Many of the hunters I have in camp end up with a blister on their heel blow the narrow spot from the tendon running up the back of the heel to the calf muscle, or right on the back of the foot above the heel.
It seems no matter how well they think the boots are broken in they don't spend time walking up hills for an hour. This stress on the backs of the heels against a ill fitting boot or sock can cause a hella bad expereince and ruin the rest of the trip. Walking up hills for miles or very steep sections for even a few hundred yards can cause fast "hot spots" on your feet.
When I have a client that cannot walk due to raw feet after the first day of a ten day hunt, it's a really bad situation! I have searched high and low for the best solution and am always open to new Ideas. I use Mole skin and double socks with the boots tied loosely and we shuffle along as far as we can. Is there anyone anyplace that can provide a better fix?
Is it better or not to puncture the blister? I think it's worse to do this so I never suggest it. I think the water inside is the best protection it can have. But I just don't know what to do. Clearly the best thing to do is stop the very instant that a problem is considered. Most guys seem to think "oh it's nothing". Problem is that by the time you feel a little bit of a hot spot the damage is done. Going further is going to create an un-repairable condition. I have also found.......... on myself that as soon as I feel a hot spot if I take my socks off apply mole skin and replace with dry socks, I'll usually be just fine. If I let it go until a while later, I'm in big trouble!
No matter how tough your feet are or how well broken in your boots are, problems can come up. Wet sweaty feet are a primary cause. A folded or crumpled sock is another primary cause. Extreme angles for a long distance are the biggest killer for me.
If there are any new blister solutions please share them. My hunting season starts in May so I have a month to buy the proper stuff to help foot sore clients, or even myself before I leave for Africa.
Hard to walk and hike in this condition, an Expensive hunt can be ruined on the first morning hike if not prepared with good boots. Or if you do not understand the warning signs of early blister developement.
It seems no matter how well they think the boots are broken in they don't spend time walking up hills for an hour. This stress on the backs of the heels against a ill fitting boot or sock can cause a hella bad expereince and ruin the rest of the trip. Walking up hills for miles or very steep sections for even a few hundred yards can cause fast "hot spots" on your feet.
When I have a client that cannot walk due to raw feet after the first day of a ten day hunt, it's a really bad situation! I have searched high and low for the best solution and am always open to new Ideas. I use Mole skin and double socks with the boots tied loosely and we shuffle along as far as we can. Is there anyone anyplace that can provide a better fix?
Is it better or not to puncture the blister? I think it's worse to do this so I never suggest it. I think the water inside is the best protection it can have. But I just don't know what to do. Clearly the best thing to do is stop the very instant that a problem is considered. Most guys seem to think "oh it's nothing". Problem is that by the time you feel a little bit of a hot spot the damage is done. Going further is going to create an un-repairable condition. I have also found.......... on myself that as soon as I feel a hot spot if I take my socks off apply mole skin and replace with dry socks, I'll usually be just fine. If I let it go until a while later, I'm in big trouble!
No matter how tough your feet are or how well broken in your boots are, problems can come up. Wet sweaty feet are a primary cause. A folded or crumpled sock is another primary cause. Extreme angles for a long distance are the biggest killer for me.
If there are any new blister solutions please share them. My hunting season starts in May so I have a month to buy the proper stuff to help foot sore clients, or even myself before I leave for Africa.
Hard to walk and hike in this condition, an Expensive hunt can be ruined on the first morning hike if not prepared with good boots. Or if you do not understand the warning signs of early blister developement.
