Treat your Feet

Happy feet make for a happy day on the trail, so make sure you treat your feet! In this post we will cover ways to keep your feet comfortable for hiking – before, during and after your hike.

Set the Stage

Treat your feet to some comfort. Let’s start with the toes, then talk about the whole foot.

• Trim your toenails. Now, you’re going to be Goldilocks when it comes to your toenails — too short and too long can be painful. You are aiming for just right, and packing a toenail clipper for your multi-day trekking is going to keep your nails in that sweet spot. The KLIPP nail cutters have a built in catch tray, and a handy storage bag.
• Yoga Toes. Giving your toes a stretch improves your mobility and balance. Add these Mind Bodhi Toe Separators to your pre-hike training regime, then use them after your daily hikes.
• Roll it Out. Rolling out your feet before and after hiking has clear benefits such as improving circulation, reducing inflammation, relieving muscle soreness, and increasing flexibility. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, rolling will help a lot. This cute yellow Trigger Point Ball is super packable being small & lightweight.
• Blister Prevention. Before putting on your socks, coat your feet with a thin layer of vaseline or Hike Goo, making sure to get between the toes. Bring a bag or two of Lamb’s Wool in your day pack and stuff a bunch in your shoe if you feel any discomfort. I often slide a generously-sized wad of wool down the back of my shoe if I feel any movement. Lamb’s Wool compacts and at the end of the day, you will see that it has “become one with” your wool socks (don’t worry, it pulls right off).

Apres Hike – Shoes

When planning for a hiking trip, we think about the shoe we will wear on the trail. What about before and after? I got you … read on.

Cushy Kicks

Give your feet a cushy break with these versatile after-trail slippers that can be worn outdoors. The Teva Reember Moccasins (women’s) gives a bit of a sneaker vibe. With the North Face Mule (men’s) and the New Balance Caravan (unisex) looking a bit like a slipper. I have the New Balance Caravan, and love having these to slide into after a day on the trail.

Sporty Sandals

A sporty sandal does double duty for sightseeing and giving your foot a bit of a break from the trail shoe. The Chaco brand is a favorite for adventure seekers. Check out the Chaco Classic Athletic (men’s) or Chaco Z2 Classic (women’s) in a variety of fun colors and patterns. For an easy slip on, the Teva Slide Sandal (men’s) is a super comfortable option. I like the the Plaka Explore Hiking Sandal for after hike activities because it is lightweight, has good arch support, and works well with dresses.

Stepping Out

If you want to move away from a trail shoe/sandal look, check these out.

• Women may like a strappy sandal like the OLUKAI Upena Sandal or a wedge with arch support such as the Teva Midform Sandal , KEEN Women’s Ellecity Wedge, Pikolino Wedge.
• For a men’s fit, the OLUKAI Alapa Li is the everything shoe. It is breathable & moisture wicking, has a no-lace design, and features a drop in heel for added versatility.

Socks

Trail Shoes

There are so many trail shoes to choose from, so let’s narrow it down a bit. What you won’t see in this list are waterproof shoes and hiking boots.

• Skip on waterproof shoes. Waterproof shoes are often designated by GTX (Gore-Tex) in the name of the shoe. The reason for this omission is that the current thinking for trail hiking is breathable and quick drying.
• Choose a trail shoe over a boot. Unless you have specific need for additional ankle support, trail running shoes have earned their spot in the hiking community.