Blisters

[BP Hunter]

Last Saturday , I went hunting walking up to 8 miles in rolling hills traversing ravines some up to 100 feet deep and high. These were the boots I were using.

http://www.shoebuy.com/danner-usmc-...ctads_pla_with_promotion-_-none-_-none-_-none

After about 6 miles, I could feel that the left heel was developing a blister. I had to put a band aid on to keep me moving. I was using regular nonspecialized calf high "converse" socks that i regularly used with my western boots.

Are blisters natural for walking this distance? My right foot/hel was doing finem though another 3 miles, I most probaly would have developed a blister too. Ar there specliaed sikcs for stuff like this?

 

[buck460XVR]

You get blisters on your heel from the boot slipping.

 

[Captcurt]

Don't know. I've never had a problem with Danner's and that is all I buy anymore. I don't even have to break them in. Evidently your boots are a little too big. You might find another insole like Dr. Shoals that will help.

 

[ZeroJunk]

I started wearing these after our horses took a vacation about twenty miles up in the Bob Marshall. Had some pretty bad blisters wearing cheap socks. These are expensive, but they last. Your feet will thank you.

https://www.thorlo.com/activity/outdoor/hiking-socks?gclid=CK2f_P6CqsECFaZj7AodTjwAuQ

 

[leadaddict]

I second the comment about good socks! Spending hundreds on quality shoes and boots is great, but without good socks it isn't complete. I've used this brand for my running and hiking endeavors and been very happy! Expensive? Yes. But I only buy a few pairs and they last a long time!

http://www.drymaxsocks.com/hiking.php

 

[BP Hunter]

Thanks for your replies. I will start looking for them for this hunt this weekend. The boots I showed in the link are comfortable. Surprisingly I bought them only for $70 brand new. These are USMC boots, but because the boots I bought had the USMC insgnia sratched off , somehow it lowered the cost of the boots.

 

[Captcurt]

Testimony.

I have a pair of Danner's that I have had for 6 or 7 years. Even wore them on construction jobs. They look pretty rough. Yesterday I hunted all day in the rain and my feet were dry when I got home. I will probably get another year or two out them.

Like the others said, get some good socks.

 

[jmr40]

If you look closely at Danners website they build boots on at least 3 different lasts. Their USA made hunting boots will have a completely different fit than their military boots, work boots or their imported boots even in the same size.

While their USA made hunting boots are excellent quality, their military boots fit my feet much better. I have found several good deals on them, paying as little as $25 for some in the past.

I think you have a sock problem. Lots of good socks, Thor-lo's, and Smartwool are good, but I've found Darn Tough socks to be a little better if you can find them. Not cheap, about $25/pair.

 

[gspn]

Below is a link to a good article on preventing blisters while hiking. Backpacking stories and websites will give you all the info you need on preventing blisters while hiking.


http://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner/prof-hike-leave-blisters-in-the-dust/

 

[Bobson]

Preventing blisters from the get-go is ideal, but carry duck tape. When you start getting a blister, take the time to put duck tape on it. Put sock and boot back on, and it's like you don't have a blister at all. Blisters are caused and made worse by friction (rubbing). By applying tape, your skin doesn't rub on anything, so the problem is solved.

Don't peel the tape off when you get home; wait for it to come off in the shower. Usually takes a few days.

 

[Bezoar]

you can get better boots at USCAV.com.

Also you ideally want to be measured on a specific make and model of foot sizer for these boots. and you need to use the longer foot to do the extra room to get the right size. and break the boot in with the 20 flexes before you try wearing them.

 

[BP Hunter]

Hmmm, duck tape. The solution to all problems.

 

[Bobson]

Well, most problems. WD40 is another essential

 

[elkhunterCO]

try wearing two pairs of socks, keeps the skin friction down

 

[Art Eatman]

If the combination of boot and sock is a snug fit without sliding, the only limit to the distance of a hunt is your basic body-condition for endurance.

I don't know if they still make them, but for dry-country walking-hunting, I was seriously satisfied with the Russell Birdhunters and the Red Wing "TwentyMile" boots. Flat, crepe-soled. Light weight and very quiet. I did many and many a twelve- to fifteen-mile hunt with them.

 

[brainwake]

As an avid backpacker, I would have to recommend wearing 2 pairs of wool socks. Blisters come from friction. Having 2 layers allows the friction between the outer sock and the shoe. Thus the inner layer remains still to the skin. You could go with sock liners if your boots are too tight. But in my experience 2 wool pairs works best.

When I am backpacking..or hunting..I always wear 2 pairs, and it is not really for warmth. In fact, in backing packing trips, I take 2 pairs for each day. I have several different brands. Mostly I really like to have my smartwool lightweight on the inside, and a medium weight on the outside....

I mostly just get the ankle high ones. However, when wearing my hunting boots, I do wear an ankle high (lightweight) on the inside, and a full calf sock on the outside.

 

[Robert]

I wear almost nothing but Smart Wool socks and liners when I am hunting or hiking. I wear nothing but Danner or Schnee boots and have never had an issue with either.

 

[ChefJeff1]

Smart wool socks, wear them on short hikes pre season to get your feet used to them again, and moleskin.

 

[BP Hunter]

I found the root of my problem. The right heel and not the left was the problem correcting my original post. I found out after adjusting my boot and tryoing different socks at home, that the bony protuberance on the inner ankle (medial malleolus, if you want to be technical about it) is slighlt ylarger than the left. So I have to loosen the ankle area a bit no tmaking it as snug as the left boot, That ended up with the boot becominbg loose and rubbing on the heel. I will apply a padding to that area so I can to make the boot more snug.

Thanks for all of your knowledgable replies.