Hiking Bootfitter in the DMV

[Andrew R]

TPFR community,

I've got a question that's tangentially related to fly fishing.

I'm headed out to Wyoming in late July-Early August for a two week hiking/mountaineering/fly fishing excursion with NOLS. For those not familiar with the program, it's a pretty grueling experience with 50lb+ packs, long multi mile hikes through extreme terrain and a focus on "leave no trace" (i.e. no modern conveniences including TP). I'ved hiked around the DC area on trails like the Billy Goat trail or Rock Creek and have done some day hikes in SNP, but nothing remotely close to this program.

I've heard horror stories about blisters or turned ankles turning the entire experience into a living hell and my very mediocre, cheap hiking boots are definitely not up to the job. NOLS recommends that students visit a bootfitter to make sure they get the right pair for their particular feet and I've been poking around the internet but seen few promising leads. Does anyone know of a good bootfitter around the DC area? Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Andrew

[tperkins]

I used REI when I did my NOLS course, (Baja Semester Spring 2005). I was in Baltimore at the time, so I went to the one up that way. But I would at least try the ones around here. I also got Superfeet insoles for my boots, a little pricey but very worth it. Also you need to be willing to drop some money on the boots, as you say blister and turned ankles can make the experience terrible. BUT then you will have great boots for years to come. 

Are you going to get to fly fish on your trip? I still really want to do the original Wind River trip.

Thomas 

[Casey Peltier]

Probably restating the obvious, but wear a pair of cool-max sox and a heavier pair of wool sox and you'll be fine. My old boots gave me he'll until I started wearing cool-max and wool, and presto! no more blisters.

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[Andrew R]

Thanks for the feedback guys. REI seems to be the consensus from those in the know. Definitely willing to splurge on the boots and find other areas to save some greenbacks.

Thomas, I'm actually going on the Wind River Wilderness trip. Really looking forward to fishing the Green River and maybe even catching my first Golden Trout. As a NOLS alumb, got any advice before I get out there? I'm a soft suburban kid who could probably count on two hands the number of times I've slept outside, and a couple of those times in college were involuntary and involved losing my dorm key and consuming gratuitous amounts of Popov.

On Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 2:56:56 PM UTC-4, CaseyP wrote:

Probably restating the obvious, but wear a pair of cool-max sox and a heavier pair of wool sox and you'll be fine. My old boots gave me he'll until I started wearing cool-max and wool, and presto! no more blisters.

On May 11, 2016, at 2:37 PM, Andrew R <andrewre...@gmail.com> wrote:

TPFR community,

I've got a question that's tangentially related to fly fishing.

I'm headed out to Wyoming in late July-Early August for a two week hiking/mountaineering/fly fishing excursion with NOLS. For those not familiar with the program, it's a pretty grueling experience with 50lb+ packs, long multi mile hikes through extreme terrain and a focus on "leave no trace" (i.e. no modern conveniences including TP). I'ved hiked around the DC area on trails like the Billy Goat trail or Rock Creek and have done some day hikes in SNP, but nothing remotely close to this program.

I've heard horror stories about blisters or turned ankles turning the entire experience into a living hell and my very mediocre, cheap hiking boots are definitely not up to the job. NOLS recommends that students visit a bootfitter to make sure they get the right pair for their particular feet and I've been poking around the internet but seen few promising leads. Does anyone know of a good bootfitter around the DC area? Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Andrew

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[tperkins]

Sent you an email

[Rob Snowhite]

Put minimum of 50 miles in them before you start hiking. Wear them all the time at home whether you are on your feet or not. When I worked at Hudson Trail Outfitters we had a tool for shaping leather boots to fit your feet, though the company is now gone. Not sure if any store has one around here. Practice walking with a weighted pack too. 

Be sure to bring moleskin with you and I second the super feet. If you can get the heated one to mold to your foot the better. 

PS, don't forget your shovel

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[Misha Gill]

Not saying that I wouldn't go to REI, but another option is Casual Adventure Outfitters in Arlington. I've met some guys that work there and they seemed like good dudes. Plus, local business!

[TurbineBlade]

Beth likes her....cough.....$400 pair of schnee's she uses for elk hunting.  They apparently broke-in very quickly for her.  With all leather products (including Brooks saddles for bikes....of which we have 4) don't expect miracles after a painful break-in.  They should feel pretty darn decent right away, and get better with time.  If they're uncomfortable from the start, you're never going to wear them.  

We've both done a LOT of hiking, birding, etc. and I actually almost 100% of the time prefer sneakers to any pair of boots.  

Gene

[TurbineBlade]

BTW -- I still prefer neatsfoot oil to anything else.  Just a small amount spread and rubbed in by hand.  It discolors the leather (which can be bad or actually good depending on your preference) and works great.  

Some people think it softens leather too much, but I don't think so.  

Gene

[Bryan Lanier]

I can second the Casual Adventures recommendation.

Bryan

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[Carl Z.]

Lots of great advice here.

And learned from sitting next to someone at REI:
  When breaking them in to do a grueling downhill hike (to check the toebox) and trim your toenails.

Luckily she had the problems after a 15 mile hike locally rather than on her Kilimanjaro trek.

Carl

Carl

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[Rob Snowhite]

Casual Adventure employees are known to toss flies too. Another bonus. 

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[Alex Boucher]

I would echo the recommendation to really break in the boots before your trip. Last year, I made the mistake of running a two-day adventure race in shoes right out of the box. I  ended up with this beauty. Also Bag Balm works great if/when you get blisters.

[Jim Boryan]

Stop on by Casual Adventure and ask for Jim. I'll hook you up

[Greggory DiSalvo]

Absolutely agree about REI.  They will fit according to your foot shape.  I have wide feet and keens treat me really well.  Another option is a pair of trail runners.  A stiff pair like brooks cascades or a soloman would do the job (go breathable and supplement with ankle gaitors if you are afeared of puddles).  I am doing a 165 miler on the Tahoe Rim Trail in late summer and am using trail runners (bringing the fly rod as well to hit some of the little lakes).  Much lighter and easier on your feet, but you sacrifice ankle support.  

As others have said previously, make sure you put some miles on them prior to your trip.  REI will take full returns even if you step in poo.  

Gregg

[tperkins]

NOLS typically has fairly strict guidelines on what they consider acceptable equipment. They do thing the "NOLS Way", they know it's not the only way but it simplifies  their curriculum and ensures that gear is adequate. So unless they talk about trail runners being ok I would avoid those. Otherwise you may have to buy a pair from them (if they offer it) when you are out there. 

On the other hand, after you have done NOLS you get to decide what you like and what you want to do differently. So , Gregg, what shoes are you using and what weight pack are you carrying? I am doing a 9ish day hike in the High Sierras and trying to decide on a new pair of shoes or boots for that. And yes fly rod is coming, hoping for a Golden trout. 

[Greggory DiSalvo]

Ah, there we have it.  I'm not familiar at all with NOLS. You gotta hope that they know best, and they probably do!  Anyway, I haven't yet decided if I'm gunna go ultralight or not, but Im going to venture to guess my pack will be in the ballpark of 35-45 pounds, may be more depending on what sort of rod/reel I bring.  I just switched from a pari of solomans to the Brooks Cascades and love them.  These will likely be the ones I bring, although a buddy of mine has been raving about the comfort of the Altra High top trail runner.  He is a product tester, but if they hit the market soon, I may be tempted to try them.  With your heavy load, ankle support is probably pretty nice.  Worth checking out.  

As for my hiking boots, I use Keen Targhee II Mids.  Nice, but heavier

Gregg

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[Dalton Terrell]

Either REI or Casual Adventure should be fine, I've bought from both; but Casual Adventure has hooked us up in a raffle before so that's a big plus in my book!

I'm not sure what NOLS requires but I'm the trail-runner camp too. I prefer the lighter weight and better general comfort. For reference, I normally hike with a 55 liter pack weighing 25 or 30 lbs at most, and on a long trip average 10 miles a day and rarely do more than 15 in a day. There have been some studies related to the ankle support that high tops offer and I don't think there is any conclusive evidence that high tops or low tops are better, here's a random website documenting one study: http://www.livestrong.com/article/405068-do-high-top-basketball-shoes-prevent-sprained-ankles/

From my experience, I've rolled my ankles in heavy leather boots and trail runners, I don't think it matters too much. The boots are more expensive but last a lot longer than the trail runners, so pricing may be a wash or favor boots.

Dalton

[Brad]

All this stuff is great advice. It helps the fitter to know if you run narrow or wide. I have narrow feet and there are only a couple brands I'll buy. I burn through a pair light hikers a year and a pair of heavy hikers about every 2 years.

Definitely break them in. Start with a short hikes and work up to at least 10 miles before you go. With weight. Better to find out before you go if you made the wrong boot choice.

Not mentioned so far is feet maintenance. Some like the two sock method. I used to like it before the sock game got a lot better. That changed for me (and most) when technology got rid of those nasty rag wool socks. I prefer a single, light to medium cushion merino sock. I like lots of compression in the arch and I often wear heavy compression over the calf socks. YMMV, but it is important to find your combo. Number one thing for me on long hikes: keep your feet dry (or as dry as possible). Get in the water? Change socks. Every time you stop for more than a few minutes, take your shoes and socks off. Seriously. If the socks are wet, change them. I try to do a long stop to air out my feet or change socks every 4-5 miles. Sometimes you can't get that. At least air them out and change at lunch. On long treks, I rotate 2-3 pairs of socks a day. Some people like foot powder for friction. Some don't. If I have to rush a sock change, powder helps you get that new sock on when your foot is less than completely dry. Definitely carry moleskin and /or second skin. I prefer moleskin. The second you feel a hotspot, do something about it. Dry your feet. Change socks. Put on some moleskin. BEFORE you blister. Also, test your socks. My feet HATE some weaves/brands. Don't hit the trail with a brand/type of sock you've never worn. 

I'm with Dalton. I've had some nasty ankle/feet/knee injuries and the older I get, the less boot I wear. I generally only put on mids or higher if I'm toting a real heavy pack. I'm doing a 100 miler this summer and I will likely only bring my Salomon trail runners. 90% of my day hiking is is trail runners. I only strap on the big boys if I know I'll be bush whacking a lot. 

[Nedak]

I saw this a few weeks ago:

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/04/11/473733900/go-to-the-tape-a-cheap-easy-way-to-prevent-blisters

I am not nor do I ever plan to be an ultra marathoner.

[namfos]

[John Kaden]

where can i get that sticker

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[namfos]

The web site on the sticker doesn't seem to work. About a year ago, when I had the back door of my RAV4 repaired a 0,0 sticker was sacrificed, so I ordered a new one off their site. But it took months of nagging them to get them to send me what I'd paid for via paypal. They are also on FB, https://www.facebook.com/fishingporncom-105539746155917/timeline.  Here's the paypal information for who I bought them from:

Chelsea Signs

734-358-0653

http://chelseasigns.com

sc...@chelseasigns.com

They post occasionally to the FB page but their websites have been "under construction" for months. Either the fishing's really great and or they're independently wealthy. Good luck getting through to them.

Mark