I just got back from a fantastic thru-hike of the JMT (LYL->WP) and, among other things, had the best foot experience I’ve ever had on the trail.
In the past, foot issues would be the biggest problems I’d have while backpacking. I’d reliably get blisters between toes, on the outsides of my toes, on my heels, and sometimes on my instep. I’d also get flare-ups of plantar fasciitis pretty quickly into a hike. I’ve developed techniques to address these over time, and it all came together perfectly on this thru-hike.
1. Brooks Cascadias trail runners. Specifically, I wore Brooks Cascadia 15s. Comfortable and light, kept my feet dry by allowing moisture to easily leave. Unfortunately, my experience with the 14s and 15s is that they seem to lose grippiness quicker than the older models I’ve used. They also started to develop holes in the uppers at the front inside and outside pivot points after about 150 miles. Brooks immediately agreed to send me a new pair when I contacted Support.
2. Superfeet insoles. I took a risk and tried a new-to-me Superfeet version: the Trailblazer. They were great and I will use again. Modest signs of wear after 220 miles.
3. Injinji toe socks. This has been my solution for some time to between-toe blisters. I started out with a brand new pair of Injinji Run Lightweight Crew Toesocks. The lightweight socks help with moisture management. These guys were soft and comfy for the whole trip. On the very last day, somewhere between Guitar Lake and the other side of Trail Junction, one of the heels did wear through. But I don’t think that’s too bad for a pair of lightweight socks.
4. Feetures plantar fasciitis compression sleeves. This is the first time I’ve ever brought these with me on a hike, and I’m so glad I did! I think these were my real secret weapon that left me with absolutely zero plantar fascia pain no matter how many miles I did in a day. I’d put these guys on in the evening for about an hour or so — any longer and they get really uncomfortable — and sometimes for a little while in the morning before starting the day. I’m never hiking without these again. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Feetures-Plantar-Fasciitis-Sleeve-Sock/dp/B01HXOIA0M
5. Light pack weight. I’m sure all my time spent refining and whittling down my carried weight helped. It may not qualify as ultralight, but my fully-loaded pack weight (incl. food and water) ranged from a low of 22lbs (weigh-in at Whitney Portal) to a high of 33lbs (weigh-in at MTR with my biggest resupply).
I’m still coming down from my JMT high, and my very happy feet were a big part of that. For a long time, I would pre-tape my feet to prevent blisters. This worked pretty well, but on this trip I stopped taping after a few days because things felt so comfortable (also, laziness), and still no blisters.
