Foot Care for those with Flat Feet.

[Macallister Vagabond]

I have done a lot of homework on foot care and I know most of the standard protocol ie. moleskin, tape, blister shield, fresh socks, boot fit, etc. etc. In spite of this, I still have a hellish time with my feet even on short backpacking trips < 100 miles.

I'm not sure if this is because I'm doing things improperly or I'm just not caring properly for my flat feet. At any rate, I get blisters down to the bone (Just under my toes on the bottom of my feet, specifically) regardless of moleskin and my feet have a nasty habit of shedding moleskin mere miles into a hike.

I guess I don't have a specific question but I am curious to hear some input from people in a similar situation or if they have specific knowledge on the subject.

Thank you.

[troglobil]

I don't believe flat feet have anything to do with blisters. Mine are about as flat as you can get and it has been years since I've gotten ablister from hiking. I'd say it has more to do with getting the right boot/sock combo. For the past ten years I have been wearing HiTec altitude IV boots with super feet, smartwool light hiker socks and either Fox River Xstatic or Ultimax liner socks. This works for me, so I ain't changing it.

[Tennessee Viking]

Cotton socks are hell on feet.

I have been having ankle problems because of my flat feet. My doctor recommended firm hard orthodic arch supports. The regular ones that you can find where actually do no help. As soon as I switched them out, my feet started feeling better.

High top shoes/boots also

[Roots]

I am flat footed. I doubt that has anything to do with blisters. It sounds like your shoes/boots. I wore Vasque Breeze GTX boots for a while. I wore thorlos socks--#3--for the extra cushion. I also used Spencos backpacking inserts. Now I wear Montrail Hardrock trailrunners with Spenco inserts, and Darn tough sox. It is all about what works for you, but I highly suggest going to an outfitter that has good experience with boot/shoe fitting. You also need to make sure you have a good sock that fits properly.

[Rcarver]

I use blue superfeet with a smartwool liner, smartwool meduim cusion sock combo.

[Roots]

O yeah....thanks for the reminder Rcarver. Always wear liner socks with boots. I think it has a huge impact on whether or not you get blisters.

[Pootz]

I don't believe flat feet have anything to do with blisters. Mine are about as flat as you can get and it has been years since I've gotten ablister from hiking. I'd say it has more to do with getting the right boot/sock combo. For the past ten years I have been wearing HiTec altitude IV boots with super feet, smartwool light hiker socks and either Fox River Xstatic or Ultimax liner socks. This works for me, so I ain't changing it.

treoglogil has it right. You have to find a shoe/sock combination that works for you. In the mean time try soaking your feet in Epsom Salt and then wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. This will help dry up blisters and turn them into nice tough callouses

[boarstone]

liner socks...liner socks...liner socks...:)

[Gladiator]

I'm a fellow flat-footer. I'll agree with what most have already said. In addition to wearing liners and changing socks at least once a day, I also keep body glide and footpowder in my pack, and apply them both to my feet whenever I change socks. On my last hike, I believe this prevented the hot spots that I developed from progressing into nasty blisters. As always, YMMV.

[Macallister Vagabond]

Thank you everyone for you responses!!

I am looking into custom orthodics now and I have some higher quality moleskin from a friend of mine that I am going to try out this weekend.

[Blissful]

Good fitting Trail runners with good insoles (get properly fitted by a shoe specialist in a running shop)
Good socks and several pairs that you rotate (don't skimp on socks or carrying socks). Wash them when you get to each stop.
No gaiters
Air your feet and dry your insoles and socks in the sun every chance you get during the day to keep down moisture which attrributes to blister formation.
Wear Crocs at camp

All these things I did and had no blisters at all after my week long hike last week.

[dkennfls]

Might also suggest using "newskin" Anytime you feel or notice a hotspot, paint a couple of layers on and it won't be rubbing skin anymore.

Dean

[John B]

I can't think of any single group that places greater stress and strain on their feet, and is more prone to blistering, than ultramarathon runners. This site has the best information that I've ever read concerning blister prevention. Like you, I blistered every hike and tried the standard liner/sock combination, inserts, etc. It wasn't until I read about footcare advice from ultramarathoners that I found solutions that really work. Check it out at:
http://www.badwater.com/training/index.html

[waldick]

smartwool, superfeet and body glide worked great for me...no blisters, no hotspots, no problems...

[Pickleodeon]

try checking out the book Fixing Your Feet by Jon Vonhof. It has a lot of advice about foot problems and shapes, like flat feet, and preparing feet to prevent and fix blisters.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=fixing+your+feet

[gonewalkabout]

A must read for any hiker or runner is Fixing Your Feet by John Vonhof ISBN# 0-89997-354-x for my older addition.