My Forum

I have boots with the fabric lace ups like the Lightpackers. They are 100% and far nicer to use than metal eyelets etc. They also seem to 'tension' in better too and are durable enough...in fact depending on how you look at it they are more durable due to fact that a metal hook or eye somewhere will bend, come off etc.

I tried them on...they are a nice boot.

Quick add on - I'm sure if I walked and walked I'd get blisters eventually regardless. Just saying TEKO socks do seem to keep them away for longer and seem a bit more forgiving if I get my feet drenched. But the boots/shoes need to fit like a glove too.

Sean Martins 2 points are very valid...if you feel your socks bunching up just STOP for a second and sort it. If your heel is loose STOP and try to do something about it.

I have ignored both the above in the past when wanting to push on. the result has been blister/s or at the very least some tender areas.

If you think your heel cups are too roomy, go buy the little gel heel inserts...they resolve the problem very well and they are very nice to have when Hiking. I've loads of metalwork in my legs and the extra cushioning makes the difference between pain and absolutely no pain.

If your toe box is roomy buy an insole. Even a thin one does help allieviate the issue and makes a big difference if mile muching.

Regards socks, I find Bridgedale & smartwool socks good when they are new but TEKO have treated me best even when they have been well worn. I wear the thicker ones even in summer as my ankle needs protection. Sometimes my feet feel like they have had a really hard day but when I take the boots off and check they are always in great nick if I've been wearing TEKO socks, despite them being quite warm.

The liners + thin outer sock do work but I find it depends on the combo. get it wrong and nothing seems to stay put...its enough to make you want to scream.

Must say I haven't had blisters for years unless its been due to pushing on when all wasnt in order in the foot department, when a few moments taken to sort could have avoided it.

I have walked up to 33 miles per day for a few weeks solid and been fine as long as my feet are kept dry, boots fit well and either have Newish Bridgedales/smartwool or good old TEKO socks. Despite what seem people are saying I think there is a distinct difference betweeen sock brands. 

For Example- I find Bridgedale the most comfy straight from packet but after a few miles I find they loose their cushioning too quickly...I find TEKO very warm but very long lasting and reliable so I prefer to put up with warm feet in exchange for my feet being kept in good nick...I find Tiso's own brand, Tresspass, Quencha (Decathalons own) etc utterly rubbish ie - poor elasticity, dont wash well and just wear out too quickly.

Think thats all the advice I can really offer from my corner. Hope you get something from it.

Well you know...its nice to hear your experiences. I would certainly prefer to do much of my 'walk in' and acclimitisation solo. I actually adore sleeping in my tent so would rather spend a few nights in it than the huts etc.

But I just think I'm too inexperienced to be contemplating the high summits without a guide...even if they are just tough hikes...I dont want to get stuck up there in foul weather.

And unfortunately I'm kind of the only one in a small group of friends who has some aspirations and wants to take my love of the mountains a bit further. The other guys are happy plodding the local hills once a fortnight from now until doomsday.

No, I don't have the time or patience to wait. Just going for an alternative.