worried about my footsies!!

[Angus]

Now that I'm fully retired, and finally able to have the time to put into the dream hunts I've always fantasized about, the old arches have collapsed, and are being followed by my ankles.  Yesterday, a simple 3-mile walk for grouse turned into a death march.  I made it, but today, the outsides of both ankles are still smarting.  I'm already on custom orthotics from several podiatrists and podorthists, but unless the new one can help (I see him on the 28th), my days of sneaking thru the woods are definitely numbered.  One of the most difficult things is finding boots that are not medium width, since my feet are narrow.  Anybody have any direction you can send me in?

[Overspined]

I added inserts from Two Tracks Wool to my boots which tightened them up a touch and made them very cushy in addition to whatever insoles are in the boots! I like the thicker ones and they were great in my opinion. For $10 they are a nice addition to comfy feet and they should help w/ warmth as well. I punished them last week in Colorado rocks and really liked them. You can get thick/thin and they help also tighten up the boot a touch so they are not sloppy. Might want to give them a try.

[AkDan]

A friend of mine has issues with his feet and wears some custom whites.  It's not a cure all but he can get out there with us.  With anything else on he's pretty much camp cook  (which he doesnt mind either and he's a fine cook too!)  

If you want more specs..let me know and I'll givem a jingle.   He doesnt get on these boards otherwise I'd send him to ya!

[Frenchymanny]

If money allows, now is time for a custom pair of boots, like the Russel

Good luck
F-Manny

[Ringneck]

I'm with F-Manny. Russel boots will make them to your specs. My pair is going on 18 years and I have had them reworked twice. Never had wet feet in them once unless crossing a creek, etc.

[AkDan]

hmmmm..now I wonder if he was wearing russels or whites LOL I'll have to call him tomorrow nite, it's been awhile since we've talked about his boots...

[celticknot]

I know that Irish Setter aka Redwing makes a good boot with high ankles called the elk tracker. They are great boots and come in a B width. And an assortment of ultra thinsilate weights. Check em out I have had a couple of pair and they last.

[JimB]

It sounds like your arch is collapsing under weight and this this causing bone to bone irritation on the outer ankle.You have to address that arch problem with a good orthotic and may need them redone every couple years.

If that foot keeps pronating like that,no boot in the world will help.

When the arch collapses like that,it throws everything above it out of alignment.First the ankles go,then the knees and so on.

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

I second the custom White's boots. Best footware I have ever owned in my life. EVER.

I was a forestry firefighter for CALFIRE in California. You've seen the news... We would live in our boots for days on end. Wet and dry, wet and dry, ash and clean, ash and clean, fire, dust, chemicals... I could simply not believe the absolute punishment those boots can take. I still wear them on every hunt, over every type of terrain and in all weather.
There's absolutely nothing fancy about the materials (leather and rubber) but they build them by hand to the dimensions of your foot in the USofA and although they aren't cheap they are worth ever last penny of your investment AND they rebuild them whenever they wear out.

Can't say enough about the product and many a firefighter/forester will agree.

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

Oh yeah, and I've owned my pair for 17 YEARS!

[Angus]

Thanks, Guys, they're on the menu next month after my ortho appointment.  Jim, you nailed it-exactly what's going on, especially on my left ankle.  I can still hoof it for about three miles, but that's about all the distance I can handle right now.  Keep yer fingers crossed!!

[MnFn]

Don't know what those custom boots cost, and it probably is the best solution for you. However, I also have "bad" feet. They almost kept me out of the US Army 37 years ago, and certainly have not improved. I have to say tho, your condition sounds worse than mine.

If you can not afford custom boots, take a look at Meindl boots. I bought a pair from Cabela's for around $200. I recently returned from Colorado elk hunting and they worked out great. My son and I averaged 3-5 miles per day. My feet were sore when I first got up in the morning,( as usual every morning) but when I put my socks and liners on then the Meindls, everything was just fine within a minute or two. For what it is worth, they worked for me. These boots got wet every day for a week straight and did not leak.
Gary