If the shoe fits

So here's why I love The Athlete's Foot.

Like many people, I have a few 'issues' with my feet - apparently from walking incorrectly for many years.  And here was I thinking walking was just something we all do naturally.  Well, yes, but apparently some of us are not that good at walking the right way.  Who knew?

So, when I was training for the 100km Coastrek, my podiatrist was an important member of my support team.  She guided me with what I should be looking for to accommodate the 'special' issues I'd created for myself and the rather extravagant orthotics she'd created for me.  She sent me off to the specialists at The Athlete's Foot armed with a report about my feet so I could be fitted with the right shoes, as opposed to the ones I liked the look of.  After all, as she patiently explained to me, this was not a fashion show!

The great thing about The Athlete's Foot is that they spend time with you, finding out what you're going to be doing with the boots or shoes - mountain climbing, running marathons, or, as in my case, just walking a very long way.  The guy who helped me - first with the Coastrek and later in preparation for The Camino - read the report, tested me on their computertised fitting thingy and even rang my podiatrist to clarify a few things.  He concluded  there were three shoes that would suit me for walking The Camino - and were waterproof.  And, when I pointed longingly to a rather stylish pair that had caught my eye, he told me in no uncertain terms that they were not for me. Ok, then!

I settled on Merrills Siren Sport Gore Tex


Now, here's the great part.  You buy the shoes and then you have a month to test them out.  If they're not right you bring them back and take one of the others they'd suggested.  'You mean I can wear these shoes outside and bring them back if I don't like them? Are you kidding?'  Well, yes you can, and no we're not, he assured me.  And he encouraged me - in fact insisted - I wear them as much as possible during the month's trial.  Don't worry if they get scuffed or dirty.  You need to wear them as often as you can and not just around the block.  That's amazing.  But, as he explained to me, we are confident we've fitted with shoes that will suit - and the more you wear them the more likely they are to mould to your feet.

Well, he was right.  The first two weeks I wore them a few times - but was doubtful they were going to be right for me.  They felt a bit stiff.  By the third week, they were my new BFF - best footwear friends.

So, if you're in Australia or New Zealand, check out The Athelete's Foot.

Shoes sorted ... now on to the backpack.  And what would go inside.

Learn to love your feet.

One thing that happens when you're training to walk 100km is that you learn a lot about your feet. More than you ever thought you needed to know.  The right shoes, the right socks, how to prevent blisters - at least doing what you can and hoping for the best.  How far you can walk before your feet start to hurt.  No matter how much training you do - or how good your gear - when you walk a very long way in one go, your feet are going to hurt. So, accept that, and manage it as best you can.

To walk the 800km Camino Frances in 30-32 days means walking on average 25-30km each day. I know I can walk that distance without much trouble - I've done it many times now.  The challenge will be to do it every day for a month, carrying everything I need in my pack, over all sorts of terrain, whatever the weather. 

So, one of the first and most important steps in my preparation was to choose my walking shoes.  I had a fabulous pair on the Coastrek: Brooks Adrenaline Trail Runners.  But they're not waterproof. And on the Coastrek I had my back up Keens in case of water crossings or heavy rain.  But on The Camino, I'm bound to have at least some days walking in the rain.  So, it was off to The Athlete's Foot to find my walking shoes. This was going to be an important relationship ... me and my walking shoes.

I'm a big fan of The Athlete's Foot.  Read my next entry to find out why.