[philmont] Hiking Boots

Taken from the Philmont Advisor's Guide, an 119 page unofficial publication
written by Wally Feurtado, Mimi Hatch and Cooper Wright. The Guide is
available as a MS Word email attachment for $10. Email me directly should you care
for a copy.
 
 
Most outfitting stores recommend leather hiking boots for Philmont because
of the support they provide when compared to high-tech synthetic boots.
However, leather boots cost more and are harder to break in. Wally’s son Wes
required a new set of boots each time he went to Philmont because his feet grew.
 Spending $125 to $200 on leather boots just does not make sense when a
synthetic pair of boots costing $40 to $90 will work just as well. Outfitting
stores will also say that synthetic boots will fall apart due to the ruggedness
of Philmont’s trails. In his twelve trips to Philmont, Wally has never seen
a synthetic boot fail. Coop knows several Appalachian Trail thru-hikers
that experienced no problems with synthetic boots. In fact, several thru-hikers
 preferred the synthetic boots because of their ability to dry out faster
than all leather boots. In 2002 and 2005, Mimi Hatch used an all-synthetic
boot, the Asolo GTX FSN 95 women’s model, and came through without a blister.
In fact, she didn’t even need any moleskin or Spiroflex.
The jury is still out on Gore-Tex boots. During Coop’s 1998 Philmont trek,
the boots that got the wettest during a heavy downpour were Gore-Tex, but the
product has improved substantially since that time. Initially just used to
create Gor-Tex booties for boot linings, Gore-Tex now treats most synthetic
boots, which allows them to provide waterproofing qualities equal to full-grain
leather. Many Rangers swear by their Gore-Tex boots. Ranger Evan Bowser
says “I LOVE MY GOR-TEX!! If you treat it with love, it will keep your feet dry.
” If water enters the boots from the ankle opening, you need to take them
off and pour the water out because while Gor-Tex wicks moisture away from your
feet, it also traps water in. Evan also reminds crews that branding is bad
for the Gor-Tex. It is important that crews know that once they brand their
boots, the Gor-Tex will never be as good as it was. In addition, branding
boots voids any warranty that the boot may have. Just like with Gore-Tex
clothing, your boots will function better if an appropriate waterproofing treatment
is applied to the outside of the boot if Gore-Tex is just contained in the
boot liner. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps water from getting inside the boot,
and the waterproofing helps keep the water outside of the boot. Evan recommends
Sno-Seal, while Mimi Hatch and Ranger Greg Hoyt advocate Nix-Wax
waterproofing products.
In any case, if new boots are needed, plan on purchasing them in early
March. This will provide enough time to break in the boots while reducing the
possibility of them being outgrown by Philmont. If you do buy leather boots,
make sure that they have been waterproofed several times before you head to
Philmont.
Some hikers have replaced their boots insoles with a more expensive gel type
 insoles. In 2002, Mimi replaced her insoles with SuperFeet insoles on the
recommendation of several outdoor outfitters. She felt that her new insoles
distributed the weight of her foot better and was a factor in her
blister-free trek. Most of Dave Parmly’s 2004 crew used them and did not experience
any blister problems. They also tend to provide more positive arch support.
If you choose to do this, be sure to try out the new insoles during your
shakedown hikes. It is not uncommon for your feet to ache slightly or to feel
a slight discomfort the first few you’re your use these insoles because of
the additional support provided and the different muscle groups used. Coop
replaced his insoles and found that the new insole raised his heel out of the
boot’s heel cup and caused a blister. Typically replacement insoles work best
when they replace the original insoles, and are not placed on top of them.
Because some boots require “high volume” insoles while others use “low volume
” insoles, it is probably a good idea to take your boots with you when you
buy you insoles to ensure you get the right type.
It is important that the boot be fitted properly. If your sales clerk does
not know how to fit your boots, we recommend going to another store. Boots
should always be fitted using the same socks that you plan to use on the
trail. Usually, you can tell if you boot fits properly if you can fit one finger
behind the heel of your foot after you have kicked your toes as far forward
as possible in an unlaced boot. We recommend that you wear a loaded backpack
while you try on your boots in the store, especially if you have high or
flexible arches. Most stores will allow you to return your boots if you HAVE NOT
worn them outside, so take them home, wear them and make sure they fit. REI
allows returns on anything purchased in their store, even after use. So if a
crew member has problems with boot fit, they may want to consider purchasing
their boots at REI and to have the option of returning them after a
shakedown if they don’t work out.
All crew members should wear two layers of socks unless using newer high
tech socks designed to be worn alone. The inner layer should be a synthetic
(polypropylene or CoolMax) sock liner. The liner wicks the moisture away from
the foot to the outer sock. When the foot is dry, there is a decreased
chance of a getting a blister. Some of the new high tech socks state that an
inner layer sock is not required, and there are a growing numbers of hikers who
successfully trek without sock liners. Christian Braunlich, a Philmont Ranger
and REI employee, still uses two layers even when he wears his high tech
socks for the extra protection. Heavy wool socks, as outer layers are great.
However, some crewmembers do not like the feel of wool socks and they take a
long time to dry out once they get wet.
Coop likes the all-synthetic Thorlo Hiking sock that does not itch and dries
quickly because it contains no wool. Wally, Mimi and Mary Lane use Smart
Wool socks, and Mimi pairs hers with Fox River X-Static liners which hold
their shape well and contain silver-coated fibers to kill bacteria and fungus.
Stephen Braunlich used Dalhgren Low Volume Alpaca wool for 75% of his hiking
and never got a blister. The rest of the time he used a set of REI Merino
wool socks. Even though these socks contain wool, they are very soft and dry
much quicker than the all-wool ragg socks.
Like most backpacking equipment, it really comes down to a matter of
personal choice. Whatever type you use, pack three pairs of outer socks and two or
three pairs of sock liners. Make sure that you check the condition of your
crew’s socks before you head for Philmont. Look for badly worn spots that
will lead to blisters on the trail. Too often, crewmembers will buy new boots
and neglect to buy new socks. Socks do wear out! If the socks’ padding
capability is worn down, get new ones.

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Received on Fri Mar 7 07:00:21 2008