Taking Care Of Your Feet In the Mountains!

[ScottR]

This looks far worse than what it actually is, however taking care of your feet in the mountains is a very big deal.

My rules for taking care of my feet are:

1. Mole skin, always have some.
2. Duct tape when necessary, it makes a difference.
3. Get the socks and boots dry as often as possible.

What do you do to take care of your feet?

 

[25contender]

If you are prone to blisters try Leukotape it is very thin and will greatly decrease the chance of getting blisters. It will stay where you put it for a week. Just use a piece that will wrap from ankle to ankle. Once you get blisters its to late . (Ask me how I know.) Then mole skin will help. A combination of a good sock and a good fitting boot is the best place to start. I always take my boots off at lunch and let them and my feet breath. Then I exchange socks before I put my boots on. Keeping feet dry is really important. Find a lacing technique that will keep your heel in the heel cup . This will also keep your twos from driving into the toe of the boot. I think coming down steep grade slopes is far harder on your feet than going up!

 

[CrossCreeks]

Staying hydrated prevents blisters , when hunting and backing packing in , I always try to use cornstarch and keep my feet dry. I change sock often and never wear new socks unless they are washed first.. Wearing good comfortable boots that are properly fitted and broken in are a must. I rarely ever have blister problems when I do these things. Some people are more prone to blisters than others, even when doing these things.

 

[AT Hiker]

I get my feet out of my boots as soon as I get back to camp (whether Im backpacking in or not). I then put on a pair of Crocs or camp shoes. I know a lot of people roll their eyes at camp shoes, but I hiked in the rain (at least once a day it rained) for 2.5 weeks in the Appalachian Mountains and my feet did not get as bad as you would think.

-Wash them when you can
-Let them breath as often as you can
-Extra merino wool socks
-lite weight camp shoes

I also carry some mole skin just in case.

Like CrossCreeks said, proper boots seem to deter a lot of foot issues. Sadly I learned this the hard way many many years ago.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

I keep mine as dry as possible, with snug fitting boots. The most important thing AT Hiker touched on was letting them breathe. Any time I stop for a few minutes, I'll take my boots off to air dry my socks and boots a little. That dry mountain air can help get a lot of moisture off your feet in a short amount of time. If I do get a hotspot, duct tape seems to help a little.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I always remove my boots in warm weather to let my feet breath and dry out if I am hiking a lot. I will bring a spare set of socks as well but usually don't need them until the next morning for the hike back. I also dry out the old pair when I switch them out. I always wax the crap out of my boots before a hunt when rain,snow or water crossings could happen so my feet usually stay dry. Mole skin has helped me before on a ID elk hunt with new boots that weren't quite broke in. Won't do that again.

 

[mnhunter]

Goldbond Menthal Foot powder does a great job drying your feet, and keeping them in shape during long trips. I have also found that if you can wash your socks in a stream and get some of the oil/grime out of them it will prolong their ability to protect your feet from friction.

 

[Timberstalker]

Blisters on my feet have only been an issue a few times for me, I have found good fitting/broken-in boots are a must.

I have a bigger issues with skin irritation on other parts of my body, if you know what I mean....

 

[mnhunter]

I have a bigger issues with skin irritation on other parts of my body, if you know what I mean....

Gold bond menthal works great for this too. It will literally take your breath away.

 

[Sawfish]

Bag Balm and Udder-Wise, which are widely used in the dairy industry, will protect your feet from drying and cracking. I also found them helpful in preventing blisters, as well as being good for dry cracked hands. Will probably help with the nether regions too.

 

[DanPickar]

Duct tape and fresh merino wool socks will keep me going for days!

 

[kesand72]

I hate to state the obvious but without a doubt, the most important thing is getting your feet in shape and wearing your boot/sock combination on MANY training hike sessions for months before the hunting seasons start. IMHO blisters should not even be on the radar during hunting season.
If your feet are in shape, and you carry extra socks to change out during the day and especially when done hunting for the day, your feet should stay in great shape.

 

[ScottR]

I agree, Kenetrek recommends a 50 mile break in period. Most top notch boots that is normal.

 

[AT Hiker]

I forgot about clipping your toe nails, sounds girly but its very important.

Manni and Peddi's are no longer for metro dudes and women, the outdoor adventurist who wants to save his puppies should highly consider taking care of those babies.

 

[sab]

I forgot about clipping your toe nails, sounds girly but its very important.

Agreed - long nails can be really painful ten days into a hunt!

Manni and Peddi's are no longer for metro dudes and women

Whoa there, partner. There's a big difference between chopping the nails with a lineman's pliers and going down to the salon for a "pedi"! I hereby revoke your man card for that statement!

 

[Musket Man]

Assuming you have decent boots that fit and are broke in I think good quality socks are the most important. Also using the proper socks and boots for the weather you are hunting in is very important. Carry an extra pair of socks and change them if your feet get sweating to much. Never sleep with socks on, let your feet air out good at night. I always carry sports tape with me. If I do get a blister I will cut a piece of it and then cut a piece just bigger then the blister and stick it on the tape so the sticky part is not against the blister and it works pretty well.

 

[Never in Doubt]

Extra socks are worth their weight a thousand times over. Almost as valuable as toilet paper IMO.

 

[packmule]

Agreed - long nails can be really painful ten days into a hunt!



Whoa there, partner. There's a big difference between chopping the nails with a lineman's pliers and going down to the salon for a "pedi"! I hereby revoke your man card for that statement!

Mani & pedis w/massages are a must along with barefoot walks on the beach with the sand acting as a natural exfoliate.

 

[Musket Man]

Mani & pedis w/massages are a must along with barefoot walks on the beach with the sand acting as a natural exfoliate.

UMMMMM. We dont have a beach. LOL

 

[packmule]

Go find one...or find a sand box, kick the kids out of it and walk circles.