Bruising Booties

[jade]

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing my first winter hike with plastic boots and crampons. I was warned about 'shin bang' but didn't have a problem with that. Even though my booties were tied comfortably snug, they chaffed the back and side of my legs enough so I felt bruised there for the next 5 days.

I have Koflach Degres and wore Smartwool mountaineering (thick) socks. The fit is quite comfortable. Does anyone use moleskin or something similar to avoid this problem? I'm heading out again this weekend...........Thanks!!

 

[KayakDan]

I had a similar problem when I first used Degres. It may actually be that the boots are tied too tight. I think that people feel like it's a really serious boot,so it should be tied really tight. Try leaving the shell and the booties a little looser,particularly the shell. You may have to experiment a bit.
I don't know how much snow you were on this past weekend,but I didn't see very much at all on the OBP trail.
I find the boots a little tough to walk in until there's at least 3-4" of snow to cushion your foot.

 

[LittleBear]

There's actually a pre-wrap to use under sport tape so you won't have any hair raising/removal issues when removing the tape.

 

[jade]

Thanks for the advice......I guess it will take a few outings to get the fit just right.......I shave but may try the underwrap just to make things a bit more comfortable...don't want to look like this when removing the tape--

 

[sierra]

plastics

Hi Jade, plastics can be tough, unlike leather boots your breaking in your feet and legs to the boot, not breaking in the boot. The advice before me about using athletic tape is very good and should provide relief, but most important is to hike in the boots as often as possible to get used to them, even if its when you dont need them. You should adjust after time.