Mammoth foot gear

I used a set of Nike boots that I also had used for the Army. Light, a bit of ankle support. The tread was worn down, and lost traction a bit in the mud two years ago.

The routes when I did it were following roads, not off-trail excursions.
 
Merrell Moab Ventilators. Brought waterproof socks but didn't use this year. Injini socks, with some Smartwool as well. Leukotape P is worth its weight in gold. Lots of foot powder and changing between stages.
 
Salomon XA Pro 3D is what i am using this year. Very light, a little less than two pounds/pair, and one of the few boots I have found that are actually comfortable to run in.

I'd wear trail runners if I thought I could get away with it, but with a 50 pound pack, I want more support.
 
When I was there 5-6 years ago I wore leather Gtx boots, it was pretty sloppy mud.

The proper way for blister care is to not get a blister. Once a blister(s) appear, its too late. I fit and custom fit boots for 17 years in outdoor gun retail and I have commented many times, don't just buy boots shoes from an interweb recommendation, buy the footwear that fits you best even it if has a poor interweb response. You want no more than an index finger width of room between lonest toe and the boot. Try standing on the supplied foot bed to check the fit. I have had customers come in with boots fit way too large because they kept sizing up until they thought they fit, wrong answer. I have fit a true womens lasted boot (LaSportiva) onto men's foot. Heel blisters notch and post of the boot, Underfoot is too big. The first fix is to try different brand of socks. Nylon, foam and leather can be manipulated with heat and pressure but do not go out and by a heat gun, boot oven, boot bar and press, its an art to fit boots.

Use good socks, again not what is recommended. You have to abuse several brands of socks to find the one that works. Smartwool gives me hotspots, its just a fact. Bridgedale is my #1 sock of choice. In my experience 100% wool does not work, I prefer a 60/40 blend. Wool adds comfort and cushioning, the synth adds shape and quick drying. Socks change the entire profile of the foot and can take a good fitting boot to a poor fitting. With todays socks, no need for a liner and sock combo. Socks are not for warming, while they do, their primary purpose is cushion, comfort and control foot climate.

Start your day by liberally rubbing antiperspirant all over your feet and between your toes. I prefer Degree. What it does for your underarms it does for you feet, close off sweat pores. Good fitting socks. Good fitting boots. Use superfeet. I didn't buy into them at first either until I started using them. I have tried several and superfeet are what I recommend. Lace your boots up one at a time with full body weight on one boots at a time.

Long distance adventure racers tape up their feet with tape to guard against hot spots. I have done it but the days for long miles of trekking in tuff terrain for me are over. In my book, it you have to tape up your feet for a weekend comp, boots don't fit or at first try different brand of socks.

good luck
 
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Thanks for the advise. So me good stuff. I agree that getting blisters means something is amiss.

I've got a lot of miles under heavy loads. None of them with good footwear. Most of it with jungle boots. I've never tried deodorant on my feet,I will give it a try. I do well with smart wool, But am thinking about going lighter socks, non insulated boots a and using booties to keep feet warm when idol.
 
I'll back the Salomons but I'm biased having worn some form of their shoes for the last 15years or so. My boots for the last 3 years have been some quest 4ds and my work shoe are an XA pro 3d. The only down side to Salomon are their insoles; they just don't seem to last as long as the rest of the shoe and I typically replace them after about 8 months to a year.
But to second what @45.308 said, SOCKS! Socks are what have let me use my quest 4d boots for everything from ice fishing in Wisconsin, to carrying camera gear up a dry creek bed in Arizona, to construction in the Florida summer. I only have a few different shoes but I have over a dozen different types of socks.
Edit: I have not done Mammoth but grew up mountaineering and have done many multi-day hikes/trecks where all gear and supplies had to be carried in.
 
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Two pairs of socks. Something like very thin cool max liner socks and wool socks on top. Some people I know are fans of the free nylons, like you can find at a dept store for trying on ladies shoes, for liners but I haven't tried. :) Keep feet dry and blister free. BodyGlide can be helpful if you think you may have some hot spots starting but generally haven't needed. Also, agree on the opinions XA Pro 3d.
 
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Been a while, so what is everyone rocking for footwear for mammonth these days?
Anyone running innov8 roclite 345 gtx v2 or crippi lapponia?


While not for Mammoth, until recently I averaged about 10mi/day in fairly rough terrain. Salomon Forces line works very well. Especially now that they offer higher 8" boots.

Pair them with Darn Tough merino wool socks, and you should be in a good shape. If boot and socks are fitted correctly, you shouldn't need a liner. But definitely test them and break them in....then decide if you want a liner. Darn Tough are fairly expensive, but they are amazing and have lifetime warranty.

I can't stress it enough though, be meticulous about the fit between your boots and socks. If your feet swell (or you get the boots very went and tighten up as they dry) and you don't have room for that.....it'll feel like the top of your foot is going to break in half. You can get away with a lot when you're just moving a few miles. But when you start putting in double digit miles and often, it's going to show up in the form of pain.
 
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Thanks for the suggestions guys! I never thought about deodorant on foot to keep them from sweating, but I will try it out in a training session.
I love darn tough socks! Do you thinks its better have a thin sock or full cushion wool sock for double digit miles of trucking?
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys! I never thought about deodorant on foot to keep them from sweating, but I will try it out in a training session.
I love darn tough socks! Do you thinks its better have a thin sock or full cushion wool sock for double digit miles of trucking?

I personally prefer the full cushion.

I forgot about the deodorant hack. Another thing to keep in mind, especially if you have thick thighs (or anywhere else rubbing).....Vaseline is your friend. Any chaffing you get, immediately start putting it on there. The comfort difference from that and chaffing without it is night and day. Same thing even if you're done with the match/rucks or whatever.....the vaseline will expedite your recovery.
 
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