[Erickmo]

Over 2 and a half days up to multiple elevations of apx 3650 ft in timberland boots. Not the kind made for hiking but the kind like you can get at foot locker. I know I know I should have known better. But for those of you who may not have much experience allow me to teach you the easy way since I learned the hard way... Boots and comfort is an area where you shouldn't be hesitent to spend money on a good product. That being said even expensive boots can shred your feet. Just make sure you have good padding, good insoles, a comfortable fit, and support in the right places. I'm not going back in the woods til I get some new boots. I'm thinking of Columbia brand. They seem affordable and well suited for the task. Ps always bring duct tape for blisters jic

[stairman]

Those moleskin donuts work well too so the blister can be in the hole in the center. Prevention is the key. Sometimes acrylic blend socks with liners help but good boots or should I say good fitting boots mean alot. Catchin hot-spots early helps too.

[B52gundog]

You are so right! I hiked a few days on the AT in New Balance jogging shoes. I had already wore them several times hiking in FL and loved them. They're light on the feet and they're made mostly of mesh so when they got wet they dried quickly.

On the AT it was a different story, the shoes have a thin weak sole so when hiking up and down elevated terrain it was a different experience. The bottoms of my arches were very sore and I developed a couple hot spots (minor blisters) I didn't get when hiking in FL (on flatter terrain).

So, good hiking boots is on my list. I hear the key is to be properly fitted for them (expensive or not).

[tjwilhelm]

Originally Posted by Erickmo

Over 2 and a half days up to multiple elevations of apx 3650 ft in timberland boots. Not the kind made for hiking but the kind like you can get at foot locker. I know I know I should have known better. But for those of you who may not have much experience allow me to teach you the easy way since I learned the hard way... Boots and comfort is an area where you shouldn't be hesitent to spend money on a good product. That being said even expensive boots can shred your feet. Just make sure you have good padding, good insoles, a comfortable fit, and support in the right places. I'm not going back in the woods til I get some new boots. I'm thinking of Columbia brand. They seem affordable and well suited for the task. Ps always bring duct tape for blisters jic

Thanks for the tips, Erickmo. I keep extra sets of Dr. Scholl's "Tri-Comfort Orthotics" in my truck and in my pack; and, I have a set in every pair of shoes and boots. They're only a few bucks each, and they really help to take the load off the feet, knees and hips.

[cosmic cowboy]

A hiking stick in each hand will help when your on long hikes.

[kevin]

best thing I ever did for hiking was find the right pair of boots. I'd been through so many cheap pairs (and blisters). found Asolo boots in wide that have a deep heel cup and have been blister proof for me. it would have been worth 2x what I paid for them.

[Erickmo]

I find that the walkng sticks really help with taking some of the stress off the knees but doesn't do much for the blisters on your feet. Once they're there the rest of the trip is much more unpleasant. Mine were so bad by the last day I couldn't wait to get out of the woods... And I love being in the woods. So I def gotta get some new kicks

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Chippewah with Vibram soles for me! I also have some Herman Survivors I like..

[cosmic cowboy]

Alot of the guys who try to hike the Pacific Crest Trail on the west coast, get deep in the wilderness and find out thier shoes cant handle the terrain and weather. They end up trying to keep up with thier 20 mile a day deadline and mess thier feet up.

[cowgirlup]

New boots are great but you have to break them in before you take off.