View Full Version : Hiking with flat feet.
jazzmessenger8
08-07-2011, 17:07
I have flat feet. Does anybody else on the forum have fleet feet? If yes, did they cause problems carrying such a heavy load, and do you know of any ways to cope with the problems? Do orthotics help? I've been reading up on this and many claim that orthotics only exacerbate problems in the long run.
Lemni Skate
08-07-2011, 17:24
Bad flat feet. My feet are more like flippers. I hike in normal hiking boots with just some doctor shoals or something similar inserted in. I don't worry about arch supports. I have never had any foot problems other than standard soreness that everyone with me seems to share from backpacking. I am also pigeon-toed. Again, I can't see that I've ever had even and average amount of foot trouble. I don't skimp on what I wear on my feet, but I have hiked in heavy duty boots, light weight boots and trail runners and none of them have ever given me any trouble (or blisters).
Mrs Baggins
08-07-2011, 17:34
I have flat feet. Never a problem til I attempted a thru-hike with too much weight (around 40 lbs). The pain was excruciating. I had to get off the trail. Now I carry under 30 lbs, make my own arch supports from over the counter insoles/arch supports, and I'm fine.
If I met you and we where hiking together, your name would be happy feet.
Feral Nature
08-08-2011, 12:37
I have big, giant, flat feet. Too. When I went hiking shoe shopping last weekend, the guy fitting me said "You have quite a foot on you"! I am a woman and wear mens size 9. I went ahead and bought the orthotics and am breaking in the shoes now. They are really comfy though so not much braking in needed. (I bought the Vasque Mantras, as mentioned in another post).
I,too, am wondering how my feet will hold up on the trail.
Tom Murphy
08-08-2011, 12:51
blue or green superfeet
Jonnycat
08-08-2011, 16:46
I've been reading up on this and many claim that orthotics only exacerbate problems in the long run.
I fail to see the logic in that statement. If you think about it, an orthotic device is really nothing more than an insole that is customized for your particular foot. If you accept the fact (learned from experience) that certain footwear fits certain people better than others, it isn't a large leap to understand that the interface between foot and footwear is an important consideration.
Some people function fine with stock insoles. Some people need a little additional support, and utilize OTC support devices such as Superfeet, Powerstep or Footminders, among others. Some people need a prescription insole created by a podiatrist, which is a device specifically tailored to that individual's feet.
It is up to you to experiment and decide which option works for you. Personally, I am able to function with the additional support given by Superfeet products. If I didn't, I would likely go to a orthopedic specialist and get custom orthotics (since I live in a city populated by a lot of runners, I have some great options in this area).
bigcranky
08-08-2011, 17:25
I have flat feet. I carry a light load, wearing light trail runners. Depending on the shoes, I have found Superfeet to help, but with mu current shoes I don't need them. Dunno about orthotics.
skinewmexico
08-08-2011, 18:38
I've heard orthotics make the problem worse, but I think that came from some of the minimal shoe articles I was reading. They claim foot problems come from shoes, which weaken your feet, or something like that.
jazzmessenger8
08-09-2011, 20:01
This is where I'm coming from: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/flat-feet-treatment/
jazzmessenger8
08-09-2011, 20:02
I fail to see the logic in that statement. If you think about it, an orthotic device is really nothing more than an insole that is customized for your particular foot. If you accept the fact (learned from experience) that certain footwear fits certain people better than others, it isn't a large leap to understand that the interface between foot and footwear is an important consideration.
Some people function fine with stock insoles. Some people need a little additional support, and utilize OTC support devices such as Superfeet, Powerstep or Footminders, among others. Some people need a prescription insole created by a podiatrist, which is a device specifically tailored to that individual's feet.
It is up to you to experiment and decide which option works for you. Personally, I am able to function with the additional support given by Superfeet products. If I didn't, I would likely go to a orthopedic specialist and get custom orthotics (since I live in a city populated by a lot of runners, I have some great options in this area).
This is where I'm coming from: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/flat-feet-treatment/
Lumberjack2003
08-09-2011, 21:21
I have very bad flat feet. My suggestion is that you try to stay close to what you do in your everyday life. Changing things right before the AT will just add another thing to the huge list of adjustments that your body will be going throung. I do recommend seeing the "Foot Doctor" (aka any stream or pond) and numbing your feet as much as you can. It will help you sleep as well as us flat footers know that the pain can cause you to count stars instead of sheep. :)
Wise Old Owl
08-09-2011, 21:52
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/search.php?searchid=236918
Here is my take .... get to a podiatrist.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?60731-Foot-pain-What-do-you-do&highlight=
Bad flat feet all my life. Wore metal plates in my shoes as a kid flat feet. I use prescription orthotics in every day life and while hiking. Couldn't hike without them, would be in too much pain. Do fine as long as I have a very supportive shoe/boot and don't try to be superwoman.