Trailer Runners for hunting

[morphiend]

Does anyone use a trailer running shoe for hunting? I have trouble with blisters on long hikes and was given some advice to try trail runners.

[andrewscag]

Ocasionally. I also use "barefoot" type shoes as well. It depends what type of terrain you're hunting in and what you do for exercise when you're not hunting. If you're having trouble with blisters on long hikes, your boots don't fit well and/or your feet aren't ready for the hike. Stiffer boots will put more stress on your feet so you do need to build them up a bit. What do you mean by longer hikes? 5k? 25k? You might try getting an appointment with a boot fit specialist at an mec or rei.

[Salix]

After reading a thread on this topic last year on rokslide I tried runners on my elk hunt last fall. On rainy days or when it rained at night the old leather hikers would get wet and heavy after a day of hiking and were a challenge to dry out in camp. I used runners for a couple of days which gave the feet a break from the leather boots. I was also surprised how well they dried out after a morning of being wet, compared to the leather boots. I used my regular runners which allowed dirt and small sticks etc to get into the shoes. I've since purchased a pair of Salomon speed cross 3 for the primary purpose of hiking and hunting. They have great grip and are built to keep the crap out. I will be pairing them with a set of low cut gaiters.
I too have suffered with blister issues on multi day hiking/hunting with leather boots. I've tried multiple boots and still have had issues. Last years hunt was the best year yet for my feet and I feel that part of that was because I switched things up and went with the runners a few days. I focused on the wet days because the leathers seem to kill my feet once they are wet.
One other benefit of the runners is that they are super light compared to leather boots. Way easier on the legs after a few days of hiking in the hills. I had no issue with them and packing heavy loads or on steeper terrain.

[morphiend]

I have been working on getting my feet more "ready" and they have improved. Generally I do Diaz Vistas around Butzen Lake once a week with no weight in my pack. I believe that is around 13km's. I can do that with no blisters but my feet are sore. If I can't get to Coquitlam I'll do the Houston trail in Langley with 50-60 pounds in my bag. That's only about 4km. We did an early spring bear hunt and put around 20kms on with about 30 pounds on my back. My feet were super sore and had a couple of small blisters from that trip. Given the terrain we were hiking I think a trailer runner would have worked very well for that trip.

Good of advice with the boot specialist. I think I'm on the right track as it is getting better but good to get some professional advice.

[andrewscag]

Where are you blistering?

[morphiend]

Mostly on the side mid sole. Occasionally on the heel but not often.

[morphiend]

Thanks for the feedback Salix!

[andrewscag]

Interesting. What's your foot like? Low volume? Does your boot feel right? Or loose? It sounds like your foot is moving a bit in the boot. You might get a hot spot under your big toe also if that's the case. I assume your heel isn't moving in the boot?

Have you tried wearing a liner?

And ftr I'm not against trail runners. I wear them too.

[morphiend]

I haven't tried a liner. Could you tell me more about those? I did changed to Darn Tough merino wool socks and use Two Toms roll on. I don't think my heel moves in the boot. As for the blister spot I didn't explain that well. I get them at the widest spot on the foot below the big toe. not sure what you mean by low volume.

What at kind of trailer runner do you use?

Thanks for all the help.

[andrewscag]

So bottom of the foot? You're probably sliding a bit. A liner is a really thin sock that goes under your regular sock to reduce friction. Would be worth a try for you I think if the rest of your boot feels good. A low volume foot is basically a skinny foot that doesn't fill up a boot as much as a "normal" foot. Almost like a skinny guy with broad shoulders who looks like he's swimming in a t shirt. Often results in you sliding around a bit even though the boot is the correct size. Your general foot type usually matches your body type pretty well. So you don't usually see fat feet on thin people. I'm 6' 165 lbs of mostly legs. My feet are low volume with long arches and wider than "normal" in the toe box. So I look for slim boots with a biggish toe box before I even bother to try them on. Saves time. I usually use Solomon trail runners. They have some nice (but spendy!) waterproof models and I like their lacing system.

You could also try adding another insole but you'll probably run out of toe room for that. Alternatively you could try adding some padding to the entire tongue. That's kind of a pita but might help your heel too if it's slipping. Though honestly if your heel is slipping it's not the right boot for you. What boot are you in now?

You might try an Italian boot like a zamberlan or scarpa for the next go around. Zamberlans in particular have an excellent heel for lower to normal volume feet and should lock you in well enough that you don't slide in the boot. The tofane is awesome but really expensive. Try them on and then look for lighter, lower priced models with a similar heel build if you that's more boot than you need. Can't remember the models to look for unfortunately.

Having said all of that, tougher feet will help too if that's the main problem spot for you. It's a lot to ask of soft city feet to climb into boots on the weekends and do well. When I worked trail maintenance or surveying for the fs, the early season always brought on some hot spots no matter how well my boots fit. Once they toughened up a bit I could happily wear them 12 hrs a day all week. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be able to lace up on the weekends and still be able to walk on Monday, just that you have to manage your expectations too.

[andrewscag]

Also, as Salix mentioned, wet feet aren't happy feet. Make sure you dont wear cotton socks and sometimes changing to a fresh pair of socks at lunch makes a world of difference. If I'm hiking hard I'll rotate two pairs per day. One on my feet and one drying on the outside of my pack. Keeps the feral women away too ;-)

[goatdancer]

You could try some stuff called 'Glide'. It's like a roll-on for your feet. Supposed to stop blisters by letting your feet slide rather than rub. I found that using moleskin in problem areas stops blisters.

[AgSilver]

When I was making an effort to run lots, I'd get blisters because of soft feet. Injijis helped under merino socks (got some between the toe blisters). Or another liner style sock. And Body Glide in problem areas before I put my socks on helped too.

Have destroyed Solaman trail runners. Disappointed at how long they lasted for the price, considering I was mostly walking the dog in them.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

I always wear two pairs of socks in my boots when hiking. My hunting socks and a synthetic lightweight liner.
Will never hike with just one pair.

[RiverOtter]

Everyones feet are different, but what I find works is a pair of merino socks(Costco ones are good, Thorlo Trekking socks are best) and a Sole foot bed to keep your foot in place, especially your heel. Blisters do suck though, and if you continue to get them and know where you're going to get them, a little piece of duct tape before hand can work wonders.

[Big Lew]

I always wear two pairs of socks in my boots when hiking. My hunting socks and a synthetic lightweight liner.
Will never hike with just one pair.

I do a lot of long distance walking and hiking, and as 'Stone Sheep Sheep' mentioned, I wear 2 pair of socks in
my hiking boots. More importantly, I wear 2 pair of 'wick away' socks, There are several types and brands out
there, some are quite expensive, but they all work similarly, wicking the moisture away from your feet which
keeps your feet cool and dry. Cotton socks hold moisture which often causes hot spots and then blisters. It's
the same with cycling long distances. Wearing cotton underwear is the fastest way to get 'diaper rash' for the
same reasons.

[Andrewh]

Trail shoes would be ok for lightweight hiking/hunting but would be a recipe for disaster when you have 100lbs on your back.

[wideopenthrottle]

I always wear two pairs of socks in my boots when hiking. My hunting socks and a synthetic lightweight liner.
Will never hike with just one pair.
same for me for many years of boot wearing...two pairs..light cheap nylon work socks next to the feet and a good pair of 70 % wooleys over top...i often "treat myself" to a fresh pair of socks at lunch ( for sure if i am in camp for lunch)

[D Tho]

I've found using mole skin to tape where I get blisters the most effective. I've been using kinesio tape to cover where I get blisters. Haven't had a problem since them. Just make sure if you end up using tape on your skin it is meant to go directly onto the skin. Learned this first hand when I tried to be cheap and use hockey tape.