Flat footed - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

had a client today who was wondering if anyone flat-footed has ever thru-hiked. he’s got issues with distance hiking on his flat tootsies, thought i’d see if anyone had any tips.

hephzibah

#2

I am by no means an authority on skeletal advantages for backpacking, but I do know of persons with little or no arch and they run and hike just the same. I wonder if it might be an advantage for hiking long trails, as long as the weight is kept fairly low and bilateral hiking sticks are used…

Tent-N-Kent

#3

I usually try to avoid doctors, but in this case I truly think it would be wise to go to a good foot doctor and be fitted with custom orthodics. Yes, it will cost some money, but after I broke my foot in a motorcycle accident my orthodics were worth their weight in gold. I thruhiked with a very messed up foot. Some one with a flat foot truly needs to be fitted correctly. Combined with light weight gear I think someone with flat feet could enjoy long distance backpacking.

Blue Jay

#4

My husband can vouch for the fact that flat feet are not an advantage! But with good inserts (try what works for you) and careful attention to stretching and massage (feet and legs) he did fine for 2 weeks on the John Muir Trail, with no indication that he wouldn’t be up for a longer thru-hike. BTW, I think the insert brand that worked best for him was “DownUnders”, but it really is an individual thing.

JMTHiker

#5

I have super flat feet and didn’t have any foot problems on our thruhike last year. I think it mainly has to do with finding a boot that fits your feet well. I wore Merrel reflex mids and they felt great on my feet. I tried some Superfeet insoles before the hike but they really made my feet sore. I agree with JMTHiker that its an individual thing as far as what works. Trial and error!!

Budder Ball

#6

I’m flat footed, bow legged, get shin splints real easily, my ancles are incredibly flexible and have no natural support, carry an overly heavy pack and still finnished. I loved my superfeet. Hiking poles might be usefull too.
TB

TurkeyBacon