I want to go for a few day hiking trip, where I would make 10+km per day, the problem is every time I do more than 10km hiking I end up with blisters, so taking a longer trip would be a problem. What the fuck am I doing wrong? I used to use military boots, they cant be fucking bad despite what anons say, soldiers walk in them an live. Not to mention back in the day people use much more primitive, heavy, leather boots and didn't complain.I've been using Grom Protektor boots for years, they are decent, breathe well, light, I don't think its their problem.is it the socks? Should I invest in those marino wool socks? I heard mountain hikers use thick wool socks even in the summer, I honestly cant imagine doing that, won't it cook my feet?One issue i have no matter what boots I wear, there's always some minimal friction, no matter how tight I tie the lases (I know they cant be too tight) I'm guessing that might be the reason I get blisters after a longer walk. Should I just buy fucking Lowas? God fucking dammit.
>>2797891If you're getting blisters after a meager 10km you're doing something wrong. Blisters always occur due to moisture and friction. Get good quality, well fitting footwear, socks and insoles. You shouldn't be able to move your foot at all inside the boot other than your toes. Most serious walkers use double socks of adequate thickness.
>>2797891Also, if terrain allows it, consider using a trail shoe. I recommend you buy footwear in person, always try on and test it for a brief walk in the shop. Don't expect all boots to be suitable for your foot shape. If there's too much room inside, wear thicker socks or add insoles.
>>2797891Just keep getting blisters until you stop getting blistersMy feet are basically just rocks at this point
>>2797892>Most serious walkers use double socks of adequate thickness.This one time I used stockings-thin socks from my GF and wool socks over them, but the hike was to short to be sure it did anything. >>2797894I have been experiencing with different insoles for some time, silicone ones in the summer, isolated one in the winter, the advantage is they make the inside of the shoe tighter so there is less friction. But on the other hand (leg) feet sweat more cause boots are hotter.
>>2797895That too, but I have soft skin on my feet yet never get blisters, that despite having walked 30km in a mountain day hike last time.
>>2797891What kind of socks are you wearing anyways? My bet is that those are the culprit.Yeah, hiking socks might sound like a meme at first until you realize that heavy padding makes a world of difference. Also if you wear a finer sock underneath you can mitigate blisters even further.Your feet will definitely get toasty but it's not like they get infinitely hot, and you'll get used to it after a couple km
>>2797896>This one time I used stockings-thin socks from my GF and wool socks over themThey will work, you can get a dress wool sock as a liner if you want something better, or two medium weight ones. See what fills the space just right. I use synthetic felt insoles summer and winter, wool felt would probably work better. I would avoid anything non-porous.
>>2797898regular store socks, cotton with some shit, probably poly-amid or bamboo. Wool socks on top of them when it's below -5C.
>>2797900Ditch the cotton ones.
>>2797901What to get instead. The so cold "bamboo" ones waren't much better, I think.
>>2797892>Get good quality,Like what? I know little about good brands apart from mentioned Lowas, whom I heard a lot about.>>2797898>hiking socks might sound like a meme at first until you realize Can you recommend some brands? I was about to try some of those available in Dechatlon, but people told me all trekking socks from there are garbage.
>>2797891While the other anons itt aren't wrong, per se, the bigger issues is probably your choice of boot. I've never used that specific boot, but looking at descriptions online, it hit's pretty much all red flags I can think of:>PU shock dampeningPU hardens within a few years. After that, it's useless.>reinforced heel and toesThose reinforcements need to fit your feet perfectly, else they'll give you blisters on the top of your toes (toe reinforcement) or around your achilles tendon (heel reinforcement). The heel reinforcement on those Grom boots is designed for jumping and kicking, and sits at an angle that's way steeper than you'd find on any hiking boot. In total, the terrible fit on this sort of boot normally causes people to buy them a size or two larger than they really should, which then causes excessive slippage and blisters. While you can buy ones that fit tightly and break them in, it's not really worth it imo. Even if you like military boots (as I do), it's a much better idea to get mountain boots or patrol boots (the exact term varies by country) instead.>I heard mountain hikers use thick wool socks even in the summer, I honestly cant imagine doing that, won't it cook my feet?Yes, and no. Thick wool socks are among the most comfy in hot weather, since they wick the sweat away quickly.>there's always some minimal friction, no matter how tight I tie the lasesThat's alright. your heel needs to slip slightly.>they cant be too tightThat, however, is bullshit. The shaft needs to be rather tight, but the laces should be just comfortably snug around the foot. If you tie them too tight (and don't have two-zone lacing), you'll get hot spots on the very top of your foot.
>>2797900Yeah that's the problem most likely>>2797904Standard recommendation is Darn Tough socks, and you should be able to order them still in Europe. Somewhere pricey for a lot of people's taste but you only really need one pair to start with
>>2797902Bamboo fiber is cellulose, like cotton. I recommend wool. I don't have any brand in mind as I'm still using socks from a decade ago but you won't have trouble finding them, pick a pair made for hiking specifically or a thicker traditional type, avoid excessively wide knitting. It's best they have a thicker sole. I'd get pure wool or with a maximum of 20% synthetics if you don't mind plastic. The picture has some tips on boot choice. >>2797920>That's alright. your heel needs to slip slightlyI disagree with that wholly. >>2797922I don't doubt your brand is good quality but he will have no trouble finding top quality pure wool socks from the EU, which will be most convenient for him and cheaper.
>>2797891Where are those blisters located? >heelThe boots might not fit you well, pay attention to your shoelaces and re-tie them every once in a while and make sure to lock-in your heels>toesGet better socks, I switched from somewhat thin synthetic ones to a thicker merino/synthetic blend and it eliminated the problem
>>2797904>Can you recommend some brands?I think you're Polish so give these a shot https://cragstore.pl/Skarpety-TEKO-Merino-LIGHT-HIKING-Socks-Light-Half-Cushion-2.0-Taupe>>2797926The synthetic ones I mentioned here were from Decathlon
>>2797920that's very informative thank you>>2797922thanks, I found where to buy them, bit pricey yea, but why not give it a shot.>>2797925wool it is then>>2797926its heels and that part where toes end and foot begins, don't know how you call it. Tips of the toes too, sometimes.>>2797927Drats, how did he know!
>>2797959>that part where toes end and foot beginsWe call that the "ball of the foot", my plumber friend
>>2797960thanks. I get in those places. But Im guessing good socks and lack of friction will fix that
>>2797963fuck forgot pic
You need to toughen your feet up anon. My guess, you probably don't do much walking/running. You work in an office, sit on your ass all day. A loose fitting pair of shoes or boots can give you blisters, even with tough feet. But if they fit fairly good, there's no reason why you shouldn't be ok. Other than you have the feet of a millionaire. A guy who does nothing but ride in a limo and sit at his desk all day. His hands are probably even softer. Wear the boots every day, walk a mile in them every evening after you get home from work, you'll be fine.
One thing you can try is to get a strip of strong tape, like duct tape, and slap it on over those places you get a blister. Right on the skin, then put your socks on. That might help. Do it before you get the blisters, rather than after.
>>2797972yeah I probably do.I walked a lot in 2023 but this year - not so much.I just need to hike longer distences more often.
>>2797925>That's alright. your heel needs to slip slightly>I disagree with that wholly.I'm talking about 2-3mm of slip. If you don't have those, you'll get blisters, unless the shoe flexes exactly where your ankle joint is.
>>2797963You are just soft. Walk more. Children walk 20 miles without blister in literally anything.
