Keeping the feet feeling good in the bush

[RealNick]

Dunno about you blokes but a day in boots and bamboo socks I feel like my feet have been slow roasted for 8 hours.

Lighter socks keep you cool but then the boots are harder on your feet so that's not a solution.

Anyone do anything out of the ordinary to keep their feet feeling good or just suck it up?

[tom604]

just suck it up, mind you ive lost a toenail before, they grow back

[KWhorenet]

I like to take spare pairs of comfy socks and change them out each couple of hours or when sweated up. Powder inside socks and decent GEL innersoles.

Should do the trick. Nothing like a fresh soft pair of socks when your feet feel hard done bye.

[Oldbloke]

Light weight work boots and 2 pair of explorer socks.

[headspace]

Hot feet are a pain in the butt, I just found the lightest pair of boots I could and wear bamboo socks. If the bamboo is too hot sucking it up may be you only option apart from changing socks. I have a pair of Aus Army issue boots as well that have breather valves down near the arch. They work well but let water in as well as air. You can't have everything.

[Warrigul]

Hot feet are a pain in the butt, I just found the lightest pair of boots I could and wear bamboo socks. If the bamboo is too hot sucking it up may be you only option apart from changing socks. I have a pair of Aus Army issue boots as well that have breather valves down near the arch. They work well but let water in as well as air. You can't have everything.

I have been back in workboots the past couple of months and worn bamboo socks(used to be an explorer man) for the first time and my feet have never been better, cooler and drier than explorers.

[Lorgar]

I have to take a pair of sneakers and regular socks too.

Boots for the few hours of walking/stalking. Streets for everything around the campsite.

[rsj223]

I have been back in workboots the past couple of months and worn bamboo socks(used to be an explorer man) for the first time and my feet have never been better, cooler and drier than explorers.

Any brand of bamboo socks you prefer? as I'm back to walking the concrete and feet dont like it

[Warrigul]

Any brand of bamboo socks you prefer? as I'm back to walking the concrete and feet dont like it

I don't know what brand, Dad gets them off a bloke at a farmers market and they are factory seconds about $5 a pair. They look just like explorers but wick away moisture better and my feet are callousing more than cracking.

Could be something else not sure, I still powder and change socks at lunchtime which is always a safe practice.

Concrete is a body killer, back, knees and hips too.

Good luck, I will see if I can find out.

[bigfellascott]

Thongs around camp for me, boots when I have to go walkabouts.

[Jack V]

Do the socks contain Nylon or similar synthetic. You could also be suffering an allergic reaction . Which is always worse when the feet get hot and sweaty .
Try cotton or thin wool socks two pairs if they are too thin . Also apply a layer of Lanolin cream to your feet at night and wear thin socks to bed to keep the cream off the bedding. It will relax and soften your feet so callous cracking is reduced . Contrary to popular belief you want soft pliable skin that is well padded in good fitting boots not hard calloused feet that could crack open and cripple you . Also you may be suffering from some fluid retention in your legs around the ankles that can cause very tired sore feet and sore legs. Bad fitting boots are no help either .
Taking a fluid tablet at night and elevating the feet when not working can also help . Pressure on your feet from being over weight is also a major factor in sore feet . High salt intake can also cause fluid retention and it's common in hot weather when walking etc. to drink sports drinks etc. that could have extra salt or to take salt tablets . So don't overdo that area and drink mainly plain water .
It's very important to look after your feet in the bush . I have seen quite a few people have foot trouble due to lack of care and preparedness in that area . You can nurse a lot of injuries and still march on but if the feet give up you are finished.

[headspace]

I've got no idea what brand these socks are I just bought a couple of pairs to try out. I'm sure most decent camping supply stores would have them. I'm still a fan of Explorers but not in warm weather. Another side benefit of the Bamboo socks is that they don't seem to stink. Just keep them away from Panda's.
JD

[Jack V]

Bamboo socks contain Elastane which is synthetic rubber , a latex type material which many people are allergic to . Like when you put sticking plaster or a band aid on a cut and you get a red rash if you are allergic .

[tactice]

Thongs around camp for me

What about for your feet though?

*Bam dum tish!*

[bigfellascott]

Thongs around camp for me

What about for your feet though?

*Bam dum tish!*

bugger the feet!

[chacka]

I found a very light dust of talc in the socks helps stop your feet stewing on a long day.

[Warrigul]

bugger the feet!

You sure you haven't been hunting with westy before?

[bigfellascott]

You sure you haven't been hunting with westy before?

Positive

[petemacsydney]

amputation... you'll never have the problem again...

[Oldbloke]

Positive

If westy needs it I still have the suppository and gun oil.

[keen]

amputation... you'll never have the problem again...

I see a downside...

[petemacsydney]

ooohhh come on keen, don't be so half glass full... lol

[rsj223]

So I brought some called "cushion foot" and they said extra thick, well there not thick at all but tried them today and feet seemed to slip around in them.
Will hunt around for some thicker ones before I give up.

[keen]

ooohhh come on keen, don't be so half glass full... lol

Legs half empty?

[on_one_wheel]

If sweaty feat is the issue then anti perspirant spray would solve that.

Personally I don't have a issue with my feet or footwear, I only wear one type of shoe day in and day out, work, play and for my Sunday fineries, therefore conditioning my feet well to suit my Steel Blue work boots.

I have 3 pairs in rotation, one new set, a set for work and a pair with no laces that sit by the back door... they are my slippers. When my work boots hole out they become my slippers, when my work ones get replaced with my new ones I buy a brand new set to wear as my Sunday fineries.... oh when I get a new pair of slippers the dogs get thier " fresh " set of boots to sleep with.

there is a old man down at the dump, every time my dogs get a new pair of boots so dose the old man at the dump. That pair is very old, has holes in the tops, holes in the soles and smell like a pair of dogs

[Jack V]

If sweaty feat is the issue then anti perspirant spray would solve that.

Personally I don't have a issue with my feet or footwear, I only wear one type of shoe day in and day out, work, play and for my Sunday fineries, therefore conditioning my feet well to suit my Steel Blue work boots.

I have 3 pairs in rotation, one new set, a set for work and a pair with no laces that sit by the back door... they are my slippers. When my work boots hole out they become my slippers, when my work ones get replaced with my new ones I buy a brand new set to wear as my Sunday fineries.... oh when I get a new pair of slippers the dogs get thier " fresh " set of boots to sleep with.

there is a old man down at the dump, every time my dogs get a new pair of boots so dose the old man at the dump. That pair is very old, has holes in the tops, holes in the soles and smell like a pair of dogs

Interesting system . I bet I could set my watch by your movements .

[on_one_wheel]

Interesting system . I bet I could set my watch by your movements .

lol ... it might sound that way but Im pretty random with my day to day movements, I eat when im hungry and drink when im dry...

[RealNick]

If sweaty feat is the issue then anti perspirant spray would solve that.

Just feel like my feet have been tenderised and cooked at the end of a long day in boots. I'll try some spray next time too.

[Jack V]

If sweaty feat is the issue then anti perspirant spray would solve that.

Just feel like my feet have been tenderised and cooked at the end of a long day in boots. I'll try some spray next time too.

Don't ignore the possibility that you could be allergic to the Elastin in the socks . What you describe is very similar to what I get wearing nylon socks and I am allergic to Nylon .

[RealNick]

Honestly I have no idea about that

Guess it doesn't hurt to buy a few pairs of different material and see.