Boots

[jafa]

Hi all. For the past 15 years I have worn Blue Steel workboots every day for approx 10-11 hours a day. They are the most comfortable footware I have come across and are very well made – Leather, Steel capped, Thick rubber soled.

Just wondering what peoples thought are on this type of footware for the trek?

[phantom]

Hi,
If I were you I would save my work boots for what they were made. They are not designed to go up and down hills all day in the mud slush and other stuff. You will find that they will give your toes a hammering and you will lose the nails. You must learn how to tie your hike boots as well to help prevent this.
Go to a "specialty" hike shop, Not BCF or Annaconda to learn this and your feet will thank you. E bay is another good spot to pick up second hand Scarpas or something similar.

Trust me on this, I have hiked Kokoda three times and I know.

[Galen]

Hi Phantom,

I just bought some hike/trek boots. I went with the recomendation of the guy at the shop who has the same ones and he's been everywhere. Sounds like you have also done some serious trekking. Can you explain the "tie your hike boots" comment? I've done a heap of hunting and we walk mainly, for reasonably long distances but not in muddy conditions. (Flinders Rangers, Northern NSW and way north of Burke into QLD.) I use army issue GP's which I deemed unsatisfactory for this trek. I have lost nails before and that's not pleasant. Can you elaborate on your post if you have the time?

Galen

[austin]

yes im intrigued with the "tie your hike boots" comment as well – i to would like for you to elaborate

cheers for that phantom

[jafa]

Check this link out.

http://www.hitthetrail.com/boot_lacing.php

[phantom]

Hi guys,
That link is excellent, it would take me a thousand words to explain it. On any trek your feet are the most important things to look after. depending on the weather up in PNG at the time your feet may be wet all day. You MUST dry them off at the end of the day and put some powder, Prantal is good. If you don't you will get fungal infections and your feet will be extremely painful and the swelling will make your trip a nightmare.

One of the tricks with the lacing method is to make sure your feet are well back into the heel when you get to the top of the first lacing stage. This locks your foot back into the shoe and stops the foot and toes contacting the front of the shoe.Good plan getting rid of the GP's they are fine for out west and on flat ground etc but on hills they leave a lot to be desired. Have fun and all the best with your trip, it is a life changing place to hike.

Regards,
Phantom

[justinpeters]

Do your think gaiters will be important? i have heard it gets very hot. I am going in november. What is your opinion?

[jafa]

QUOTE(justinpeters @ 7 Jul 2007, 07:34 PM) [snapback]4725[/snapback]

Do your think gaiters will be important? i have heard it gets very hot. I am going in november. What is your opinion?

Perhaps some boot guards – http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/sho…0&cat_id=43

[phantom]

Hi guys,
I like gaiters as they protect your lower legs from scratches etc, the overboot protectors are also ok but not as water proof etc. The track can be oozing mud or dusty just depends on the weather. Most of the time you will be ok with the lighter weight overboot protectors and just accept that they will only keep a limited amount of water out. They will mainly stop the rubbish getting inside your boots and keep the prickles etc off your socks.

Have fun. Phantom

[peterh13]

I know this is a late post on this site, but I was watching Les Hiddons ,the bush tucker man on TV last night and he wears elastci sided work boots. I would'nt ,,but he does.

[Geoff Hardie]

I wouldn't wear elastic sided boots either on the Kokoda Track or in any prior preparation.
With respect, I believe Les Hiddon's knew exactly what his boot requirements were for the work he did in "The Bush Tucker Man" TV series which now must be over 10 years ago.
Walking Kokoda has very few comparisons with what was intended from this TV series, major difference was the use of a motor vehicle to move from one location to another.
Cheers, Geoff Hardie

[Brian]

I agree with Geoff the elastic sided boot would be difficult on the track as I believe the first lot of mud you passed through would leave a boot stuck there besides I personally believe the elastic sided boots would give little ankle support.

I have a couple pairs of boots one Hi-Tech and the other the Aussie made Rossi boots am happy with both.

For my trek I purchased and wore in a new pair of Rossi boots which served me well and can highly recommend them Brendan Buka my porter being the same boot size is now wearing these same boots along the track.

The boots and your feet are the most important things that you will take on the trek get yourself good quality boots and wear them in well before going. Look after your feet dry them each night I made sure that mine were dry by using tinia powder to do so and each morning I used Vaseline on my feet I had no problems at all with my feet.

Look after your feet and you will enjoy your trek if you don't you well may not.

Brian

[petedowling]

I agree with Geoff and Brian. Its good advice. Whilst elastic sided boots are fine for normal work and also for leisure(I love my RM elastic sided boots) its horses for courses and lets not forget that kokoda is serious trekking. The aim of good high sided lace up hiking boots is to give good protection for your ankle joint and also to your lower tib/fib if you happen to roll your ankle. Torn ankle ligaments and/or a # tib/fib could spoil your whole day/kokoda trek. Be smart about your footwear. good fitting boots that are laced up properly are essential.
regards
Pete Dowling

[Author]

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