Caledonian Challenge - footwear recomendations
Discussion
Mods - could this be left in The Lounge as it's not really a sport (well I don't think anyone is doing it just for fun of it).
Hello
I am doing the above next weekend. Which is a 54 mile charity walk in 24 hours, during which we climb the equivilant of Ben Nevis twice!!
Just finished a 30 mile practice walk today and have decided that I need to change my footwear.
The route today was on similair terrain, i.e. stone paths and roads. I wore a pair of Salomon boots I used for Duke of Edinburgh etc in the past with no problems, however those walks were mainly on much softer ground. The boots are pretty big, well above ankle. Very rigid and next to no cushion.
As a result the soles of my feet are on fire.
I have spoken to a few people who have completed the CC before and they say you need nothing more than a strong trainer type shoe.
I am looking at a pair of these.
www.run4it.com/shop/salomon/xa-pro-3d-ultra
Does anyone have an experience of the CC, or recomendations for suitable footwear?
I shall be walking about 20 miles this week to and from work so plenty of time to break them in.
They do a GoreTex version too, any pros and cons of this?
Thanks for reading
P
Hello
I am doing the above next weekend. Which is a 54 mile charity walk in 24 hours, during which we climb the equivilant of Ben Nevis twice!!
Just finished a 30 mile practice walk today and have decided that I need to change my footwear.
The route today was on similair terrain, i.e. stone paths and roads. I wore a pair of Salomon boots I used for Duke of Edinburgh etc in the past with no problems, however those walks were mainly on much softer ground. The boots are pretty big, well above ankle. Very rigid and next to no cushion.
As a result the soles of my feet are on fire.
I have spoken to a few people who have completed the CC before and they say you need nothing more than a strong trainer type shoe.
I am looking at a pair of these.
www.run4it.com/shop/salomon/xa-pro-3d-ultra
Does anyone have an experience of the CC, or recomendations for suitable footwear?
I shall be walking about 20 miles this week to and from work so plenty of time to break them in.
They do a GoreTex version too, any pros and cons of this?
Thanks for reading
P
^^^ Those look good. I've done the 62 mile Trailwalker across the South Downs in July wearing something similar. Take lots of spare socks and neoprene knee supports for when you get cold walking through the night. Oh, and walking poles. You'll feel like a tit using them, but they are useful.
I should add that there are support stages along the way so I can change my footwear ever 15 miles if required.
Not really going to get a chance to do another full walk, but I will be able to walk over 20 miles in them just walking to work. The guy in the shop said that they would not need much walking in as they are pretty suple. Do you agree or is he trying to make a sale.
Mobile Chicane - would you go for Goretex ones? Good point about the cold, looking out supports as I type
Not really going to get a chance to do another full walk, but I will be able to walk over 20 miles in them just walking to work. The guy in the shop said that they would not need much walking in as they are pretty suple. Do you agree or is he trying to make a sale.
Mobile Chicane - would you go for Goretex ones? Good point about the cold, looking out supports as I type
Having just sprained my ankle while descending a hill next to Ben Nevis,I would certainly recommend boots that had good ankle support.
The boots I had on were very similar to the type you are looking at and although fine on the flat, they are not suitable for long steep ascents/decents.
The boots I had on were very similar to the type you are looking at and although fine on the flat, they are not suitable for long steep ascents/decents.
MRSNEAK said:
Mobile Chicane - would you go for Goretex ones? Good point about the cold, looking out supports as I type
I can't see the point of GoreTex in a mesh ventilated shoe where your feet will dry quickly should they get wet. As a liner in eg. a leather boot, yes.ETA: the type of shoes you've linked to don't need any 'breaking in' in my experience. I did 30 or so miles when I first got mine. Unfortunately this was across Dartmoor in the wet, and the subsequent smell of sheep s**t has never entirely departed.
Edited by Mobile Chicane on Sunday 7th June 19:13
The Goretex ones are slightly different, closed mesh I think - http://www.run4it.com/shop/salomon/xa-pro-3d-ultra...
Point taken about the ankle issues, I shall have a look at trainer/boot types too.
Point taken about the ankle issues, I shall have a look at trainer/boot types too.
I have some Goretex army style boots, I find that my feet get hot and if the boot gets wet, it takes a f
king age to dry out.
Just get a decent normal boot with plenty of ankle support. Don't forget about socks too.
Don't forget to break them in properly, you don't want to do that on the CC!
king age to dry out.Just get a decent normal boot with plenty of ankle support. Don't forget about socks too.
Don't forget to break them in properly, you don't want to do that on the CC!
I've got the GoreTex version of the Salomon. I use them for trail running, first time wearing them I ran a 7 mile trail (Alwen Trail) and thought it'd be painful, but they were ok. I had a bit of arch ache as there's a fair bit more support there than what I had before but other than that, no serious "running in" was needed. I've mostly used them in cold conditions, usually sub 5 C and in snow. I found the waterproofing great, feet stayed totally dry. But, going into spring and the temperature getting closer to 10 C, my feet started getting really warm. Last time out, although I was wearing thick socks and running hard which obviously doesn't help keep heat down, my feet felt like they were on fire. Maybe it wouldn't be as big an issue just walking? As has been said, the non-GoreTex will dry fast anyway if they get wet, it just depends how hihgly you value waterproofness.
Hello! Doing it too, second time around - I'd have a look at the inov-8 website and maybe narrow it down to the roclite range, the footwear of choice nowadays for mountain marathons and fell running but they do varieties that are better at long distance trail walking which all our team are wearing.
Good luck - it's a good day out although last years trip across loch lomond in a raiding boat was a high point that'll be absent this year.
http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Activity.asp?AID=9&...
Goretex vs. mesh - if you intend running/walking fast with short stops then go with mesh - I've used non-goretex trainers in the wet/snow and yes your feet get a bit wet but quickly heat up and dry out - if you keep moving and don't anticipate hanging around and stopping for long periods. The goretex ones do get hotter than normal and are frankly useless if you get water over the lip and pouring into the shoe - from which it can't escape nor dry effectively. If you're just walking with frequent stops and don't anticipate water crossings etc (i.e. tourist pace) then goretx may offer slightly more comfort from the wet but that's about it.
Good luck - it's a good day out although last years trip across loch lomond in a raiding boat was a high point that'll be absent this year.
http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Activity.asp?AID=9&...
Goretex vs. mesh - if you intend running/walking fast with short stops then go with mesh - I've used non-goretex trainers in the wet/snow and yes your feet get a bit wet but quickly heat up and dry out - if you keep moving and don't anticipate hanging around and stopping for long periods. The goretex ones do get hotter than normal and are frankly useless if you get water over the lip and pouring into the shoe - from which it can't escape nor dry effectively. If you're just walking with frequent stops and don't anticipate water crossings etc (i.e. tourist pace) then goretx may offer slightly more comfort from the wet but that's about it.
Edited by andy_s on Monday 8th June 12:05
I'd be wary of using boots with lots of ankle support - the support can actually be counter-productive as it doesn't give the foot free movement to deal with changes in terrain and loading. Unless you're carrying heavy loads, the only real protection you need is to the soles of your feet - many people happily go hill walking in outdoor sandals, although trail running shoes are the most practical option.
As with the above post, I'd look at Inov-8's products - they get great write-ups in most tests. That said, all the Salomons I've owned have always been comfy, and the soles have been very grippy AND durable, which is rare.
As with the above post, I'd look at Inov-8's products - they get great write-ups in most tests. That said, all the Salomons I've owned have always been comfy, and the soles have been very grippy AND durable, which is rare.
A lot depends on that state of your feet beforehand.
I did a 12 mile trek in some rainforest the other day, continually wet and loads of river crossings.
Thought I would wear what the real jungle rats do i.e. knee high wellingtons and no socks (so you can empty water out easily). My wellies are even the same brand that the Colombian FARC guerillas use (they should know, right?)
Result - farckin agony, feet rubbed raw and bleeding.
Conclusion - If your feet are nice and soft, buy nice soft footwear to match!
I did a 12 mile trek in some rainforest the other day, continually wet and loads of river crossings.
Thought I would wear what the real jungle rats do i.e. knee high wellingtons and no socks (so you can empty water out easily). My wellies are even the same brand that the Colombian FARC guerillas use (they should know, right?)
Result - farckin agony, feet rubbed raw and bleeding.
Conclusion - If your feet are nice and soft, buy nice soft footwear to match!
have done this twice - first time in "the" year of 99....anyone who survived that one won't forget it in a hurry
and then again in 2000.
The key is the conditions - if wet and rainy you can expect soggy ground through stages 2, 3 and 4 in particular (these are the renumbered stages for this year where they have changed the start and finish). If that's the case, I'd wear boots for those but would certainly consider trainers for 1 and 5. If dry then if you're used to uneven ground then there is absolutely no reason not to go for those Salomons or as suggested Innov8s. In fact, my missus is doing it this year and i'm suggesting she take both boots and trainers and then she can chop and change depending on how she feels the conditions underfoot are. The fact that you have an 8 mile easy start stage is a plus as it gives you a chance to get a feel for conditions.
good luck. It's hard.
oh, and I can't see the point in goretex at all in trainers....any water is going to run down your leg into your shoe anyway and will easily get in. pointless IMHO
and then again in 2000.The key is the conditions - if wet and rainy you can expect soggy ground through stages 2, 3 and 4 in particular (these are the renumbered stages for this year where they have changed the start and finish). If that's the case, I'd wear boots for those but would certainly consider trainers for 1 and 5. If dry then if you're used to uneven ground then there is absolutely no reason not to go for those Salomons or as suggested Innov8s. In fact, my missus is doing it this year and i'm suggesting she take both boots and trainers and then she can chop and change depending on how she feels the conditions underfoot are. The fact that you have an 8 mile easy start stage is a plus as it gives you a chance to get a feel for conditions.
good luck. It's hard.
oh, and I can't see the point in goretex at all in trainers....any water is going to run down your leg into your shoe anyway and will easily get in. pointless IMHO
Edited by mcgus on Monday 8th June 19:41
If you do decide to opt for trainers, then buy them at a running shop and get them professionally fitted. The same goes for walking boots. Buy on what fits, not what other people recommend.
Regardless of what you opt for you should also invest in some good walking/running socks and wear these when you try the shoes on. In addition buy about 4 pairs and change your socks every time you stop for a break on your walk. Damp socks WILL give you blisters so changing them frequently will mitigate this.
Regardless of what you opt for you should also invest in some good walking/running socks and wear these when you try the shoes on. In addition buy about 4 pairs and change your socks every time you stop for a break on your walk. Damp socks WILL give you blisters so changing them frequently will mitigate this.
Thanks for all the replies, very helpful.
Going to the shop in the morning, think it will be the salomons as they fitted my wide feet pretty well. Good shout about taking different shoes and changing at the checkpoints if required.
For those doing it this year, what time you off, name of team etc? Maybe see you out there?
Going to the shop in the morning, think it will be the salomons as they fitted my wide feet pretty well. Good shout about taking different shoes and changing at the checkpoints if required.
For those doing it this year, what time you off, name of team etc? Maybe see you out there?
changing boots a week before you go is very risky. some boots really do require a long time to break in and you could end up with horrible blisters or even worse. i have sold hundreds of pairs of walking boots/shoes in my life and anyone who came in to the shop saying "i am doing a 54 mile trek next week, what shall i buy" would be politely told to reconsider the need for new shoes
i have had to deal with far too many customers come in a week after they bought some boots, against my advice, covered in mud demanding a refund because "they didnt fit".....
for what its worth, i wouldnt wear anything but Scarpa Manta M4s and then MTFU and tab it....
i have had to deal with far too many customers come in a week after they bought some boots, against my advice, covered in mud demanding a refund because "they didnt fit".....
for what its worth, i wouldnt wear anything but Scarpa Manta M4s and then MTFU and tab it....
My daughter went on the Oxfam Trailtrekker 30/31 May 100k in 30 hrs and offers a bit of advice; Use anti shock trekking poles which reduce pressure on knees and legs. Plenty and variety of good walking socks - she found Bridgedale and Thorlos the best as they were breathable. She used Salamon Mega Trek 5 boots which are fairly lightweight but provided good ankle support.Gortex boots will make your feet very hot if it is warm.A really good pair of walking shoes are a good option if you know what parts of the terrain are like and have walked it beforehand.
They walked various terrains ,tarmac, hills and rock pathways their route covering Malham Cove and Pen-y-ghen but did suffer a few blisters.
Their team retired retired at 61k and it was their first attempt.
Compeed blister plasters are on offer in Boots at £1 off per pack so do invest in some of these!!
They must have had the hottest weekend for that walk.!
Good luck and what is your team name?
They walked various terrains ,tarmac, hills and rock pathways their route covering Malham Cove and Pen-y-ghen but did suffer a few blisters.
Their team retired retired at 61k and it was their first attempt.
Compeed blister plasters are on offer in Boots at £1 off per pack so do invest in some of these!!
They must have had the hottest weekend for that walk.!
Good luck and what is your team name?
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