wrote: »I have hiked in lightweight shoes, but for long hikes, hikes where I'm carrying any significant weight (backpacking), or rough terrain, I need the stability of a hiking boot. Also a taller waterproof boot is nice when crossing streams. You can just stomp through the middle and your feet stay dry.
Walking in boots does feel different than walking in shoes. Your gait changes slightly as your body adjusts to the stiffness.
Even my regular sneakers have more support than most. My feet hurt if I try to wear thin shoes for long.
My hikes are always one shot continuous without stopping hikes so I manage to keep my pack fairly light with just water, a snack, med kits, headlamp/torch for nighttime hiking and a jumper. The terrain is somewhat rough but I just feel so out of contact with it in my boots, I average about 3mph through the hike which is probably a pretty reasonable speed considering the terrain. No water issues to be concerned of here either.
How far would you usually hike in one go? For how long? At what speed? I'm curious as to what most people do and aim for/enjoy in their hikes,
You should carry the "10 essentials" in case you get lost/injured/stuck. I'd add a knife, firestarter, and a space blanket to your supplies at least.
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Months. You can't speed it up. As the nail grows out it eventually falls off then the new nail comes in, so months.
Last month I hiked the Angel's Landing in Zion National Park in Utah, USA which was series of switchbacks almost 6 miles long roundtrip. This is a pic of my hubby taking a pic, LOL. If you ever visit the U.S. and like hiking I highly recommend Zion. In fact, I met a lovely couple from England at the top. But we have many amazing places to hike. I have done a bunch. Checkout this link
http://internetbrothers.org/2014/11/06/angels-landing-and-west-rim-trail-zion-national-park/
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Definitely +1 on getting new shoes and resting/healing until you go out again. I'm in the camp of thinking that real hiking boots aren't a "necessity". Use them if you like them for the ankle support, but there's nothing wrong with running shoes or the cross/hybrid hiking shoes.
I'm in Wyoming in the US - we have some gorgeous hiking opportunities if you're ever this way. Just did a round-trip hike of 18 miles over a 10,000 foot mountain pass. We ended up averaging about a 1.25 mi/hour mostly because of the intense pass. I used my running shoes for this hike (including over boulders/scrambling) and they worked wonderful for me. Use what works for you!
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@emereey Totally get that slow pace, I've been on trails that were slow moving. Your pic is amazing.0
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I used to do a lot of hiking before I had children - now that they are older I tried to get back into it (and take them along) but it's more enjoyable with people who actually want to be there of their own free will.... anyway, I used to wear boots, but they were well worn in. I also used to wear two pairs of socks, one inside out and one regular.
My hiking experiences were in the Gros Ventre mountain range in Wyoming (USA) and I went a time or two up in the Sawtooth mountain range in Idaho, USA. Both very beautiful and challenging!
Definitely a good knife is essential, and sure way to make a fire (such as a flint- rock or a case to keep matches dry).
PS if you like to read about experiences ie survival in the wild, I would suggest the book "Hatchet" by G. Paulson - sort of a kids book, but an easy read you could finish in a day.
Best of luck to you as gain health and fitness though hiking!0 -
I've done a ton of hiking, and I eventually got to the point where I almost never wore hiking boots on trail. A good fitting running shoe will work on most popular trails. If the trail is wet, a Gore-Tex running shoe, or an ultra-light-weight hiking shoe will work.
Rocky, or on snow or ice, or the footing is treacherous, or steep terrain, then you need a more substantial sole and ankle support. If I anticipate rough terrain higher up, I carry my boots in my backpack and wear running shoes down below. Makes for a heavy backpack, though.
Get your blisters mostly healed before you do another long hike. Keep your feet dry. Moisture wicking socks - wool in cold weather.
As for blister first-aid, I hesitate to say this, but I've always popped my blisters and cut off all the loose skin with sterilized scissors. Keep the sore super clean and exposed to the air as much as possible. Lots of antibiotic ointment. Stay off it. If I can do that, my blisters will heal enough in just a few days.
Moleskin on small blisters or hot spots always worked well for me on the trail. I always carry a sheet of moleskin in my first-aid kit.
If you're really serious about hiking and you're sure you're going to lose your toenail, go to a doctor and ask to have it removed. My brother finally did that after suffering with a loose nail for 3 months.
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I've never been a "speed hiker" type. I don't like stopping a lot but my hikes are more about keeping a steady pace for long periods of time rather than attaining a certain speed. I havent been hiking as much as I'd like since having a kid, but before then my favorite hikes were multi-day backbacks. I had a full pack, about 40-50 pounds, and averaging 15-20 miles a day.Jonny15121983 wrote: »I have hiked in lightweight shoes, but for long hikes, hikes where I'm carrying any significant weight (backpacking), or rough terrain, I need the stability of a hiking boot. Also a taller waterproof boot is nice when crossing streams. You can just stomp through the middle and your feet stay dry.
Walking in boots does feel different than walking in shoes. Your gait changes slightly as your body adjusts to the stiffness.
Even my regular sneakers have more support than most. My feet hurt if I try to wear thin shoes for long.
My hikes are always one shot continuous without stopping hikes so I manage to keep my pack fairly light with just water, a snack, med kits, headlamp/torch for nighttime hiking and a jumper. The terrain is somewhat rough but I just feel so out of contact with it in my boots, I average about 3mph through the hike which is probably a pretty reasonable speed considering the terrain. No water issues to be concerned of here either.
How far would you usually hike in one go? For how long? At what speed? I'm curious as to what most people do and aim for/enjoy in their hikes,
You should carry the "10 essentials" in case you get lost/injured/stuck. I'd add a knife, firestarter, and a space blanket to your supplies at least.
That sounds like a lot of fun, I've been thinking about going for some multi-day/ hiking holidays. I think there are definitely a few things I need to add like the ones you listed there. I occurred to me today that I really need something a simple as spare laces for my boots too!
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queenliz99 wrote: »Months. You can't speed it up. As the nail grows out it eventually falls off then the new nail comes in, so months.
Last month I hiked the Angel's Landing in Zion National Park in Utah, USA which was series of switchbacks almost 6 miles long roundtrip. This is a pic of my hubby taking a pic, LOL. If you ever visit the U.S. and like hiking I highly recommend Zion. In fact, I met a lovely couple from England at the top. But we have many amazing places to hike. I have done a bunch. Checkout this link
http://internetbrothers.org/2014/11/06/angels-landing-and-west-rim-trail-zion-national-park/
Wow that looks gorgeous, I lol'd at you taking a picture of your hubby taking a picture. You have some amazing scenery over there, much more dramatic than we have here in the Cotswolds though it is very beautiful here too Thanks for sharing 0 -
Definitely +1 on getting new shoes and resting/healing until you go out again. I'm in the camp of thinking that real hiking boots aren't a "necessity". Use them if you like them for the ankle support, but there's nothing wrong with running shoes or the cross/hybrid hiking shoes.
I'm in Wyoming in the US - we have some gorgeous hiking opportunities if you're ever this way. Just did a round-trip hike of 18 miles over a 10,000 foot mountain pass. We ended up averaging about a 1.25 mi/hour mostly because of the intense pass. I used my running shoes for this hike (including over boulders/scrambling) and they worked wonderful for me. Use what works for you!
So beautiful! What a rewarding place to hike! I wish there were more opportunities like that around here for me, I like the idea of a more challenging assent at a slower pace too.
I was looking at some trail runners today actually as the boots thing just isn't going to work for me. I've found one that has the BOA lacing system on it, I have them on my rollerblades and the BOA is insanely fast, easy and gives such a great fit Definitely going to swap on over! 0 -
yardprincess wrote: »I used to do a lot of hiking before I had children - now that they are older I tried to get back into it (and take them along) but it's more enjoyable with people who actually want to be there of their own free will.... anyway, I used to wear boots, but they were well worn in. I also used to wear two pairs of socks, one inside out and one regular.
My hiking experiences were in the Gros Ventre mountain range in Wyoming (USA) and I went a time or two up in the Sawtooth mountain range in Idaho, USA. Both very beautiful and challenging!
Definitely a good knife is essential, and sure way to make a fire (such as a flint- rock or a case to keep matches dry).
PS if you like to read about experiences ie survival in the wild, I would suggest the book "Hatchet" by G. Paulson - sort of a kids book, but an easy read you could finish in a day.
Best of luck to you as gain health and fitness though hiking!
That raises another interesting question there as I have always hiked alone, does everyone tend to go in groups over there?
I got a pair of dual layered socks that are basically the same thing as wearing two pairs, definitely a huge help in reducing the outward blisters so a top tip there!
I'll check that book out, maybe save it to read on the phone if I go ahead with multiday hikes, would make a great nighttime read
Thank-you and thanks for sharing all your tips and experiences too 0 -
I've done a ton of hiking, and I eventually got to the point where I almost never wore hiking boots on trail. A good fitting running shoe will work on most popular trails. If the trail is wet, a Gore-Tex running shoe, or an ultra-light-weight hiking shoe will work.
Rocky, or on snow or ice, or the footing is treacherous, or steep terrain, then you need a more substantial sole and ankle support. If I anticipate rough terrain higher up, I carry my boots in my backpack and wear running shoes down below. Makes for a heavy backpack, though.
Get your blisters mostly healed before you do another long hike. Keep your feet dry. Moisture wicking socks - wool in cold weather.
As for blister first-aid, I hesitate to say this, but I've always popped my blisters and cut off all the loose skin with sterilized scissors. Keep the sore super clean and exposed to the air as much as possible. Lots of antibiotic ointment. Stay off it. If I can do that, my blisters will heal enough in just a few days.
Moleskin on small blisters or hot spots always worked well for me on the trail. I always carry a sheet of moleskin in my first-aid kit.
If you're really serious about hiking and you're sure you're going to lose your toenail, go to a doctor and ask to have it removed. My brother finally did that after suffering with a loose nail for 3 months.
It definitely seems that that sort of terrain is very lacking around here so the need for boots is a bit of a pointless one. Looking forward to swapping over to something light-weight for my next hike.
Maybe I'll skip a hike tomorrow, give it another week to let things heal then. It will mean I have the money to get trail runners before the next hike as well then.
Yeah I gave up after a week and just lanced the blister against 'medical advice', it was just so annoying an instantly felt better once the pressure was off. I used well steralised equipment as you say and am doing my best to keep it well cleaned. This one is a bit weird though as the initial blister was pretty large (inside of right big toe) so I tapped the two toes together with cotton wool between for the following hike. It sort of worked but I've ended up with a sort of blister under the blister along the top edge. Hard to describe lol
I can't say that it is really causing any discomfort right now so might wait until it is actually starting to detach and I know 100% it will go. There are 4 in question, each of differing condition. I accidentally pierced the skin when trimming the nail on the left big one and lots of liquid came out like the whole nail had a blister under it. I'm rather glad I did as it seems to have helped and is now the healthiest looking one of the lot.
Thanks so much to you and everyone who has posted, been great hearing all about your experiences too!0 -
I haven't been hiking the distances of some of you, but it is something my husband and I enjoy doing.
We live in Tasmania, and there are many hikes here which we are working our way through. And when we went to Canada recently we did a hike to the top of Mt Cheam with my cousin.
Regarding footwear, I have a pair of sort of hiking-style shoes which I bought in 2009 and which have been great ... very comfortable. When we went to Canada, I picked up a pair of hiking-style shoes at a Walmart.
They worked surprisingly well. But then I know I need shoes with certain features to fit my feet, so that's what I go for.
I also wear a thin pair of socks topped with a thick pair of wool socks. That's what I wear for any walking or hiking ... and actually for my cycling too. It's the most comfortable combination for me.
Hiking in Tasmania ... in my heavier days ... about halfway out to Cape Raoul and back, maybe 6 or 7 km.
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=1536
Hiking in Tasmania ... Cape Hauy ... 8.8 km ...
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1533
Atop Mt Cheam ... me a little bit lighter ... 9.5 km
http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/mount-cheam/
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I need to visit Tasmania, it is beautiful 0
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queenliz99 wrote: »I need to visit Tasmania, it is beautiful
The first two photos are Tasmania, the last one is Canada.
I think they're both beautiful and both have some really good hiking.
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queenliz99 wrote: »I need to visit Tasmania, it is beautiful
The first two photos are Tasmania, the last one is Canada.
I think they're both beautiful and both have some really good hiking.
Ah, I see that now. Canada is beautiful too, I have been there a couple of times. The lasting impression, other than its beauty, is the people are super nice.0 -
Hiking in Tasmania is seriously awesome.
We used to hike (we also call is bushwalking here) a lot before kids. We'd organise road trips around different places we wanted to walk and photograph (one person carrying the camera gear, the other the hiking gear & food).
Now the kids are older, we're getting back into it. By ourselves (husband and I), we go at a steady pace. With our 8yo leading.... we go a lot faster LOL
I choose my footwear depending on the terrain and the weather. For an easy walk on a dry day, I just use runners. A harder, longer walk, then I use my boots.0 -
I agree about checking the fit of the boots. Also Keep using dual socks. The inner pair should be light and slippery, like polypropylene or silk. The outer pair should be a wool blend with a wicking fiber. NO COTTON SOCKS. Try on boots while wearing these socks.
Consider using foot talc between your toes.
Have fun!0 -
The trail runners versus conventional full hiking boot question for me balances on what the load and distance are. I love TR's but used injudiciously by me on a long light hike in Colorado when I should used a stiffer boot cost me pain weeks later. The only blisters I have suffered in years are from pounding downhill with too many pounds on my back. It was a nine day trip with 13-16 mile days. That is a lot food weight for the first half of the trip with a significant pass each day. [US based between the Central Rockies and the Great Plains...Powder River Basin and the Bighorn Mountains
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Shoes are a matter of preference and depend on whether it's wetter drier, trail conditions, weight carried, and distance. Moleskin, however, should be in your pack always and applied at the first sign of a hot spot (before a blister even appears).0
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