Help for a newbie?

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Carolyn Menteith
11/05/2004 at 17:36
I am a serious newbie who is rather unexpectedly going to do the Inca Trail in October.
The first thing I was told was "get some good lightweight boots with good ankle support" and so I went out and bought a pair of Meindl Borneo's (ladies MFS). They are very comfortable and certainly don't rub or hurt in any way - but as someone who has never ever worn any kind of walking boots before (I normally just travel around in sports sandals - but then don't do any demanding walking) I am finding them very 'different' and the soles (Vibram) feel very solid and without the bend I am used to.
I wanted to ask if these were good boots to do the Trail (I know the terrain is quite varied)? Is it just a case of needing to get used to wearing boots?! I have no idea what to expect them to be like! I picked them because they were leather lined (ie not Goretex - as I really didn't want hot feet) and because I had heard reports of how comfortable they are (and because the Meindl's seemed to fit best of the ones I tried on as I have very small feet) - but I want to be sure they will be OK and not be either too heavy or too inflexable. Having said all that, I didn't want to get something that wasn't going to be up to the job and would make it even harder than I have no doubt it probably will be, and give me no support or protection.
Hope you can help and give me some advice here - and don't think I sound like a rambling lunatic!!
Carolyn
Rod Anderson Boyle
11/05/2004 at 17:53
Hi Carolyn,

Yep, they should do just fine. They aren't too heavy and Meindl's have a deserved reputation of being good-to-go straight from the box. Yor feet should adjust to the feel of them with a couple of practice walks.

Make sure you have good socks. Not too bulky, as your feet will get too warm and, if I may be so bold, invest in some liner socks. These will keep your feet feeling drier and more comfortable.

drop me a line if I can help further.

Rod
webmaster@fieldandtrek.co.uk
Andrew Thacker
11/05/2004 at 18:09
if the sole is stiff....wear em round the house and at any time you can without them ruining your dress sense....boots wear in however soft they are. as a matter of fact boots only really get comfy just before they are due to go to the big shoe lace maker in the sky!
Parky Again
11/05/2004 at 18:10
nice choice of boot. you'll get used to them quite quickly, the main part being getting used to something around your ankle and even weirder at first, the comparative rigidity. although they're comfy from the box, take every opportunity to wear them so that you "break" them into your feet and stride so that they become super comfy.

take longish walks as unless you're used to being on your feet for hours at a time you'll get very "tired and achey" feet until you get used to it - it will pass.

this will also enable you to experiment as to wearing a liner sock - some people prefer them, some don't. i wear a thin coolmax sock under my usual ones. the double layer relieves some of the rubbing of the outer sock as it rubs against the inner rather than your skin. haven't had a blister yet (touch wood) - horses for courses really. they dry really quickly and i carry a spare pair should i need to change them to let them dry out a bit.

get used to the fact that you ARE going to get hot feet. the less you think about it the less a problem it is.

boots are heavier than sandals (sorry bout the bleedin' obvious) - you'll soon get used to them again. you'll appreciate the support, especially downhill, and the grip.

ooh - i'm waffling again..........

Carolyn Menteith
11/05/2004 at 21:52
Wow - thanks so much for the advice. Sounds like the boots are going to be fine - was getting a bit worried (not because they were uncomfortable - just because there seemed to be 'a lot of them' - and just so different to anything I had worn). Now I know that, I can just get on with getting used to them.
Now I find I have to think about socks too - the ones I have been wearing are quite thick - but seem to rub my ankle, so will have a go with a liner and see how that works. The 'hot feet' thing is a worry - but I guess if I know there is no real way round that, I will deal with it better!
What do you think about foot beds - or am I now just going over the top?!
Also would love to hear any info from anyone that has done the Inca Trail. Everyone I have talked to either is full of bravado and tells me it is easy - or else tells me horror stories of torturous climbs! Would really like a sane (or at least realistic) viewpoint.
Thanks again for your help so far. I am sure you will not have heard the last of me!
Carolyn
Orange Alex Ford
11/05/2004 at 21:57
Carolyn, have a read of this article.

Some nice piccies...writing isn't bad either.
Evil Genius Darren
11/05/2004 at 21:59
If you plan to spend long periods of time in them, consider replacing the standard footbeds with something like Superfeet that have been properly fited.

Your feet will love you for it.

Oh and have a look at Smartwool socks. I've gone over to them from Bridgedales and my feet love me for it.
Parky Again
11/05/2004 at 22:09
will have to give smartwool a try. currently with bridgdales.
what sort have you got darren?


carolyn - you will get slightly sore ankles, again until you get used to the boots. you have to break your feet in.

think of the fun you can have breaking in a pack - your back muscles will thank you for it.
Carolyn Menteith
11/05/2004 at 22:21
Read the article - you are right... great photos and good writing (I am feeling inspired).

Re socks I have been using bridgdales so will definitely have a look at smartwool - thanks for that.

Where is the best place to go to get properly fitted superfeet? (I am in surrey)? I know this sounds like a really dumb question (told you I am a newbie!) but do the beds fit to the feet or the boot?

As for breaking in a pack.........!! Hmmm..it could be an exciting and painful few months ahead. My dog will enjoy the extra walking though (although he has already been stood on a few times by me while not entirely in control of the boots!).
Evil Genius Darren
11/05/2004 at 22:24
Parky. I use the Hiker, adventure hiker and expedition hiker depending on my boot/conditions. Always over a liner sock too.
Parky Again
11/05/2004 at 23:30
thanks darren.

carolyn, what i should have said was breaking your body in, so that all the bits get used to exercise/strain.

pack will be fun. get everything out you want to pack away. realise it all won't fit. unpack, get rid of a third of it. re-pack. then decide you can't carry all that junk all day. unpack. throw out all the junk. re-pack. try carrying it all day. unpack. throw out more junk. re-pack etc etc etc.
superfeet - as you live in surey - do you get up to london? i don't know of any shops in surrey (now that sounds decidedly odd!)

the captain is usually rather good at ferreting out info.

captain! where are you!
Carolyn Menteith
12/05/2004 at 00:57
I suspect this is going to be the most invaluable advice. Right now I have a list of what I am planning on taking - and even the list is too heavy! My fitness campaign for all body parts is starting in earnest - although feet are taking priority right now.
Yes, I get up to London quite a lot so can certainly plan a shopping trip or two if you can give me any hints to where is good - have done Blacks before now but found them somewhat lacking in knowledge - perhaps it was because it was a weekend.
Evil Genius Darren
12/05/2004 at 07:45
For the superfeet, check out places like Cotswold, F&T or in Surrey Snow and Rock at Chertsey as they should have trained fitters and the special 'comfy chair'. Don't mail order them first time.

Not wishing to dis' Black's but they are the same group as Millets and suffer from the 'it's just a job' syndrome. Usually only a couple of the staff have any real knowledge.
Carolyn Menteith
12/05/2004 at 08:56
Thanks Darren - that's great. Snow and Rock is very close so I'll take a visit tomorrow. Will also have a hunt around in there for other stuff I may need (warm but v light sleeping bag is pretty high on the list too).
Will be out in my boots with a vengence this weekend!
Evil Genius Darren
12/05/2004 at 08:58
Mmmmm. Shiny kit.
Carolyn Menteith
12/05/2004 at 09:19
That is another huge problem!! I am not being taken at all seriously by other people I meet when I am out......... I have NEW BOOTS!!!!! Need to do some swamp walking I suspect.
Rod Anderson Boyle
12/05/2004 at 09:26
You can if you want to, but a walk though some longish wet grass, followed by a couple of miles cross country, will start the process. Also will help break your boots in.

Rod
Carolyn Menteith
12/05/2004 at 09:36
Thanks for the advice. Will do some serious 'de-newing' over the weekend. Am still treating them with far too much respect I fear!
Evil Genius Darren
12/05/2004 at 09:44
give them a bit of abuse.
Parky Again
12/05/2004 at 13:16
joining various groups gets you a card and a discount in all sensible shops e.g. BMC costs £24 a year and you get 10% off virtually everywhere (even managed to blag a discount at the opticians!). the outdoor shop (see side bar <--------) increases that if you spend more than £100 at once.


give those boots some serious grief!
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