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Footwear and Care (Options/ Variables (materials (synthetic materials…
Footwear and Care
Options/ Variables
materials
leather
durable, resistant
Goretex
waterproof but not very breathable
synthetic materials
lighter and cheaper but less durable
vegan alternative to leather
rubber for outsoles
construction
more stitching on outside of boot could mean more to damage quicker
boots can be made wider or narrower for feet of different shapes
shanks
add stiffness and support
stiffness
the stiffer the boot, the more support
stiffer boots can be uncomfortable at first and require time to break in- don't bring barely worn boots on a big expedition
want boots that are as stiff as possible for skiing and ice climbing, but maybe want a little more flexibility for hiking and definitely a lot for rock climbing
waterproofing
water resistant is not waterproof per say
make sure inside lining is also waterproof, or else the effects of waterproof boots goes down the drain when you have a river crossing or step in a large puddle
good for wet conditions, but will lack in breathability
overly waterproof doesn't allow feet to dry and can make place for fungus to grow, along with other feet injuries and circumstances
breathability
let moisture escape so that foot doesn't sweat as much
reduces chance of trench foot or athlete's foot
durability
getting a better quality, durable pair of shoes for a more expensive price is probably worth it because they will last longer than cheaply constructed shoes
weight support
heavier, bulkier, stiffer shoes offer more weight support but will be more of a hassle to carry on expeditions
if the shoes are going to be on your feet most of the time and it seriously helps your expedition, it is worth going with the more weight-supportive option
soles
thick soles for more support
get shoes with thick soles to prolong wear and tear when soles get worn out
traction on the bottom to prevent slipping
laces
make sure laces are not so long that they catch on the shoes while you're walking
burn the ends to keep them from fraying if there is not aglet at the end
lacing boots differently alters fit
purpose
this will decide what kind of shoe you get
hiking boots, hiking shoes (less support and more flexible), boots specific to skiing or ice climbing, approach shoes (shoes to get to climbing site), climbing shoes, camp shoes, water shoes, mountaineering boots
adjustability
footwear with laces to adjust tightness are helpful if you are planning on having bulky socks underneath some days and not others, or want extra space for plastic bags, etc
Blister Care
prevention
take care of irritated spots before they turn into blisters
keep feet dry
early intervention
treat for cause right away before it becomes worse
tapes
toe tape/ electrical tape
second skin
like tape but in square pieces
stickier and more protection than a band aid
gel
treats blisters, easy to carry and small
moleskin
prevents rubbing and further irritation while providing comfort to affected area
donuts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXFqwgv-iag
specialized burn care aids
don't burst burn blisters
ointment and bandage
to burst or not to burst
burst when: blister is getting bigger or more irritated, you can do it in a clean fashion, if it is infected
don't burst when: you won't be able to keep it clean, if it is small and clean enough to go away on its own, it is protecting raw skin underneath
avoiding infection
clean blisters
change dressings around blisters
cover open wounds and sores
Selecting Socks
function
warmth, comfortability, protection from blisters, moisture control
fabric type
wool
insulation, temperature regulation, wicking
synthetic
dries quickly, can be a mixture of different materials
single or double
double sock pros
acts as wicking layer for moisture, blister prevention
works if inner layer is thin liner and outer is thicker- don't wear two thick pairs
double sock cons
takes up space in shoes
trying to wear more than one thick pair won't help insulated, there will be less dead air space with multiple pairs
toe socks
good for gripping and not sliding in shoes as much, as well as separating toes from rubbing together and getting blisters
support/ compression
compression socks to help with circulation
cushioned socks to keep feet from aching
drying
put in your sleeping bag and body heat will warm it up
they will be dry, or mostly, dry by the morning but your bag may be a little wet
dry by the fire
drying by the fire takes a very long time and isn't totally effective
only works if you have wood and are permitted to build fires
wear the same wet socks the next day
uncomfortable at first, but highly effective
smarter to do this than use a new dry pair, because that will probably get wet too
cleaning
keep wearing dirty pair if tolerable instead of creating more dirty socks
Other Aspects of Warmth, Dryness, Protection
Gaitors (low, high, super)
keep legs and feet dry by protecting them with gaitors
low gaitors if just worried about stepping in mud, high or super if worried about entire leg getting wet
neoprene
neoprene warms by allowing small amount of water through and warming that same water up
it will keep you warm, but not dry
goretex
goretex will help keep you warm and dry but will not help feet to breathe
VBL Socks
like plastic bags for feet, but made out of durable synthetic material
put thin lining socks on, then VBL socks, then wool top layer
keeps water from getting in and moisture/ sweat from getting out
"your feet actually start sweating less because the environment around them is already sufficiently moist" (Appalachian Mountain Club, 2018)
Non-standard insoles
can go to your doctor or order online special insoles that fit the needs of your feet
General Foot Care
powders
absorbs moisture to prevent fugus or trenchfoot
other treatments
ointment
treatments to relieve and prevent athletes foot, cracked heels, etc
moleskin
prevent irritated skin from becoming blisters, or help prevent rubbing blisters against shoes
toe tape
if toes rub together or are irritated, tape is good for separating them and isolate
can use electrical tape in four essentials kit
ace wraps if you are prone to bad ankles
pedicure
make sure to cut nails before going on trip to avoid ingrown toe nails and a painful time when toes rub against footwear
this is especially painful in activities like ice climbing where you are constantly kicking with your toe
avoiding trench foot
as soon as you are done for the day, take off wet shoes and socks
try to dry shoes/ socks if possible
dry feet on shirt or whatever fabric is available if no towel
plastic bags around feet when doing activities in the daytime to avoid water in shoes
supports
inserts or supports can be bought from the store for cheap and can make a trip a whole lot more enjoyable
Care
cleaning
dry and get mud or dirt off
make sure to clean wounds with water and soap
drying
wipe feet dry asap when dine with activities for the day
maintaining
keeping feet dry (see avoiding trench foot)
arch support/ blister prevention
let the feet breathe at night
repair
take care of any sore spots to prevent the formation of blisters
take care of blisters
if you have any bandages, clean and put fresh ones on
Accessories
spikes
can climb snowy and icy terrain much easier
required in many places in the winter
easy to pack and take with you
snowshoes
allows you to stay on top of snow
required in many regions during the winter
easier to pack than skis, but don't move as fast
skis
allows you to stay on top of deep snow and go faster than walking
extra gear to carry with you but worth it
crampons
same as spikes but grip to the ice/ snow more and can be used for ice climbing
Fitting
fitting
make sure to fit shoes with the socks you will be wearing so as to not get the wrong size
also best to do at the end of the day when feet are more swollen, since they will be swollen on expeditions
insoles
can help with arch support and make pressure on feet more tolerable for a better experience
can get regular store arches or get some specially made or recommended by doctor
breaking in
don't wear new or only slightly used shoes on trips- break them in for at least a week before hand with lots of use
References
Appalachian Mountain Club (2018, January 8).
Want Warmer Feet on your Winter Adventures? Try Vapor Barrier Liner Socks
https://www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/want-warmer-feet-on-your-winter-adventures-try-vapor-barrier-liner-socks
Rushton, Rebecca (2016, August 1).
Donut Pads for Treating Foot Blisters