24 PAGES DEDICATED TO YOUR MOST IMPORTANT BIT OF KIT
GUIDE TO
FOOTWEAR
TOM BAILEY
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Welcome BOOTS MADE FOR WALKING It’s amazing how much there is to say about footwear for the hills. I'll admit, for too many years of my hillwalking passion, I had absolutely no idea that sole flexibility was important, or that properly fitted boots with insoles could eliminate those aches and pains in the feet and Achilles tendons. I didn’t really know what boots I could wear crampons with, and I tended to just choose a boot based on what looked the best. Trail’s guide to footwear has everything you didn’t know you needed to know about choosing, fitting and looking after your boots, plus lots of feety expert tips that could just revolutionise your walking. Happy feet mean happy walkers after all. Jenna Maryniak Deputy editor, Trail
Contents
8 BEST OF THE BEST
The highest scoring footwear of the year in Trail’s tests.
12 Q&A
Your footwear problems solved right here!
4 FOOTWEAR CHOOSER Find out what you need for your type of walking.
6
WHAT MONEY BUYS
Take a walk through our guide to maximising your budget.
16MADE TO MEASURE
Discover the benefits of a proper boot fitting, and revolutionise your walking.
18 SOCK LOW-DOWN
There’s more to socks than meets the eye. Four things you NEED to know.
20
TLC FOR BOOTS
Top tips to keep your boots working their best.
& 22 USED ABUSED
Team Trail’s pick of footwear that’s survived a good thrashing.
TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR 3
What kind of footwear do I need?
The world of outdoor footwear can be something of a minefield – but it does help if you know what you’re looking for! Valley paths and easy terrain in summer Three-season boots are ideal for walking on bridleways, well-made paths and felltops in areas such as the Lake District at a time of year when you won’t encounter snow and ice. They are supportive and comfortable over long distances, but not so good off-path or on rougher terrain, where some stiffer boots may offer a more solid and more supportive footing. More experienced walkers with stronger ankles may use multi-activity shoes instead of boots on rougher terrain, but it’s best to work backwards from boots rather than the other way around! Choose…
Support ★ ★ ★ ★★ Stiffness ★ ★ ★★★ Crampon compatible? No
3SEASON BOOTS
Scrambling in summer Many people use 3-4 season boots for scrambling, but they can be heavy and some don’t like not being able to flex their ankles on more technical terrain. Scrambling boots bridge the gap between 3-4 season boots and approach shoes, offering a supportive, close-fitting sole unit with reasonable stiffness for rocky ground with the security of a boot. For those with strong ankles more technical-types of approach shoes are stiffer and designed for rocky terrain in this way too, but lack the ankle cuff – cutting weight and allowing more ankle movement. Choose…
Support ★ ★ ★ ★★ Stiffness ★ ★ ★★★ Crampon compatible? No
SCRAMBLING
BOOTS / SHOES
Support ★ ★ ★ ★★ Stiffness ★ ★ ★★★ Crampon compatible? Yes
You never really know what conditions you will encounter on your walk outside of summer, and conditions do get more extreme higher up. 3-4 season boots are ideal all-rounders that are as close as you can get to a ‘do-it-all’ boot. While a little heavy for general walking on flatter terrain in summer, they are suitable for mountain paths all year round, and steeper, rougher ground in all but full winter conditions. Higher-end models will be stiffer and cramponcompatible with flexible C1 crampons, meaning that they could be useful if you encounter snow on your walk – although they will not be as warm or stiff as dedicated winter boots. Choose... 4 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
3-4 SEASON BOOTS
BEN WINSTON / ALAMY*
All-rounders
GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR Hill and mountain summits in winter Support ★ ★ ★ ★★ Stiffness ★ ★ ★★★ Crampon compatible? Yes
IMAGEBROKER / ALAMY*
If you’re expecting full winter conditions, a boot designed for winter is preferable over a boot that can cope with winter. The downside of this is, as winter boots tend to be heavier and much stiffer for kicking steps in snow and supporting rigid crampons, they can really only be used in these kinds of conditions comfortably – so are only really worth the investment if you’re a committed winter walker. That said, some modern 4-season boots designed for alpine conditions are lighter and more adept to general walking, and many use them all year round for the added support offered on rough or very steep ground. Choose…
4SEASON BOOTS
Mountaineering A variation on 4-season boots, alpine mountaineering boots are lighter and have more specific features than traditional winter boots, as they are likely to be used on mixed rock and ice terrain where you need relatively light and nimble footwear whilst retaining the ability to fit a technical crampon. These could include a pointier toebox and close profile for good footholds on rock, grippier zones on the sole, a fully stiffened midsole and lightweight, abrasion-resistant material on the upper to cut weight. Alpine boots tend to be lightly insulated, whereas Himalayan boots are bulkier and more insulated. Choose…
Support ★ ★ ★ ★★ Stiffness ★ ★ ★★★ Crampon compatible? Yes
ALPINE BOOTS
TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR 5
What do you get for your money? £5.99
£ £17-£30
H&M flip flops. Ideal for campsites or showers (and little else).
This’ll get you the cheapest 2-3 season walking boots. Likely to be serviceable and better than trainers, but also likely to be unrefined and less supportive than pricier options. Investigate brands like Hi-Gear, Regatta, Mountain Warehouse and Hi-Tec.
£29 Karrimor boots were once gamechangers, but can now be had for small change from SportsDirect. Durability and innovation may have taken a back seat, but these are still decent walking shoes and boots for very little cash.
£30 Check out Army Surplus stores for used militaryissue boots. High-quality brands like Meindl and Alt-Berg supply the army and there are some bargains to be had. But beware of heavy used (Grade 2) condition, and be aware that all boots mould to the user so there is always a risk with buying secondhand.
£50 For this money you could get a used pair of good quality 3-4 season walking boots – Scarpa or Brasher level – on eBay. Check for sole wear and lug depth, and the condition of the stitching. As with all secondhand boots, be aware that they mould to the user.
£55-£60
£80 A sharp shift upwards in quality comes at this price, where you'll find premium shoes with a Gore-Tex lining, and the first 3-4 season boots with Vibram soles. In the sales 3-season boots with leather uppers and Gore-Tex linings start appearing.
££
Good mid-level 3-season boots and approach shoes pop up at this price. Merrell, Salomon and Jack Wolfskin appear in online searches. They are a few pounds more in-store but worth it for the ability to try on. A really good pair of shoes with decent soles and support for valleys and Lakeland paths can be had. If you’re happy to get an older model, you might even get a Gore-Tex lining.
£100-£130 £130-£150
Excellent 3-season boots and some 3-4 season boots – though probably with fabric uppers – can be found as you ascend into triple figures. You may find full grain uppers, though this may have a trade-off in the sole unit. This is also the price band in which you can find classic 3-season designs like the Berghaus Hillmaster.
Premium 3-season boots such as the Scarpa Delta and Zamberlan Vioz come in around this price point. Most should have a Gore-Tex lining and/or a full grain leather upper. You can be assured that in most cases quality and durability will be excellent at this price.
£169
£180-£200
Karrimor Hot Ice boots with a Vibram sole are now within range, offering an affordable way to break into 4-season walking without going down the secondhand route.
Many 4-season technical alpine boots can be had at this price, usually from continental brands such as Sportiva, Asolo and Scarpa.
£200-£250
£250-£300
3-4 season classics like the Scarpa SL Activ, the Meindl Borneo and Alt-Berg Mallerstang sit in this price bracket. Durability and support should be excellent, and the boot of the highest quality.
Technical alpine boots such as the La Sportiva Trango Cube, the Asolo 6b+ and the Scarpa Manta Pro (4-season boots that can take a pounding) can be expected to cost around this much new. They are likely to last though!
£££ 6 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
Put your foot down demand the best 1. WE MEASURE
2. WE ANALYSE
3. WE ADVISE
4. WE SUPPORT
Specially trained fitters take ten measurements to identify your foot length, volume and size
We interpret the measurements and identify the foot type and arch height
We match your foot shape to our range of footwear available in 5 width fittings and half sizes
By supporting the foot, insoles can help to reduce pain in the feet, heels, knees and lower back
www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk Easy 15 minute detour off Jct 31, M6 | King St, Whalley, Nr Clitheroe BB7 9SN
At Whalley Warm & Dry we understand the importance of properly fitted, supportive footwear and its impact on the comfort of your feet and the enjoyment of your walk. Customers travel from across the country to take advantage of our award-winning specialist fitting service and years of experience...
Book an appointment now 01254 822 220 Tues to Sat 10am - 5pm Sun 1 - 5pm, Mon Closed
Best of the Best
Trail's gear guru, Graham Thompson, presents his best in test for the year.
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3-season boots: Comfortable, flexible soles for lowerlevel walks. Not suitable for crampons.
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3-4 season boots: Stiffer soles and suitable for all year round. May take a flexible crampon.
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4-season boots: More technical boot with a rigid sole. Suitable for crampons.
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Multi-activity shoe: For increased freedom of movement, but due to lack of ankle support, generally more suitable to level ground and the pub!
8 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
BEST IN TEST: 4-SEASON Scarpa Manta Pro GTX
£300
MAGA ZINE
BEST IN TEST
m n
£230
■ Men’s 40-50 ■ Women’s 36-42 ■ Weight 2074g (pair, size 46)
Setting the standard of 4-season boots for British mountain use, the Manta Pro has a Gore-Tex waterproof lining that is protected by a stiff leather upper, with additional synthetic materials and a rubber rand. The ankle cuff is particularly comfortable and allows forward flex to allow for easier walking, yet it still maintains lateral support. While it is fully stiffened, it also provides a reasonable forward roll to make walking below the snow possible. All this does come at a cost though.
For regular mountain walks in snow and ice, the Manta Pro GTX remains the first choice, but others do have more climbing-focused benefits. VERDICT
Features Fit Comfort In use Value for money OVERALL SCORE
Asolo Elbrus GV
★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★
92%
MAGA ZINE
BEST VALUE
m n
■ Men’s 6-13 ■ Women’s 4.5-9 ■ Weight 1802g (pair, size 11)
The weight and price set this apart from other 4-season boots. It has a full rubber rand, a Gore-Tex waterproof lining and the outsole is a very aggressive Vibram unit with deep, widely-spaced lugs and a good heel breast. The toe is slightly narrowed, to improve performance when scrambling over rock. The ankle cuff gently flexes to allow easier walking but it remains supportive. The outsole has a good rolling action, although it does not feel quite as stable and precise on rockier ground as others.
Very difficult to improve on. Unless you need the absolute best performance, this superbly-priced boot is ideal for general winter mountain use. VERDICT
Features Fit Comfort In use Value for money
★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★
OVERALL SCORE
92%
BEST IN TEST: 3-4 SEASON Scarpa SL Activ
£255
MAGA ZINE
BEST IN TEST
A well-established classic 3-4 season boot that’s been setting the standards in this category for many years. There’s no GoreTex lining but with hardly any stitching, there is little chance of leaks or wear. An additional rubber rand is provided for improved durability on rockier ground. The ankle cuff is very supportive, with some forward flex. The Vibram sole has deep, widelyspaced lugs, great for biting into snow. The stiffness is ideal for edging on snow and great for C1-rated crampons. However, there is no women’s version.
Features Fit Comfort In use Value for money OVERALL SCORE
Asolo Lagazuoi
£210
■ Men’s 41-50 ■ Women’s n/a ■ Weight 2150g (pair, size 46)
For An regular iconic mountain 3-4 season walks in snow and ice boot but the price tag, the Manta Pro GTX weight and lack of a remains the first are choice women’s option but others do have important drawbacks benefits in more to consider. climbing-focused VERDICT VERDICT
m
★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★
84%
MAGA ZINE
BEST VALUE
■ Men’s 6-13.5 ■ Women’s 4-9 ■ Weight 1754g (pair, size 11)
This boot has a nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining and full rubber rand for extra durability. The sole is a Vibram unit with deep, widely-spaced lugs and a good heel breast. The upper and sole offer very good stiffness for use with crampons and also for use on snow, as you can easily kick the edges of the boot into soft ground to create steps. The ankle cuff also has slight flex, which improves general comfort. It is slightly narrower than some other boots, so it's worth trying these on before you buy.
A wellpriced general hillwalking boot with a good weight and features for anyone tackling mountains in the UK. VERDICT
m n
Features Fit Comfort In use Value for money
★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★
OVERALL SCORE
84%
TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR 9
BEST IN TEST: 3-SEASON Berghaus Fellmaster
£145
MAGA ZINE
APPROVED
m n
■ Men’s 7-12 ■ Women’s 4-8 ■ Weight 1354g (pair, size 11)
BEST UNDER £150
Recommended by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Fellmaster has a nubuck leather upper with hardly any stitching, so durability should be good. Inside you get a Gore-Tex waterproof lining. The sole unit is nicely stiffened, so great for walking over rocks and scree as it does not distort and you cannot feel stones through it easily. The lugs and heel breast are reasonably good for general walking on paths and over easier hill terrain. It’s a good weight too.
Great boot for valley, moorland and hills, but if tackling more challenging rocky scrambles, more cash brings better performance. VERDICT
Features Fit Comfort In use Value for money OVERALL SCORE
★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★
84%
Scarpa Ranger 2 GTX
m n
£175
BEST OVER £150
MAGA ZINE
APPROVED
■ Men’s 41-46 ■ Women’s 38-42 (£160) ■ Weight 1878g (pair, size 46)
This latest version of the classic Ranger has everything most will need. You get a leather upper with a GoreTex waterproof lining and a full rubber rand. The upper is well stiffened and stiffer than lower-priced boots, making this far better than most for rugged mountain days – although could be more than you need if you stick to level paths. The Vibram sole unit has very deep lugs, as well as an aggressive heel breast to provide super traction when needed.
Superb general hill and mountain walking boot that is great for rocky paths, scree and scrambles. An excellent choice for most British hillwalkers. VERDICT
Features Fit Comfort In use Value for money OVERALL SCORE
★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★
92%
BEST IN TEST: MULTI/TRAIL Oboz Bridger Low BDry
£125
MAGA ZINE
APPROVED
m n
■ Men’s 8-12 ■ Women’s 6-11 ■ Weight 1092g (pair, size 11)
BEST UP TO £125
A shoe that offers real performance benefits for the more serious user. The outsole is remarkable, in that it has a very aggressive set of lugs, with a heel breast for more grip. Uppers are made from suede leather with a BDry waterproof membrane, while the toe area is stiffened and benefits from an external rubber rand. Weight is reasonable too. Fit-wise they are neater than some others and the uppers are quite stiff, so it’s worth trying before buying.
The Bridger Low BDry is a trail shoe that sets improved standards of performance when trekking over a wide range of terrain. VERDICT
10 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
Features Fit Comfort In use Value for money OVERALL SCORE
★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★
96%
Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX
£145
MAGA ZINE
APPROVED
■ Men’s 7-13 ■ Women’s 3-8.5 ■ Weight 1200g (pair, size 11)
BEST OVER £125
This is about as practical and robust as you can get a shoe to be for rough terrain. It has a full rubber rand to protect the suede leather upper and synthetic fabric tongue, with a Gore-Tex liner. There’s lots of stiffness in the upper to support and protect the foot, plus very deep, widely-spaced lugs, to make this a proper mountain shoe. It is quite heavy though and too stiff for more gentle terrain. It also comes at quite a price!
If you want a practical and robust shoe with the performance of a good mountain boot then the Mountain Trainer is it! VERDICT
m n
Features Fit Comfort In use Value for money OVERALL SCORE
★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★★
92%
MARMOLADA PRO OD
STEP FREE ABSOLUTE COMFORT Created for alpine excursions and demanding trekkings, Marmolada Pro OD offers an unsurpassed comfort and fitting thanks to the Sock-Fit XT by SCARPA® construction system. Whatever mountain path you decide to explore, Marmolada Pro OD will be your trusted companion.
WWW.SCARPA.CO.UK
POWERED BY
Questions & Answers
Our footwear experts solve the real issues when it comes to walking boots.
IMAGEBROKER / ALAMY*
Graham Thompson Trail’s technical editor and gear guru with over 25 years of testing outdoor kit. Jon Smith Trained boot fitter with over 12 years of experience and owner of multi award-winning footwear specialists Whalley Warm & Dry.
Q
Will road walking really damage my boots?
Graham says Boots that you could tolerate walking in on hard surfaces, like asphalt, over long distances, are likely to be 3-season boots. Some have soles of softer rubber for gripping better on harder surfaces. But unfortunately this means that, while comfortable, it tends to wear quite quickly – which is exacerbated by the fact that the wear is likely to be uniform, rather than having the natural variation you get on rocky paths. Tougher rubbers wear more slowly, but have less grip on hard surfaces, as they can’t mould to the surface as well and are not as comfortable. Some boots are pre-curved to aid normal walking, which may help to reduce wear on the sole. So while most boots find a middle ground, inevitably you might expect more wear if you intend to walk on roads, particularly with softer-soled boots. 12 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
Do I need boots or can I wear shoes?
Graham says The decision to do away with the ankle support of a heavier boot is entirely dependent on your own abilities and the terrain you are covering. Both shoes and boots have come a long way since the clumpy boots of yore, and faster and lighter activities in the hills have spurred the development of footwear that is extremely light yet remains supportive. The key consideration is the ankle cuff, as rocky terrain in the mountains has a much higher likelihood of causing a twist or sprain, which – with the additional weight of a rucksack – can be serious in remote
territory. But also on boggy ground and in deeper undergrowth, scree, mud, water and loose material will more easily enter your footwear if there is no ankle cuff to help keep it out. Boots also tend to be more durable. The best thing to do is start out with boots and move to mid-level shoes, then approach shoes later on. Most trips and slips are caused by people less confident of their movements on rough ground. This tends to improve with experience – as does ankle strength!
Q
INCAMERASTOCK / ALAMY*
Q
HOW CAN I FIX…
Leaks Establishing where the leak is coming from is a good start. If it is soaking through the fabric, your boot will be noticeably heavier after a walk, and may simply need a waterproofing treatment on it to seal the surface – though this will have to be maintained. A hole can be sealed with waterproof glue. More difficult is a tear in a waterproof membrane. You can try patching with Gore-Tex patch or PTFE
tape (which can be bought at plumbers’ merchants), but this is likely to be a shortterm fix. The best way to find a leak is put the boot in a bath of water with your hand inside the boot. Then massage the inside of the boot and flex the boot to mimic walking and you can often feel where the water is coming though. You can do the reverse too – fill the boot with water and wait to see where it starts to come out.
Premature wear Upper Looking after boots – especially leather ones – is important for maintaining performance. Use a cream or wax to prolong the life of the boot and help keep it supple and waterproofed. Wash off any mud or contaminants after a walk too – mud and peat contain acids and harmful compounds that can degrade leather.
Lacing rings Detached lacing rings is an annoying problem that can scupper a weekend if it occurs on the hill, and it’s not always easy to re-lace to avoid it. This is a professional job, as most eyelets and rings are riveted on, so inspect your eyelets regularly for signs of wear. Cobblers and resole specialists can usually fix this.
Sole Uneven wear is a sign you might have a ‘quirk’ to your walking. Overpronation, when you walk with a slight angle to your step, can cause wear to eat into one side of a boot’s grip. If you walk with a scuff, or twist your foot when you step, this can also cause wear to occur where it wouldn’t usually. If the boot has worn down to the point where it isn’t gripping or is uncomfortable to wear (and is in otherwise good condition) consider resoling. Lancashire Sports Repair resoles boots for £50 a pair, which is a bargain considering the cost of a new pair.
TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR 13
Q
How long will my boots last?
IMAGE SOURCE / ALAMY*
Jon says It is difficult to estimate how long your boots will last, as there are many variables which have an impact on their longevity, such as the number of miles walked, the type of surfaces walked on, the weight of the wearer, the gait type, and, of course, your cleaning and proofing regime. The type of sole has a definite impact on the longevity of your boots too. Most outdoor footwear have Vibram soles, irrespective of the brand. The compound used to make the soles is pretty consistent in terms of ‘grippiness’ and ‘hardwearingness’. In an ideal world, soles would have both good grip and be very hardwearing, but in the real world there must be a compromise between the two, as maximum grippiness in a sole would mean unacceptable wear and an ultrahardwearing sole would enable a creditable ‘Bambi on ice’ impression. You can extend the life of your boots by resoling them. Not all boots are suitable for resoling though, so seek advice first, as it can change the fit of the boot. Generally speaking, a well-cared for leather walking boot with the right amount of conditioning and water repellency will usually outlast a fabric boot with exposed stitching and less resistance to abrasion.
What’s the best way to tie boots? Q
Jon says Ensure the heel is right back into the heel cup. Try to make sure that the lacing around the ‘waist’ of the foot and the ‘flex point’ is holding the foot in place. If your laces are long enough, go to the top pair of lace hooks as usual then cross over at the top and come back down to the next pair of lace hooks and tie the bow there. This will mean that the bow is protected when you are walking and your ankle has a little more support.
Q
What’s better, leather or fabric?
Jon says There is a reason that leather has been used to make footwear for so long – it is supple and has inherent water repellency. For me, a really good quality leather boot, which has been properly looked after, will always outperform a fabric one. However, many fabric boots perform much better for
14 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
specific uses where breathability and being lightweight are important. Fabric technologies are definitely improving. Kevlar is much tougher than leather, and waterproofing technologies are developing, so I am sure that at some point in the future fabric will perform just as well as leather.
GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR Q
How do I dry my boots? Graham says Tempting as it is, never dry boots on a hot radiator. Anything too hot to comfortably hold in your hand could damage your boots. Leave your boots to dry naturally in a warm, ventilated area. The old trick of stuffing them full of newspaper does work – but for speediest results refresh the paper every hour or so.
Q
How do I break my boots in?
Q
How do I bog-proof my boots?
Graham says It doesn’t matter how waterproof your boots are, if the water goes in over the top, your feet will get wet. The best way to guard against bog, stream, rain water or snow getting in around your ankles, is to wear gaiters. Wearing gaiters underneath waterproof overtrousers will also help keep your socks dry if it’s raining hard, as the rain can drip down inside the top of the gaiter.
If you really want to have maximum protection then Berghaus Yeti Gaiters totally enclose the boot so water cannot even creep up between the gaiter and the upper of the boot. The drawback, however, is they only stay on stiffer B1 and B2 rated boots, so they are no good on bendy 3-season boots. Another option is to wear SealSkinz waterproof socks, which will also help keep your feet dry.
Jon says If you have been properly measured and fitted for your boots, then they should not require much ‘breakingin’. Your fitter will have ensured the boot secures the heel and the waist of the foot, the widest part of the foot has enough room to function properly, and when facing downhill on an incline board, the toes do not make contact with the front of the boot. Nevertheless, all new boot owners should spend time indoors wearing the boots to check for any niggles that need attention. Keeping the boots soft and supple with the proper care routine can help the boots to slowly mould to your foot over time, which can be beneficial for very minor fitting issues. If you are finding your boots to be painful to wear during the ‘breaking-in’ process then we would recommend reviewing the fit of the boots.
TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR 15
Happy feet, happy walking There are some surprising results when Trail gets properly measured and booted!
There’s a lot more to boot and insole fitting than meets the eye... but will it translate into benefits out on the hill?
C
ould this be the cure for all my walking aches and pains? It was a big ask, and probably a tad unrealistic, but after years of discomfort I had high hopes... I’d never been for a boot fitting before. Shameful, when I think about it, but my boots had always been pretty much selected on which ones I liked the look of most. Which was daft really, since I have always had flat feet, twinges in my Achilles tendons and tenderness in the balls of my feet. So, I arrived at Whalley Warm & Dry, in a sleepy Lancashire village, with a mixture of hope and intrigue. This family business has won awards for its boot-fitting service, and works with a foot and insole specialist who provides biomechanical assessment and custom-made insoles on appointment. It was an encouraging start when, before any of the measurements and assessments had even started, Graham, the insole specialist, slipped my old
Ten separate foot measurements are taken.
16 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
“THEY IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIED MY PROBLEM AREAS AND A POSSIBLE CAUSE, JUST FROM LOOKING AT MY INSOLE. IMPRESSIVE”
Superfeet insoles out of my boots to inspect them. “Straight away I can see there is far too much pressure going through your second and third metatarsals. That often causes tightness in the calves, resulting in problems in the foot, and can also lead to problems with your Achilles,” he said. He had
immediately identified my problem areas and a possible cause, just from looking at my insole. Impressive. Peter, the bootfitter, sat me down and began the 10 measurements of my feet, and swiftly determined that I had an asymmetric foot, which meant it was narrow at the heel and wider at the toes. I’d expected to do my usual ‘pick out a pair of boots I like the look of’, but that wasn’t an option this time. Instead, Peter presented me with a pair of AltBerg Nordkapps with an A-Forme fit and half a size bigger than I’d usually go for. Which he assured me would fit the shape of my feet the best. Off-the-shelf insoles for arch support and extra cushioning are available and often recommended, but I was having the gold-standard custom-insole service. Graham started with an examination of my feet and a discussion about any
GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR Biomechanical assessment can help identify issues which may lead to walking discomfort.
issues. He immediately identified that I was hypermobile in both my feet and ankles, which would make foot support more important. I walked across his state-of-theart pressure plate numerous times and images of pressure distribution appeared on the computer screen. Graham was spot-on with his earlier assessment, as it was clear that there were some bright red areas indicating uneven pressure distribution. Graham explained how tight calves can limit your foot and ankle’s range of motion, causing abnormal pronation, midfoot collapse, increased forefoot pressure and resultant pain. He then demonstrated some simple exercises that can be done to ease all of these. Through a process of careful insole selection, a moulding mat, extra padding, trimming and gluing, my custom insoles were made, and within a short time placed inside my new boots.
A year on…
Initially, the boots felt strange. I had a new raised section in the centre of the insole, which was designed to lift the pressure off the problem area, and there An insole moulding machine tailors the shape to your foot, and ensures there is support where you need it the most.
Deep tissue massage can be achieved using a special roller to break down muscle tightness.
was also significant arch support. The team at Whalley had also given me an exercise roller which, combined with stretching, massages out chronic tightness in the calf muscles. I wore the boots regularly, stretched and used the massage roller as directed. There was no overnight cure, but gradually I began to realise that the intermittent pain in my Achilles had completely gone. After a long walk, I had previously been left hobbling with painfully tender feet. This too was drastically improved. Twelve months of pain-free walking later, it’s hard now to believe I spent so many years needlessly suffering. If only I had realised the benefits of specialist boot fitting and proper support sooner! T
äBoot fitting: www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk äCustom insoles: www.footandinsolespecialist.co.uk TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR 17
The importance of... socks! Walking requires more than just your everyday sock. Find out what to look for and what to avoid.
Something as simple as poor sock choice can completely scupper your plans.
Why are socks important? Blisters, hot spots, cold feet and discomfort can all be caused by the wrong socks – and all can ruin your day. Material Friction and moisture together cause blisters. Cotton socks are therefore a big no-no, as they absorb and retain moisture, and the fibres are coarser, which increases friction. Walking socks are generally made from blends of materials, such as highquality wool and synthetic materials. Wicking, synthetic materials are best for keeping your skin dry, they are quickdrying, durable and hold their shape well. Wool, however, has better insulating capabilities and is anti-bacterial to reduce stinky-feet syndrome, although they tend to lose their thickness and shape over time. A good compromise is a blend of these materials – with a higher percentage of wool for colder weather, and more synthetic for sweaty or very wet conditions.
We’ve all been there – cursing our cotton socks for causing blisters.
Thickness As well as material, the thickness of the sock will, of course, determine insulating qualities. A high-density and high-volume sock will resist compression more when squeezed between your fingers. Heavier socks will also provide more comfort and cushioning. These will be warmer and are 18 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
better for winter, or if carrying a heavy load. Lower-density and lower-volume socks are, conversely, better for summer and lighter loads. A good all-round sock will have extra density in all the right places, such as under the balls of the feet and under the lacing of the boot. This will help sore spots and blisters too. Be aware, though, that the thickness of the sock can affect the fit of your boot, so when choosing boots, try them with your preferred sock. Fit Your sock should fit snugly, with no baggy bits. Avoid tube socks for walking, as they are not contoured to the foot and, therefore, do not fit neatly. Make sure your sock is long enough to be pulled up above the ankle cuff to protect your skin. The sock should not ride down, or twist, when walking. Sock liners Opinion is divided on the worth of a sock liner. Some swear by them. If you have trouble with blisters it may be worth trying a synthetic liner (not cotton!), as they can help wick away moisture and reduce friction. An extra liner could also affect the fit of your boot, for better or worse, so try it out before you commit to a long journey.
“COTTON SOCKS ARE A BIG NO-NO, AS THEY ABSORB AND RETAIN MOISTURE, AND THE FIBRES ARE COARSER, WHICH INCREASES FRICTION”
ä Boot length, midweight merino wool sock perfect for day-long hikes. ä Bridgedale MerinoFusion technology ensures a dry environment for comfortable and healthy feet.
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2018 MAGAZINE
Could you climb the height of Everest in 2018? Everest is 8848 metres tall. That’s the cruising altitude of a 747... and several vertical miles higher than anything in Britain. A pretty epic challenge! But actually, if you add up all the ascent with every hill you climb, you could find that you’re on the way to reaching the height of the world’s highest mountain – just like this lovely lot! So why not take the Trail magazine challenge? Get fit, do it for charity, do it to feel happier and healthier – but most of all, give yourself a goal to get out into our most beautiful places – the hills and mountains of Great Britain. Sign up at www.lfto.com/everestanywhere #EverestAnywhere IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Love your boots Boots get a good bashing, so to protect your investment from premature wear and tear, they need just a little TLCÉ
10 TOP TIPS
Cleaning
1
After every wet, muddy walk, the first job is to wash off any dirt using a soft brush or sponge and suitable cleaning product. Acidity and abrasive properties of soil and dung can cause leather and fabric to stiffen and crack over time – so this is a very good habit to prolong the life of your boots.
2
Remove laces and insoles to make it easier get into all the nooks and crannies.
3
Never, ever force-dry boots on a radiator.
4
Use rolled up newspaper stuffed inside to speed up drying.
20 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
Storing your boots
5
Once clean and dry, store your boots in a cool, dry area with good ventilation. Beware of leaving them zipped up in a boot bag, where moisture can be trapped and cause mould and mildew.
GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
Reproofing
6
Leave shoe polish for your Sunday-best shoes. Most polishes are designed to improve the appearance, rather than nourish the boot.
7
Check the care label of your boot, or with the manufacturer. It’s a good idea to condition and re-proof most boots, but if you use the wrong product it can affect the breathability.
8
Water-based treatments, such as Nikwax, should be applied while the upper materials are still wet, whereas some leather treatments require application to dry boots.
Toenails
10
Long toenails poke through your socks and gnaw at your boots’ inner lining, as well as causing issues for your nails, so keep them cut short. Any protrusions on your feet can wear away at the lining, so if you have bony feet, or lumps sticking out, either wear thicker socks to provide extra padding or have your boots modified in the shop – some retailers can stretch boots to fit your feet.
Sweat
9
Your feet produce four times more sweat when hillwalking. This carries salts and oils into the materials of your boot, which, if untreated, affect its breathability, causing you to sweat even more. Clean the inside of your boot and leave the boot to dry naturally. If you’re a regular walker and you can afford it, get two pairs of boots and alternate. A boot deodorant will keep bacteria growth under control.
TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR 21
Used & abused Walking boot bag £15 USED BY mud-magnet deputy editor Jenna Maryniak USED FOR 6 years I hadn’t realised until I started writing this. but I do have a bit of a ‘thing’ for personalised stuff. Mobile phone cases, calendars, diaries, cushions… and, most useful of all… dah-duhduh! – my personalised boot bag. Personalising it with your name may LONGbe a step too far into geekiness for some, but TERM I got mine as a cute Christmas pressie and I love THRASH it. There’s nothing technical about it, it’s simply a super-handy lightweight zip-up bag which, for six years or more now, has transported my boots on every trip. It neatly contains all the wet and mud, it’s big enough to contain my soggy gaiters too, and makes it easy to carry around my boots and keep everything clean.
VERDICT
Everyone should have one – personalisation optional!
Lowa Clevedale Pro GTX £245 Arc’teryx Bora Mid GTX £223 USED BY multi-terrain editor Simon Ingram USED FOR 7 months
MIDTERM TEST
These boots are quite unlike anything I’ve used before. It’s a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster of a boot, which has elements of all sorts of other kinds of footwear. With a neoprene ankle cuff that fits like a sock and stops debris getting into the boot, it’s sort of reminiscent of a trail-running shoe. The sole unit is fairly low profile, lacking the raised midsole usually found in 3-season boots, and there’s a massive heel brake on the rear and a full rubber rand, which suggests the boot is more than capable of holding its own on rough ground. Then there’s that beefy, seam-free nubuck leather upper with Gore-Tex lining. So what is it? A scrambling boot? A trekking boot? An approach shoe? Yep, all three. And they are supremely comfortable. I’ve done everything from the Inn Pinn to a coastal walk in these, and they seem perfect for all of ’em. You can only just get away with gaiters, but with that integral collar you don’t really need them. Very hard to classify, but also ridiculously hard to fault. VERDICT
USED BY alpine addict / mountaineering editor Jeremy Ashcroft USED FOR 1 month Boots for Alpine summer and winter mountaineering in Britain don’t have to be big and ‘clumpy’ to perform. The Clevedale Pro GTX from Lowa is a classic example of FIRST a light boot that proves LOOK the point well. At a modest 1700g for a pair of size 46s, they are definitely at the right end of the scale to make a full day’s cramponing less fatiguing. They are stiff enough for sustained bursts of front pointing, and their profile is trimmed down to be able to cope well with cracks and small holds. The upper flex, once broken in, is sufficient to provide a good level of support across rough, boulder-strewn slopes, while at the same time allowing an easy walking action on moderate snow slopes or approach paths. They are also good for via ferrata, particularly higher routes where you may encounter snow. And their positive edging attributes add greater security.
VERDICT
22 TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
Light Alpine boots that will do everything up to 4000m.
GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR
La Sportiva Trango TRK Wmn GTX £185
MIDTERM TEST
USED BY rock-hopping staff writer Sarah Ryan USED FOR 6 months I discovered, while chatting to a friend in a boot shop recently, that kit preferences really are hugely variable. I know mine – a neat fit for scrambling, comfort for long distances, grippy rubber, few seams and good ground feel. These have the lot. I’ve worn them across the Trotternish Ridge, onto the Cuillin, over numerous Lake District hills and all over Snowdonia. They’re looking a bit battered but that’s only right, they are in the midst of being loved to death.
VERDICT
I almost want these to wear out so I can get another pair. At the same time, I hope they never do.
Mammut Wall Guide Low GTX £130 USED BY light-footed deputy editor Jenna Maryniak USED FOR 6 months These are walking shoes that excel on rock and more technical ground. Of course, they lack the ankle support of a boot, but for freedom of movement, grippiness and precise foot placements, I’ve experienced nothing better in an approach shoe. It wasn’t love at first sight though. They are much more close-fitting that your average walking shoe, with robust rigid uppers and inflexible soles that make them less than slipper-like in comfort. However, once broken in, those misgivings are superseded by the benefits of increased support and excellent grip on rock which is ideal for gaining purchase on small holds.
MIDTERM TEST
VERDICT
A technical shoe, great for scrambling and rocky terrain where a boot is too cumbersome.
Salewa Alp Flow Mid GTX £185 USED BY flexible news and features writer Ben Weeks USED FOR 2 years Before anybody writes in to complain, I appreciate that there are times of the year, particular weather conditions and certain terrain that require a stiff, solid boot that encases your ankle in steel-like armour and refuses to yield to anything. But for everything else, these Salewas are my favourite. They’re super-bendy-flexible and tantalisingly lightweight. In fact, they’re more like high trainers with an aggressive sole than proper walking boots. But this makes them trainercomfortable, and because the laces go all the way to the toes, you can get the fit spot-on too. The Gore-Tex Surround system with vents means that they’re the coolest and most breathable boots I own. It’s
no understatement to say these have revolutionised my approach to footwear. Longdistance Lakeland trekking, north Wales scrambling and Scottish islandhopping have all proved an ideal match for the Alp Flows. Traditional stiff boots still have a place, but throughout summer it’s not on my feet. That’s where the Salewas will be.
LONGTERM THRASH
God, I love these boots. There’s nothing else to say. VERDICT
TRAIL GUIDE TO FOOTWEAR 23
BURRELL WATERPROOF/ BREATHABLE HIKER The sole comprises of a dual density compression moulded EVA midsole
Vibram sole contains a stability perimeter, a toe bumper for protection.
SHOP NOW AT WWW.REGATTA.COM
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