Feet, calluses, blisters ( no worries no pictures :)

She even crossed a very, very fast running creek, nearly waist high, in her wet boots. And nobody took pictures. Damn.

It was a wet trip.  Glad you had no foot issues.

No pictures :(

I guess we were all either intently crossing or watching others cross with concern..

It was a wet trip indeed but I had a blast. You all are always great company and we made a strong little pack out there. I learned a few things from Nick and like you Doug I ate too much cheesecake .

Like Kat, I’ve learned that calluses are not my friend. Instead of sandpaper, I apply Vicks VapoRub or generic every morning to my feet, for a week or two before a trip. The calluses seem to melt away, and it probably kills athlete’s foot, too.

Many approaches to the same problems. That’s why I’ve found the Fixing Your Feet book so valuable over the years.

http://www.fixingyourfeet.com

— Rex

Yes, thick callous’ cause more problems, especially because results are typically deep blood blisters.  I’ve found that using a Ped Egg first, then following up with drywall screen type sandpaper, 80 grit, used with a plastic hand sander works the best for this.

@Rex and Kenneth,

that is some good additional information. Vick’s Vaporub?? Never would have thought.

I have deep cracks in the calluses of both my feet. Sometimes they get sore and painful and I have to use multiple layers of leukotape to cushion them. I should try this.

+1 on Fixing Your Feet. IT’s fascinating how different people use/need completely different approaches to solve the same issues with their feet. One size does not fit all!

The book sounds intriguing but I have no other foot problems . The blood blisters have been my only foot ailment. If anything else comes up I will definitively think about checking it out though.

I have had the same problem on the balls of my feet.  I bought a knock-off Dremel tool and a nail grinding attachment.  As long as you don’t press too hard it works great and fast too.  Also great if you have ingrown nails or nails that have grown back funny after falling out.

Taking a cue from that idiot in Yellowstone last June, I dip my feet in acidic hot springs just until soft, and then quickly stop the process by plunging them into a highly concentrated baking-soda solution.

No, not really.

My wife and I take different approaches with her going barefoot a lot and having more callused feet and I, being a wimp, almost always wearing shoes and cushy socks, even around the house, which keep my feet soft and my skin far less callused.

I have almost no problems on the trail (except I’m a wimp when barefoot around camp or while crossing a stream).  If I do get a blister, it’s small and surficial.  If she gets a blister, it’s deep and long lasting.

For a sanding block, I like this style: