New walking boots - advice appreciated
Discussion
I seem to have agreed to participate in a 100km charity walk at the end of July, expected to take about 25 hours.
I reckon I need some new footwear, and before I head off to the local 'specialists' I thought I would ask for any specific/generic advice from the massive.
My previous pair (not very much used) were leather Brashers, but I managed to buy them a little too small (I could blame the sales person that sold them to me for not giving guidance, but ultimately it was my fault for not assessing the fit).
So any suggested makes/types/weights? Size advice? Mileage I would expect to get out of them? Socks? And general silly distance advice (other than "Don't do it!"
I reckon I need some new footwear, and before I head off to the local 'specialists' I thought I would ask for any specific/generic advice from the massive.
My previous pair (not very much used) were leather Brashers, but I managed to buy them a little too small (I could blame the sales person that sold them to me for not giving guidance, but ultimately it was my fault for not assessing the fit).
So any suggested makes/types/weights? Size advice? Mileage I would expect to get out of them? Socks? And general silly distance advice (other than "Don't do it!"
What sort of terrain are you covering?
Generally, it's about fit. Invest in a couple of pairs of 1000 mile socks and take them with you for trying on. You want a good fit around heel, ankle and across the middle of your foot. Your toes need a little room to spread but not so much that they will bang when going down hill. Your feet will swell as you walk so they need to have adjustment to allow for the fit.
The type of terrain will determine the best type. I love my leather Brashers, but a lighter goretex tye might be better if it is going to be dry, good paths. Go as light as you can for your expected terrain. If it doesn't fit then go to another shop to try others.
Then break them in. Several warm up walks to get you used to walking distance and the boots.
Treat them with a waterproofer.
Generally, it's about fit. Invest in a couple of pairs of 1000 mile socks and take them with you for trying on. You want a good fit around heel, ankle and across the middle of your foot. Your toes need a little room to spread but not so much that they will bang when going down hill. Your feet will swell as you walk so they need to have adjustment to allow for the fit.
The type of terrain will determine the best type. I love my leather Brashers, but a lighter goretex tye might be better if it is going to be dry, good paths. Go as light as you can for your expected terrain. If it doesn't fit then go to another shop to try others.
Then break them in. Several warm up walks to get you used to walking distance and the boots.
Treat them with a waterproofer.
What you walking on and what's the expected weather?
If over Dartmoor then heavier duty with gaiters would be a good idea, or if over a rocky bridle way lighter trainer-y style boots.
I love Mammut boots but it depends on your feet so try a few one, with the socks you plan to wear and at end of the day so your feet have swollen up a bit.
I did 25km over Dartmoor this Sat and it was fine, but then I do 12km fairly often, don't just jump into doing long walks, do a few 10km first to break 'you' in. I'd also recommend taking what you're going to be carrying on the day. Only way to get used to long distances with a load in the mountains is to do it.
If over Dartmoor then heavier duty with gaiters would be a good idea, or if over a rocky bridle way lighter trainer-y style boots.
I love Mammut boots but it depends on your feet so try a few one, with the socks you plan to wear and at end of the day so your feet have swollen up a bit.
I did 25km over Dartmoor this Sat and it was fine, but then I do 12km fairly often, don't just jump into doing long walks, do a few 10km first to break 'you' in. I'd also recommend taking what you're going to be carrying on the day. Only way to get used to long distances with a load in the mountains is to do it.
Edited by firemunki on Tuesday 13th January 11:51
It's across The South Downs, this;
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/trailwalker/the-challenge
Not familiar with the route but I would hope/expect reasonable trails and as it's July also reasonable weather. My training will need to start now though, so possibly I need two pairs of boots?
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/trailwalker/the-challenge
Not familiar with the route but I would hope/expect reasonable trails and as it's July also reasonable weather. My training will need to start now though, so possibly I need two pairs of boots?
Reasonably fit; used to run and walk a lot, still 'gym' a lot - and just had a week of (all day) skiing. But yes, a slow start is in order. Looking at going out for 2 - 3 hours next weekend as a start, and to see where my weaknesses lie (joint pain, blister points etc).
I wanted to get the boots (and socks) before then, rather than use my old boots.
Some good advice - thank you. Looking for a good local shop, where the advice will be worthwhile.
Buying online is a good idea, but I find it difficult getting a good fit that route. Unless I can try in stores, and buy online - although I feel a little unethical doing that.
Quite looking forward to the event, just a little worried about boredom!
I wanted to get the boots (and socks) before then, rather than use my old boots.
Some good advice - thank you. Looking for a good local shop, where the advice will be worthwhile.
Buying online is a good idea, but I find it difficult getting a good fit that route. Unless I can try in stores, and buy online - although I feel a little unethical doing that.
Quite looking forward to the event, just a little worried about boredom!
The main thing is you must go and try them on in a shop. Don't mail order them! A decent outdoor shop will have a supply of socks a ram for you to walk over.
I'm on my second pair of Asolo GTX boots and find them very light and comfortable, but other people dislike them, so it's a very personal thing. You may well find some good offers in the January sales if you get a move on. Good luck with the walk!
I'm on my second pair of Asolo GTX boots and find them very light and comfortable, but other people dislike them, so it's a very personal thing. You may well find some good offers in the January sales if you get a move on. Good luck with the walk!
Did the Trailtrekker version a couple of years ago.
IMHO looking after your feet is more important than a high level of fitness. Don't skimp on the footwear or the foot care. Get some good long distance walks in to know how your feet will cope. Most I'd done was 25 - 30 miles and at that distance my feet were fine. Not so good after 100km.
Plenty of sock changes and take the time for foot fettling.
One of our team lost 4 toe nails!
Good luck and enjoy it. Toughest thing I ever did but really enjoyed it.
IMHO looking after your feet is more important than a high level of fitness. Don't skimp on the footwear or the foot care. Get some good long distance walks in to know how your feet will cope. Most I'd done was 25 - 30 miles and at that distance my feet were fine. Not so good after 100km.
Plenty of sock changes and take the time for foot fettling.
One of our team lost 4 toe nails!
Good luck and enjoy it. Toughest thing I ever did but really enjoyed it.
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