I read the posts and blogs, I talked to local hikers and thru hikers, and so I believed I was making an informed decision.
Off to the Merrell outlet I went to buy the first pair of true hiking shoe's I've had since I was 15.
I wore my thick REI socks, tried on a ton of options, and left happy with the Moab waterproof mids, in 1/2 size larger then I normally purchase for street shoes. They were secure in the heel, wider at the top of my foot, and my toes had plenty of room. Pretty safe decision I thought.
I decided to break them in a little by going around a local lake (over a mile and 1/3 long) about three times.
Oh dear goodness the pain. What is wrong with me? Is this just how it is when you first get your shoes? It's not the 4 miles I did, I do that regularly in cross trainers. Was it because I was on paved roads? Do I just seriously need some time with these to break them in? Is this normal? Will the pain go away?
Help!