Hi, don't mean to hijack the thread, but i was wondering if there are any good ways of waterproofing your feet. I have found when hiking/camping and my feet get wet i get massive blisters and my feet are in rag order for days after. Basically wondering if they were a worthwhile investment before starting phase 1 training.
Thanks
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veni vidi vici
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Most sports shops sell waterproofing agent, which costs around £3. You spray on your boots and leave to dry overnight - couple of coats is probably safer. It will help seal them but in my experience water always finds a way to seep in.veni vidi vici wrote:Hi, don't mean to hijack the thread, but i was wondering if there are any good ways of waterproofing your feet. I have found when hiking/camping and my feet get wet i get massive blisters and my feet are in rag order for days after. Basically wondering if they were a worthwhile investment before starting phase 1 training.
Thanks
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Personally, I have found the pro-boot an excellent boot for all-round use. It has a gore-tex lining that is breathable and waterproof. You have to find a boot that suits YOU, my advice would be to try on every pair of boots when buying. When you've tried on a suitable pair once, try them on again just for re-assurance. Boots get a beating in the Army so only go for quality, expensive isnt always quality. One last tip, try and find a one piece leather boot, it should in theory take a better beating as theres not as much stiching!
p.s wear a good walking sock and strap up any possible hot spots!
p.s wear a good walking sock and strap up any possible hot spots!
Too big is a common problem, boots do give a bit so as long as your toes aren't hitting the end, slightly tight when new isn't a problem. Boots often come in medium and large sizes for each particular size, which refers to the width, worth trying both to feel the difference.
IMHO, Lowa all the way. Personally I use the non-Goretex Patrol - avoid Goretex in boots, as well maintained leather boots will be waterproof unless you stand in a lake for half an hour, unless the water comes over the top, in which case Goretex won't help. All it does is add a bit of weight and slow the drying process down. Their Seeker (think that's the right name) boot is also good for phys such as running/speed marching or urban use, tho not up to extended yomping/time in the field.
Socks, 1000 milers crap. They work for a few people, but only a very few. Far better to invest in some decent wool-loop socks, pricey at £15-£20 a pair, but good quality ones preclude the need to wear inner socks. Personally I actually really like the Pusser's issue desert or arctic socks, both worked fine for me on hard yomps. Normal black UK issue socks are pants tho.
Waterproofing - I've never had to use anything except lots of polish on both Lowas and issue '95 pattern assault boots.
veni vidi vici, your feet sweat enough to wet your socks when doing hard phys, especially yomping - no point in waterproofing them any further than your boots. Correct fitment, boots, socks and care will cure blisters.
Footcare - apply zinc tape the night before, it sticks better once your body heat has got to it. Use thin strips (about 1.5cm, normal thin roll size), overlapping from the bottom up (so top strip is uppermost) for heels. Won't go into toes etc as I've never suffered anything except heels. Where you get hotspots is where you need to tape. Compeed blister plasters are fantastic if you do get blisters, or even under tape as an extra prevention method.
Other than that, harden feet up by wearing boots regularly, and walking around barefoot as well. There are various other methods, such as soaking in alcohol or white spirit, but I've never tried these. Learn where your problems are - everyone's different - and take steps in advance to prevent the problems occurring.
IMHO, Lowa all the way. Personally I use the non-Goretex Patrol - avoid Goretex in boots, as well maintained leather boots will be waterproof unless you stand in a lake for half an hour, unless the water comes over the top, in which case Goretex won't help. All it does is add a bit of weight and slow the drying process down. Their Seeker (think that's the right name) boot is also good for phys such as running/speed marching or urban use, tho not up to extended yomping/time in the field.
Socks, 1000 milers crap. They work for a few people, but only a very few. Far better to invest in some decent wool-loop socks, pricey at £15-£20 a pair, but good quality ones preclude the need to wear inner socks. Personally I actually really like the Pusser's issue desert or arctic socks, both worked fine for me on hard yomps. Normal black UK issue socks are pants tho.
Waterproofing - I've never had to use anything except lots of polish on both Lowas and issue '95 pattern assault boots.
veni vidi vici, your feet sweat enough to wet your socks when doing hard phys, especially yomping - no point in waterproofing them any further than your boots. Correct fitment, boots, socks and care will cure blisters.
Footcare - apply zinc tape the night before, it sticks better once your body heat has got to it. Use thin strips (about 1.5cm, normal thin roll size), overlapping from the bottom up (so top strip is uppermost) for heels. Won't go into toes etc as I've never suffered anything except heels. Where you get hotspots is where you need to tape. Compeed blister plasters are fantastic if you do get blisters, or even under tape as an extra prevention method.
Other than that, harden feet up by wearing boots regularly, and walking around barefoot as well. There are various other methods, such as soaking in alcohol or white spirit, but I've never tried these. Learn where your problems are - everyone's different - and take steps in advance to prevent the problems occurring.
