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.
1 comment:
Hi J, I really have to pipe in here and let you know I too have had an amazing experience when buying shoes at The Athlete's Foot. It was a few years ago now and I just needed cross trainers but it was daunting as I've always had such 'problem feet'. As in your experience, The Athletes Foot were incredibly helpful and they we not about the sale - I wasn't going to get out of the store with the shoes I liked the look of but ended up leaving with shoes that have felt like slippers since day 1 - a new experience for me! I'm so pleased to know they are still providing that same service. I never want to come back as feet - they work so hard yet are so mistreated - sounds like yours will be well looked after in your trekking shoes - though they will undoubtedly still be working very very hard!
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