[at-l] Boots...was A question

[kahley7 <kahley7@ptd.net>]

The whole boot thing ......yeouch.  It seems that no matter how long
you have hiked, you can still blow it with the boots.  Maybe you've
followed Ron's blister battles on the PCT.  Or Jim and Ginny Owens woes
with boots on the same trail.  All three have thrued the AT at least
once
but still have problem with boots.  If it comes down to having to buy
new boots, may I offer one suggestion?  Even if you have to spend twice
the amount you planned on paying for the boots in traveling expenses,
get thee to a good bootfitter, probably best found in a town along the
AT.  Your average gear store has lots of boots but the person fitting
them to your foot may have been repairing washing machines the day
before.

Some boot brands or models fit best on a narrow heeled foot.  Some
have a toebox most suited to wide toes. Yada yada yada.  And all that
can change from year to year!!!  You willbe waaay ahead of the game if
you get yer boots from someone who actually knows their merchanise.

Some things to try before you buy.
Pre hike prep..toughen your feet.  Go barefoot or use that stuff
that toughens the skin...anyone remember??

Filter your water barefooted.  Anytime you can get your socks off
and let air at your feet might help.

Be a sock swapper <g>.  Unless it's raining, putting on the pair
that have been hanging off the back of your pack always feels good <g>.

Rinse them out when ever you can.  Salt builds up in them.

Try different liners.  Back to K-mart folks <g>.  They have some
nifty smooth light socks there.

Lose the second pair of socks.  I'm not alone in being unable to
wear two pair without heel blisters.  

but the bottom line is boots that really fit and finding that is
hard!!!!
Anyone know any really good bootfitters?
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