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Thursday, October 4, 2018

Getting back in condition



I was looking forward to getting back in condition this fall during my sailing trip. With that canceled, there's a need for enjoyable ways to exercise. Walking and hiking works for me. The problem is that I don't really have any comfortable hiking shoes.

It's hard for me to find comfortable shoes. My feet are a little messed up. The middle toe on my left foot was badly broken once and never healed properly. Right now the big toe on my right foot is giving me a hard time. It doesn't help that I take somewhere around a 14 or 15 sized shoe in a wide. Not a lot of people carry larger sized footwear

It's not that hard to order sandals that fit. Their sizing is more forgiving. That's great in the summer or winters in Florida. Sandals are not a good choice for winter in New Hampshire. The only thing to do is to order on-line. This time around I'm trying something from L. L. Bean. In the past they've had good footwear for me. Their boots are excellent, but prices can be a bit much. Since I'm going to be spending at least part of the cold weather up north, it's worth getting something decent to walk in.

During the afternoon I had a nice three hour hike with a friend. Due to my footwear being less than ideal, I was limping at the end. That's when I decided it's going to be worth it to spring for quality. Not long after getting home, a new pair was on order.

-Sixbears

13 comments:

  1. I bought a pair of Birkenstock back in '93 cause they fit my extra wide feet that cost me 300 bucks. Two sets of new soles later and I'm still wearing them. Good shoes actually cost less in the long run and your feet don't hurt.

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    1. The only problem with Birkenstocks is that they don't do well if constantly exposed to water. That's what destroyed the pair I had. Super comfortable though until they fell apart.

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  2. Quality shoes are worth every penny. Wool socks are expensive but are a good match for the shoes. I have never known anyone with a foot as large as yours. It must be very difficult for you.

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    1. They must grow them big around there as I know a number of people who have the same size or even larger.

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  3. Having broken both ankles back in 1985 I know your plight. I struggle with footwear too. And just when I find the right boots and I look for a second pair as a back-up I learn they have stopped making them. Last year found a pair of all leather Keen boots, with no decorations or top seams, that have a generous toe box and do the job really well, though a bit over priced even on sale at Cabelas. And guess what? Keen no longer makes that model.

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    1. What is it with Keen? I had a nice pair of hiking sandals from them. The new version doesn't fit right.

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    2. I've tried on different models of their shoes and boots and they are all different fitting. Some positively uncomfortable. You got to keep trying different models. Keen "Briggs" I believe is the pair I have now. The big toe-box is nice for us with neanderthal feet. Beans used to make their own version. Most comfortable boots I ever had and at 60$ a pair not unreasonably priced. But, they don't make them any more.

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    3. I'll keep them in mind. Unfortunately, I have to order everything on-line. Not a good way to buy footwear. Really made use of Amazon's return policy.

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  4. Danner light hikers are my favorite boot.. I got them at Cabela's..

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    1. I'm not sure they make something that would fit me. A quick search hasn't found anything they make in an extra wide size 14. A size 15 if they run small.

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  5. Good luck on the shoes or boots. Gotta take care of those feet!

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    1. Those big feet of mine take a lot of abuse. :)

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