I wrote some months ago about problems I was having with my Brasher Hillmasters. They were fine upto 6 miles and then both heels would start to rub. Having identified the problems on the site I got lots of helpful ideas and suggestions, unfortunately the only thing that really worked was getting the zinc oxide tape on everytime before walking. After approx 3 years and countless miles this seemed a silly situation to continue with.
Knowing that we intended to do the middle section of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail in September I thought it was time to bite the bullet and get another pair of boots. I went to Blacks in Norwich where the young man who served me was fantastic, having explained the problem to him he said," I hope you are not in a hurry, I've got as long as it takes and if you don't find a pair of boots that fits you and you walk out empty handed then fine it is no problem at all".
Some 3 hours or more later and with the skin ripped off my index finger and little finger on both hands and having tried on countless different boots, some several times, I narrowed it down to 3 boots. I eventually settled on a pair of Meindl Burma Pro MFS boots.
I first did two 4 mile walks with no ill effects whatsoever. Then a six miler and finally an eight mile walk with a few small hill thrown in ( small as I live in Norfolk ). Hadrian's Wall trail then beckoned. First day 15 mile, second a hilly 10 miles, followed by a day off walking around Carlisle, fourth day a hilly 13 miles and day five, fifteen miles to finish.
A total of 53 miles in 4 days of walking and not a single hot spot ,blister or problem. I think it really does pay to take your time getting a pair of boots that fits you. My only tip would be, silly as it may sound, take a thin pair of leather gloves with you, my fingers were shredded with lacing up boots so many times.
