Photo by Liz Thomas.
- REMOVE ANYTHING YOU FEEL IN YOUR SHOE. Start with prevention.
- STOP IF YOU FEEL A HOT SPOT. Again, don’t wait.
- ELEVATE YOUR LEGS AND FEET.
- RINSE YOUR FEET.
- RINSE AND ROTATE YOUR HIKING SOCKS.
- SOAK YOUR FEET IN COLD WATER.
- LET YOUR FEET AND SOCKS AIR DURING MEAL BREAKS.
- PRE-TAPE YOUR FEET.
In this post
How do you keep your feet from getting hot when hiking?
Wear socks made of artificial fibers that wick the sweat away from your feet, and let the evaporation cool them down. Wool socks should be avoided because they can cause an itching and burning sensation in the feet.
Why do my feet burn when hiking?
Long hikes mean more pounding, sweating, and heating of the feet in the boots. Changing the type of socks/boots/gaiters you wear or switching socks during the hike may be helpful. Good quality cushioned boots or OTC cushioned insoles would also not hurt and possibly help.
How do backpackers take care of their feet?
You need to care for your feet because your backpacking adventures depend on them being in good condition. Wash them regularly and let them air out at least once a day; keep them dry and well hydrated; wash your hiking socks daily and always start the day with a clean pair of socks.
What is hikers foot?
Given that the term “mechanic’s feet’ was nonsensical, the researchers coined the term “hiker’s feet” to describe the clinical presentation that resembles a callousing pattern on the feet, more typical of avid hikers or long-distance walkers.
How do you tape your toes when hiking?
If you have toes prone to blisters, you can do something similar. For toes, use narrow tape (one-half inch). Wrap the toe with three turns, each turn lying about halfway over the prior one. Start and finish the wrap on top of the toe.
What socks will keep my feet cool in sneakers?
“Moisture-wicking fabrics include polyester, merino wool, and nylon [and they] allow the sweat to evaporate so the socks can dry faster.” Other moisture-wicking materials include lycra and CoolMax technology fabrics, which are a combination of spandex, wool, or cotton.
Why do my feet get so hot when I wear shoes?
If your shoes are too small, air can’t circulate and you will have more friction between your foot and the shoe. Shoes that are too large can also contribute to friction as your feet move around in them too much. Lubricate your feet. Use an anti-blister/chafing product such as BodyGlide.
What is Hot feet Syndrome?
Burning feet syndrome, also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a set of symptoms in which the feet often become uncomfortably hot and painful. The burning sensation may become more intense at night, with some relief occurring during the day. Symptoms may range from mild to severe.
Do feet get used to hiking?
If you start feeling sore feet on a thru-hike, there are ways to manage pain and relieve it at your campsite every night. Note that this doesn’t mend any underlying injuries. Take your boots off! Give them a break from the confines of your shoes, and rest your feet in nearby water or snow to reduce inflammation.
Why are my feet so hot after walking?
A burning sensation in your feet may be caused by nerve damage in the legs, also called neuropathy. Although many medical conditions can cause burning feet, diabetes is the most common. Most burning feet treatments focus on preventing further nerve damage and reducing pain.
Why do my feet feel like they are on fire after walking?
While fatigue or a skin infection can cause temporarily burning or inflamed feet, burning feet are most often a sign of nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Nerve damage has many different causes, including diabetes, chronic alcohol use, exposure to certain toxins, certain B vitamin deficiencies or HIV infection.
How often should you change your socks while hiking?
You also want to make sure to have extra sets of socks with you on your hike. Change them whenever you feel hot spots or blisters, and some folks recommend pre-emptively changing them every 4-6 miles no matter what. When you change socks, clip the dirty/sweaty ones to your pack to dry them out.
How often should you change socks when hiking?
As we previously mentioned, a good rule of thumb is to bring one pair of socks for each day of the hike, plus an extra pair in case you get wet or have another problem with your socks. So there you have it! Make sure to change your hiking socks every day, and you’ll be able to avoid a lot of problems with your feet.
What are the difference between trekking and hiking?
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIKING AND TREKKING
Hiking involves a long energetic walk in a natural environment on hiking trails or footpaths for a day or overnight. Trekking involves a long vigorous hike in wild natural environment for multiple days. It can be done off hiking trails.
What to eat before during and after a hike?
Eat a combination of complex carbohydrates and lean protein, 1-3 hours before a hike, for example:
- A peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat bread.
- Greek yogurt with berries.
- Oatmeal with low fat milk and fruit.
- Apple and peanut butter.
- A handful of nuts and raisins (2 parts raisins, 1 part nuts)
Are sock liners good for hiking?
Yes, sock liners do really work. Whether you choose to wear them alone or with a thicker pair of socks, sock liners are great for hiking in any weather. In hot weather, your feet sweat more. Wearing sock liners helps keep your feet dry and cool, even if it seems counter-intuitive.
Which two toes do you tape together for heels?
All you have to do is tape your third and fourth toes together before putting on heels. This is supposed to relieve some of the pressure on the nerve between those two toes that causes most of the pain.
What is Luca tape?
Leukotape is a sticky, breathable sports tape used for barrier taping to prevent blisters, that won’t come off, even in very wet conditions. Use it to prevent hot spots when running, hiking, and backpacking or breaking in new shoes and boots.
Is there such a thing as cooling socks?
Lobkova says that a pair of cooling socks can be a total game changer. NatraCure’s socks come with removable, freezable gel packs that, when inserted into the socks, make them cool to the touch. Dr. Lobkova suggests wearing the socks a few hours before bed to reduce the temperature of your feet.
What sock material is the coolest?
Wool is definitely an excellent choice of sock for chilling at home or for day-to-day use during the colder months.