You feel like it: heading into the mountains, wandering for miles through forests or trekking from village to village. We know better than anyone the enthusiasm when a hike is planned! But a day's hike is really different from an entire trip. After all, one thing that can completely ruin your hiking holiday is sore feet. Anyone who has ever had a blister, burning sensation or sore heels during a hike knows how quickly the fun is then gone. Fortunately, with the right preparation and smart choices, you can prevent a lot of misery. In this blog you will read 6 handy tips to prevent sore feet. So you will be prepared!
1. Choose shoes that suit you and your walk
Yes... shortcut you'll think but we have complete hikes like the ones from Tulove Grede in Croatia done on the wrong shoes. Read; just some old trainers. Fine for one day but when you go away for longer it all starts with good footwear and good laces. Shoes come in all shapes and sizes, but that does not mean that every pair of walking shoes will fit your feet. Are you going on light day hikes over flat terrain? Then flexible walking shoes or even barefoot shoes are often sufficient. For mountain hiking or rougher terrain, on the other hand, you need more support and grip.
Tip: Try to run in your shoes well in advance. Your feet need to get used to the fit, pressure points and support. You don't want to start doing that on day one of your holiday.
2. Wear socks that fit really well
Socks are often an underrated part of your hiking outfit. Yet the wrong socks can cause blisters, chafing and sweaty feet. So leave those ankle socks at home and opt for seamless hiking socks made of breathable material that fit well without pinching. Consider toe socks if you often get blisters between your toes. These will keep your toes separated and prevent friction where you don't want it.
3. Keep your feet dry and clean
Wet feet are blistered feet. Point. So make sure you change socks regularly, especially in hot weather or if your feet sweat a lot. Do you wear the same shoes several days in a row? Then let them air well at night. If possible, remove the insole so that it dries well too. A simple towel in your rucksack or a small jar of foot powder can do wonders for fresh, dry feet on the go.
4. Take time for breaks (and foot care)
While walking, sometimes you just want to get on with it. But taking a break is important. Put your feet up, take off your shoes and socks for a while and give your feet some fresh air. Massage the soles of your feet briefly or use a small massage ball to keep the blood flowing. Do you feel friction or pressure anywhere? Then cover it preventively with a blister plaster or tape, even before it goes wrong.
Read also: Buying Hike shoes? These are the best!
Read also: The Malerweg: one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Germany
5. Take care of your feet before and after walking too
We hope everyone does this as standard, but make sure your nails are short and neat so you don't feel pressure in your shoes. In the evening, use a nourishing foot cream to keep your skin supple, especially if you go hiking in dry or hot climates. And listen to your feet: pain is a signal. If something doesn't feel right, adjust your shoes, socks or walking pace.
6. Orthotics as extra support
Do you easily suffer from tired or sore feet while walking? Then orthotics from ShoeSupply are a godsend. They give your feet extra support in the right places and ensure better pressure distribution while walking. This reduces the risk of complaints such as sagging feet, heel pain or burning soles. However, it is important that the orthotics fit well in your walking shoes and are tailored to your foot type. In doubt? Then get advice from a specialist before you set off.
Discover the most beautiful places in the world!
A walking holiday or a hike should just be fun, not something you sit out on blisters or with painkillers. By preparing well, paying attention to your shoes and taking your feet seriously, you can avoid a lot of misery. Give your feet the attention they deserve and they will effortlessly take you to the most beautiful places in the world! Do you still have questions or more tips for sore feet? Then feel free to send us a message via Instagram or [email protected]!
We try to keep this blog on ’tips against sore feet’ as up-to-date as possible but this cannot be done without your help. If anything has changed, please let us know via [email protected].
Some of the links in this blog on ’tips against sore feet’ are sponsored. This allows us to roam the world, fund the website and offer you free information for planning your trip.