Feet need help, and I need boot advice

[roosterdown]

I have forefoot plantar fasciitis (Not the usual spot - mine is just behind the toes, to maybe 2" behind the toes).

It's chronic and I've done rehab to no avail. About 6 or 7 years of it now...not fun.

Also have arthritis in both big toes; pain is intermittent and less of a concern than the plantar.

Ankles are not an issue and I have always used low trail runners for the mountains, but it's to the point where I really don't think that's going to cut it anymore.

So - willing to invest and make a change, but have no idea where to begin with the world of heavier boots.

All things being equal, I would prefer a shorter boot.

So - anyone been through a similar hell and find a solution for your worn-out feet?

 

[Taudisio]

I have forefoot plantar fasciitis (Not the usual spot - mine is just behind the toes, to maybe 2" behind the toes).

It's chronic and I've done rehab to no avail. About 6 or 7 years of it now...not fun.

Also have arthritis in both big toes; pain is intermittent and less of a concern than the plantar.

Ankles are not an issue and I have always used low trail runners for the mountains, but it's to the point where I really don't think that's going to cut it anymore.

So - willing to invest and make a change, but have no idea where to begin with the world of heavier boots.

All things being equal, I would prefer a shorter boot.

So - anyone been through a similar hell and find a solution for your worn-out feet?

Man that’s a world of foot issues. What kind of shoes do you wear day to day? The closest boot to shoes would be Salomon’s to Nikes. To me they fit the same except the boots are higher and stiffer. My feet are very particular and Salomon’s are the only brand that my feet have agreed with (that I have found) from the hiking boot world so far. I assume you are wearing special shoes, thus you may need some custom boots.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

My dad’s feet are all injured and old too, he really likes his Crispi nevadas. Might try a pair of those on.

 

[SouthernCharm]

I have a tailor bunion with arthritis in my left toe. My issue is with width. I have special orthotics made to help. The first thing is try as many boots on as possible. If they are not comfortable, they will not get any better. Boots don’t stretch to your feet anymore with synthetics. If your foot is like mine, it swells, so try on footwear in the afternoon, that has helped some. I have a pair of Crispi that are working, I did have a pair of zamberlans, but then my foot changed and I couldn’t wear them for a hour and they were killing my foot. If you don’t need weather protection, maybe a tennis shoe can work, I’ve done that during our dry season.

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

I have forefoot plantar fasciitis (Not the usual spot - mine is just behind the toes, to maybe 2" behind the toes).

It's chronic and I've done rehab to no avail. About 6 or 7 years of it now...not fun.

Also have arthritis in both big toes; pain is intermittent and less of a concern than the plantar.

Ankles are not an issue and I have always used low trail runners for the mountains, but it's to the point where I really don't think that's going to cut it anymore.

So - willing to invest and make a change, but have no idea where to begin with the world of heavier boots.

All things being equal, I would prefer a shorter boot.

So - anyone been through a similar hell and find a solution for your worn-out feet?

I just sent you a DM... Take a look at it if you like some advise.

 

[roosterdown]

My dad’s feet are all injured and old too, he really likes his Crispi nevadas. Might try a pair of those on.

I said I’m injured, not old!

(Checks DoB on own driver’s license)

Well crap. I guess that metaphorical shoe fits.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I said I’m injured, not old!

(Checks DoB on own driver’s license)

Well crap. I guess that metaphorical shoe fits.

Sorry, no offense intended. You mentioned you have arthritis in your toes, that’s something my dad has as well, pretty bad some days but he swears by the Crispi Nevada boots.

Obviously every bodies feet are different but he managed to elk hunt the last few years as well as do 2 separate aoudad hunts where he hiked 4-8 miles a day and I said his feet felt great.

 

[Pn8hall]

I have had plantar fasciitis for 20 years so understand your pain! I slip my custom orthotics into my Crispi Nevadas and they are comfy as hell for me. Went thru several other pairs before I landed on them. Lowa, Salomon, Schnees, Kennetrek and none worked for me. I have some Crispi Wild Rocks also and they are money as well.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Hallux Limitus: flat boots, avoid boots with prominent toe rockers, wide toe box, carbon inserts. In general flat shoes with wide toe box for daily. Avoid shoes with a heel (ex: cowboy boots) > keep toes in extension.
I went with Meindl boots which are fairly flat. Toe box seems wider than my Kenetreks. Kenetreks work well because they are very stiff but I am one of those that have heel issues with them.

That's a lot of foot issues. Sorry you have to deal with that.

 

[RWT]

Have you tried cortisone shots in the foot to break up the scar tissue. I have to do it quarterly. I have a Les Franc fracture in the left foot and I use inserts. Also, sleep without bottom of covers tucked in and stretch with a belt on the ball of my foot every night and morning. All of this has made my PF livable.

Also learned I need to switch to less flexible boots. Run Lowa, Crisipi and Salomon

 

[roosterdown]

All, thanks for the insights - and especially to James, who spent an hour of his day (when he should have been turkey hunting) helping me better understand my foot issues.

And thinhorn...was jesting, no offense taken. I hope I can be like your Dad & put in vertical 1000's and many miles as I used to.

 

[jmmm]

you might actually need more flexible boots, and to walk around barefoot more when not in boots to strengthen your feet. i'm no doctor but here's one supporting resource:

Consider Muscle Strengthening for Plantar Fasciitis

www.aafp.org