anybody use heel slip pads?

I have the same problem; I'd think that the heel pads would push your foot forward, and you'd just end up hitting the front again. I do find that shoes with more of an arch keep me from sliding forward. Also higher shoes (mids) prevent sliding more, but presumably you're trying to avoid those.

Thanks for your response. I have a very low arch, so I've been reluctant to try shoes with high arches. And yes, my solution up until now has been to use full boots (which I'm trying to transition away from).

My arches are pretty low as well. I use Montrail AT Plus in a slightly longer size, with a Spenco polysorb insole, which have slightly higher arches than the factory insoles with those shoes. They work okay but not perfect, still some slipping forward. Higher top shoes are better in that respect, but I do tend to get more heel blisters with them, and they are heavier. What to do?

Let me know when you find a solution, because I haven't yet. Same deal- narrow heels and too much movement.

I have narrow feet. After using Montrail, Inov 8, and other brands, I have settled on New Balance because I can get shoes that fit me. No more blisters.

NB offers B widths in quite a number of shoes. Unfortunately they don't offer trail shoes in B width. So I can't get treads as aggressive as I'd like. But I can get very light shoes that drain quickly and don't retain much water. With a light pack I can use light weight running shoes.

Hi Peter,

Yes, I thought about NB but found, as you did, that they do not make a narrow trail runner. I was reluctant to try a road running shoe since I didn't think the tread would be suitable for backpacking in the sierras.

Thanks,

rhz

I have size 12 AA feet. I find that both brooks and new balance "b" is at least close. I also use roclite 295 and i just bought some montrail "D" trailrunners that fit great. Try some really thick heavy trekking socks, they are hard to find in the bay area.

A change of expectations helps a bit too….i'm kind of used to sloppy fitting shoes, have had no blisters or ouwies to speak of……an road shoes work just fine in the sierras

Hi Rick,

Which brooks shoes worked out for you? Also, I couldn't find which montrail shoes you are referring to. Could you send a link?

As for really thick socks, you're right. I tried everything up to but not including the super heavy mountaineering socks which made my feet sweat just thinking about them.

Thanks

rhz

i only use neutral shoes, brooks glycerin and ghost have both been good. the montrals are "bajada" according to the receipt. a quality running store can be very helpful.

I wear the thickest socks that thorlo sells, bought them from a shop on cannery row in monterey that only sells socks. Since all these shoes are well vented the moisture is tolerable.

My wife had issues with heal lift in her alpine touring boots and the local bootfitter (at the trailhead in missoula montana) had her put a foam wedge/lift under her heal to take up space. This doesn't force the foot forward but does decrease the distance between the front of the cuff and the heal and make the heal pocket smaller which may prevent lift for you.

You can find some ski boot fitting stuff online:

http://www.tognar.com/boot_heater_warmer_fitting_dryer_canting_dryers_ski_snowboard.html

Or search out a local shop that does it and convince them to sell you some.

Thanks Rick,

I was told in a running store to get stability shoes rather than neutral. I'm not sure how knowledgeable they were, but if I could get away with neutral shoes that would "widen" the selection (no pun intended).

i guess the salesperson believes you over-pronate. No worry though, i'm sure brooks sells the same shoes with different names based on whether they are neutral, motion control or stability. And, always go with what works best for you, the salesperson doesn't have to live with the shoes. For the record, most trail shoes are neutral because all that stability stuff may help when on a flat surface, off road conditions underfoot are more variable making the neutral shoe best for most.

I've tried heel slip pads a long time ago, didn't do anything good for me. Was like trying to lock a door with a stick.

I have funky heels too. I looked to every possible solution to prevent heel lift and eliminate blisters besides loading up on moleskin. I happened upon Bunga Pads Achilles pads, and won't hike/climb without them.

http://bungapads.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=274#product30032

I tried other brands, but none work as well as Bunga. I wear a size 11 shoe, but found that a small fits best for me. Larger size was too loose on my foot.