Foot care when hiking: protect your feet when you're on the trail.
May your feet are in good condition is key if you want to complete a hiking route in the best possible way. Many novices and some experienced hikers overlook foot care and are forced to abandon the trail because of sore feet. blisters does not allow them to continue.
Remember that you only have a few and you must protect them like the precious treasure they are. Read on and learn how to look after your feet on the road so that there is nothing to stop you from succeeding along the way.
Prevention works better than other techniques. Before embarking on an excursion, take the time to ensure 'happy' feet to avoid painful walks. How do you do this? First of all, by choosing the ideal shoe.
The right footwear
Consult with professionals about which footwear options provide the perfect fit for your feet. Everyone has different anatomical features, so the same boots will not fit everyone.
The correct footwear for the route is chosen taking into account the length of the toes, the bending point, the lace lines and the flexibility. Walk around in them for a while before wearing them.
There are hiking boots which offer more confidence, as they keep your feet dry and allow for proper breathability in warm weather. With this equipment you won't have to worry about uncomfortable blisters.
Once you have the right boots, you should protect the blister-prone areas of the foot and apply a cream to them before starting the trail. You should also trim your toenails to prevent them from blistering, cutting other toes or getting tangled in your socks.
Look for comfort in your footwear
It is not recommended to walk a long route with new shoes. Use them in other less complicated areas before starting the excursion, so that they become softer and do not become a torture for your feet.
Another technique for taking care of your feet on the road is to add cushioning with insoles that control the pain points in the soles. If the ones in your boots don't feel comfortable, take them out and replace them with better ones.
If you find that your feet feel uncomfortable during your walk, try adjusting your boots. It can often be because the laces are too tight, for example, which can be solved by braiding them differently.
Socks in good condition
Don't even think of wearing your shoes without socks! During the hike, keep your socks warm, dry and clean. Wash them inside and out every day. This will remove any remaining particles that may cause discomfort.
While resting on the route, remove your shoes and socks to allow your feet to air and dry. Moisture on your feet is absorbed by the outer layer of skin and macerates. This causes itching, blistering and painful cracking.
When night falls, put on clean, warm socks to help your feet recover while you sleep and wake up ready for another day of hiking.
On routes with rivers
If your hike includes stretches of water, such as rivers or streams, your feet will stay wet and you can't help it. Waterproof boots and socks will not work, although those made of a low-absorption material that dries quickly may be suitable.
In these cases, corrective measures should be applied at the end of the day: it is recommended to dry the feet and then apply a moisturising lotion to reduce skin maceration. This will prevent the formation of blisters and other discomforts.
If you have to walk in shallow streams or streams with little water, boots with waterproof fabric will prevent your feet from getting wet.
By following these simple tips for taking care of your feet on the road, you can enjoy the excursions that make you so happy without having to worry about your feet.
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Foot care in hiking. Photo: Vlad Tchompalov (Unsplash)
