New Shoes

Yesterday I set out to buy a new pair of trail shoes. Our hiking vacation is coming up in 2 months and I wanted an alternative to my boots. We'll be taking at least 2 long hikes (for us) and wanted to carry shoes in my backpack in case I needed to change while on the trail.

After listening, looking, measuring, and evaluating with a treadmill and video, my friend's daughter, who works there, brought out about 7-9 boxes of trail shoes in my size, some women's and some men's. Because my feet are so big I can wear either, and in some cases only men's. She was very patient as I tried them all on, and there were 2 pair that definitely felt better than the rest. I walked around the store. I stood. I walked some more. I rocked. I stood. I couldn't decide. I bought both.

Yesterday and today I wore one pair, lighter weight trail and running shoes for the moderate pronator, to the fitness center and they are wonderful. My feet didn't scooch back while on the elliptical like my regular shoes do. I love them.

Today A and I went out to TM, parked high and went west, cut across east of the 3 lakes then on to the large frog pond. Out and back, it didn't take long, and my sturdier trail shoes performed great. I believe they handled the rocks and roots better than either of my boots! I haven't been hiking since July 14, so I can't be sure, but that's what I think.

By the end of the short hike I was feeling pressure along the part of my foot that would be the arch if I had one. There is a light red mark there on the inside of each foot. That has happened before with good-supporting shoes, but I think I'll ask to see if that's normal for flat-footed folks. I plan to begin walking more as the weather cools so I want sturdy but flexible shoes.

I've decided to join a little walking workshop class. This week I'll attend an information meeting, then next week the 'class' begins. The goal is to prepare for a 5K walk in mid-November, occuring at the end of our 2-week vacation. Because of the timing I don't know if I'll make that walk, but I'm confident I can handle 5K since I've often hiked 5-8 miles.

My worry is walking on pavement or asphalt. For some reason that tightens my back which can then lead to unbearable, work-missing back spasms. I'm hoping I'll learn to correct my pavement gait to avoid that. But just in case I'll take preventive ibuprofen before walking the 'hoods.

I still can't post pics here, as my computer is still problematic.