Buying Footwear Along The Trail

imported
#1

After reading one of the posts below I am concerned about being able to buy replacement hiking boots along the AT. I currently wear Hitec Mount Aspiring boots that weigh in at 2.8lbs (and a reasonably low cost). I don’t expect that I will necessarily be able to buy the same boots on the trail but I would like to have some confidence that I can buy lightweight boots of a similar quality and price, or do I need to bring a few extra pairs with me and stash them at strategic towns along the AT? I would be interested to hear from fellow hikers on this matter.

Downunda

#2

As we saw from the outfitters starting down south they had far more choice of footware than up north but they had their own preferences in stock depending on what they wanted to carry. Waynesbourgh had mostly Montrails and NewBalance, some mountaineering Vasque Montanas, um, no Asolos, lots of "no"brand styles that I wouldn’t walk back to the hotel in. But they did have the most choices. The truth is that the trail is no place to TRY boots out enroute. We had two other back up pairs at home already broken in…sadly our feet grew so much that they didn’t fit so that idea was shot to hell for my wife. I used my second pair and changed brands at the 3/4 mark. If you have a boot you like make sure that you have a back up pair about a 1/2 to a full size larger for later when the tootsies bloat like a rotten carp. Happy bloating, me feet are almost back to normal after 7mo at home, I went up a full size.

Bushwhack

#3

My feet aren’t as SWOLLEN but I’m not sure they will ever be normal again. I still have some cracking around the heels from deep callouses and they are about a half size larger then when I started. Of course I really aggravated the arthritis in my feet and they haven’t yet stopped yelling at me. (Big suprise for the little tootsies but we are going back out in 39 days!) HH

hamockhngr

#4

Hey HH, Bramble had some great luck going to a local podiatraist about here footies. She has a large callous from a scar she got when she was a kid. He did a great job a grinding it down and making it more flexable. You might ask one if that’s an option. If it’s still cracked it will crack again, sounds like a bloody good time, not. And rub some moisturizer into it every night.

Bushwhack and Bramble

#5

The doctor did give me some very expensive prescribed cream which I have been using and do see some difference but there is a long way to go before they are smooth again. Sue

hamockhngr

#6

It’s suprising you get cracks when feet sweat so much. I guess whith thick skin you could. You haven’t tried sanding yet. Maybe an insole that fits the shape of your foot bed?

Bushwhack

#7

I carried a small container of Tee Tree lotion and used it to massage into my feet at the end of the day. Tea Tree lotion smells great, is anti-fungal and moisturises the skin.

However, I’m not sure if you can buy this in the USA as I brought it with me from Australia (we have Tea Trees all over our coastal areas).

Downunda

#8

Yes it can be bought here in the US if it is not cut with other products it is a bit expensive. I actually carry it in my pack as an antiseptic. I use it as a deoderant when home as I am allergic to most popular deodarentz. On the trail I just sweat & stink. Thanks for all the ideas. HH

hamockhngr

#9

For cracks on your heels, take super glue and apply it sparingly into the cracks with a toothpick! it will keep the cracks from growing larger or opening and becoming painful. You have to reapply periodically, but it seems to work well.

Angie

#10

Back to your question. I have to disagree about buying multiple pairs before you set off. My feet grew over a size and haven’t shrunk again. I hiked from Maine to Kent, CT in heavy LL Bean Cresta Hikers. My feet were so numb I switched to trail runners which were a bit easier to find the rest of the way. New Balance 804’s from Kent to Harpers Ferry, Another pair of New Balance from Harpers to Erwin and then I had bought a few pairs online and had them shipped to Erwin. Picked the best of the lot and sent the rest back. Damascus, Harpers, Waynesboro, Kent CT, Dalton MA, Hanover NH (nearby Lebanon as an EMS), Lincoln NH, Gorham NH all have pretty good outfitters where you can find something.

Grimace