Hot tips for walking

[bluetongue]

Any clues gratefully received. Wondering any forum members - and I'm sure there are- have had the problem of burning toes during extended walks and what innovative ideas or otherwise to overcome this problem. I have tried various sock arrangements e.g coolmax under wool. coolmax over wool. coolmax under cotton/nylon blends etc etc. Have always worn leather boots along with 2 pairs of socks for nigh on 45 years and it seems that if i remember correctly only become much of an issue in the past 10 years. Boot fit does not seem to be much of a problem and the problem of burning pads on the bottom of the toe tips seems to occur regardless of level or downhill walking. It was suggested to me recently that perhaps a liner might help prevent the toes from moving up and down inside the boot. Have had no experience of the newer lightweight boot materials, and as I have a fairly wide foot, choices- at least to me, seem a bit limited- tho' i believe scarpa do have wider foot sizes.
Any ideas out there appreciated- NOT walking is NOT an option.
Thanks
Bluetongue

[igor]

We (my wife and I) are using these socks http://www.rei.com/product/793163/injin ... n-toesocks
during our walks that are seldom less than 30 kilometers or 10 hrs of daily walk. Never ever had any problem even in a heavy rain when the socks and boots inside are all wet. Very good socks and are highly recommended for long walks.

[gayet]

While I have no advice to offer, I would ask just what you mean by "burning" toes? Are you referring to a burning sensation as in overheating, a burning as in friction, or burning as in aggravated / tingling nerve endings?
All of the above could be described as burning but all have different causes and solutions.

[bluetongue]

thks gayet- this has really got me thinking- suspect more from friction as the rest of the toes are fine- just the teensy weensy pads on the bottom, whether this the relates to the nerve endings i'm unsure.
thks igor - will check the website out

[gayet]

It could be pressure related then, either restricting blood flow to the toes or just squashing the muscles and such like. Could be in need of better insoles or maybe a higher toe cap on the boot/shoe or even just a half size larger shoe which would be just a touch longer and so reduce the pressure? Check out how much movement you have in the toes when wearing usual socks and boots etc. If too much movement, go for thicker socks, if limited try thinner socks or longer/higher boots.

Just a suggestion

[jez_au]

I have a fairly wide foot, choices- at least to me, seem a bit limited

Keen boots are known to be good for wider feet, still D width boots but they usually have a larger toe box. I have heard a few wide-footed people comment on them. Have you ever tried them?

[wayno]

you might have a medical condition that needs looking at. could be restrictued circulation and that could be caused by a variety fo medical problems

[bluetongue]

Wow - Thanks Wayno- wholeheartedly agree- the kids also agree that I have a medical problem wanting to relocate from Qld to Tas. A 30 year addiction to Tas however will soon become reality- mind you- this puts the Territory - another of my favourite haunts a bit further out of reach- but still "doable". Yr comments are interesting tho' - as believe it or not I have been "blacklisted" from being a blood donor due to my very low blood pressure. I suspect tho that the cause of my problem may be more mechnical in nature- so in the meantime i guess I'll persist in trying various "in boot" techniques. I would also consider a change over to a lighter boot but being a bit of an old fart I am still wedded to the notion of when the going gets tough a good pair of solid boots under me is a much more reliable escape route.
Ciao and happy trails

As an aside- any ideas on folding kayaks that won't break the bank - i know you get what you pay for ( in some cases) but brands like klepper and a couple of european ones are a bit scary in price. Any experience of the NZ first light?? Looked at their webpages and they seem fairly impressive - no prices mentioned but being a blend of carbon/kevlar etc in their manufacture price may be a bit scary. (any ideas on where you could source 2nd hand foldables- ebay appear to have mostly the cheap & nasty variety as well as no foldables ( at present)- perhaps should have got a klepper when the dollar was a $1.10- still would have been too *&%$#! dear tho

[davidmorr]

I have a fairly wide foot, choices- at least to me, seem a bit limited

Keen boots are known to be good for wider feet, still D width boots but they usually have a larger toe box. I have heard a few wide-footed people comment on them. Have you ever tried them?

I have wide feet too, and find "normal" boots impossible to wear without foot pain and blisters. Keen shoes are certainly wide enough and quite comfortable to wear for extended periods.

However, I find the sole to be made of inferior materials that wear very quickly and do not grip very well at the best of times. So Keen shoes have a lifetime for an active bushwalker of a year or two only. (And save your money on the Goretex version - the non-Goretex version is $50 cheaper and just as waterproof, ie, not very.)

What I am currently wearing is a pair of Teva shoes that were suggested to me in a store. While they are not quite as comfortable as the Keens, they have a fairly wide fit. They are made of suede leather and have a good Vibram sole. Goretex lined too, which so far has worked reasonably well for me.

Cheers

David

[wayno]

do your current boots have shanks? how stiff are the soles? stiffer soles are more supportive of feet and toes relieving them of the pressure from being bent and twisted.
i find i need a sole that resists twisting or my feet will complain.