Boots
- scoutmaster1865
- Oct 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Philmonters!
I hope you all had a great day out on the trail for our first conditioning hike and are getting out there on the trail on your own. Herewith is our next email about equipment, the second, if you’re counting. This one is all about BOOTS, YAY!
Before we get into boots, let’s get into Philmont. You may be nervous or not really know what to expect. A few years ago, Crew 706-Y from California shot a video log of their trek. See what it was like for them in their video - One More Mile, and see if it get’s you into a Philmont mood.
Now about the boots - If you get on all the social media sites you’ll find lots and lots of opinions about Boots for Philmont. The important thing to remember about all of these are they are long on opinions and short on data. For our Troop, our recommendation is that all youth and adults get proper, over the ankle backpacking boots to give their feet and ankles the support they’ll need for an extended hike over rough terrain with moderate loads. While we won’t recommend specific brands or models, there are some criteria and tips to share.
As with backpacks, there is no need to run out and buy expensive boots now but you should plan on having the boots you expect to wear at Philmont by the time of our second Philmont Shakedown Hike, scheduled for the weekend of 14-16 March. You can buy boots earlier but for the younger boys who are growing quickly you want to be sure they’ll still fit when June rolls around. As with packs, once you select and buy your boots, you should do all of your training and shakedown hikes in the boots you expect to wear on your trek. Do not wait until the last minute to buy boots! You’ll want your boots to be well broken-in before your trek.
Here are some considerations when choosing and fitting boots.
Type – There are all kinds of different hiking shoes, trail runners, and boots on the market. Our recommendations are:
The boot you select should be a dedicated backpacking boot (not a low cut hiking shoe) with good over the ankle support.
Unlike Northern Tier, our recommendation is to purchase a waterproof boot.
Most scouts will pick a breathable boot that combines split or nubuck leather and breathable nylon. These boots are lighter and more breathable, but they are less durable than full leather. Durability is less of consideration with growing boys though, as they’ll likely outgrow boots before they wear them out.
Fit – As with backpacks, this is the most important thing. You need to take the time to really try new boots out to ensure they really fit properly before you purchase. Just because they are the right size doesn’t mean they’ll really fit your size and shape feet. A little slip or pinch will add up over 85 miles and 12 days to equal blisters and discomfort. Here are some tips to give yourself the best chances of getting a good fit:
First, how do you know it fits? They should be snug, but not tight. You should have ample room in the toe so that they don’t hit the tip of the boot when you’re walking downhill, and the heels should not slip in the back. You should have about a thumb-width of space from your toe to the end of the insole. If you feel bumps or seams or any pressure or pinching, something is not right.
Try boots on at the end of the day. Your feet swell as the day goes on.
Wear the right wool hiking socks, the kind you expect to hike in at Philmont.
Most scouts do not need or use aftermarket insoles or custom orthotics but if you do, these will affect how the boots fit so be sure to use them when trying on a new pair.
The way to try on backpacking boots for your feet is with a backpack on your back. Bring or borrow a pack and put 35 pounds in it. Your feet will spread wider with a pack on and it will affect how your boots fit.
Once you have the boots on and properly laced (lacing really matters, more on that later) put on your pack and walk around for at least fifteen or twenty minutes. Try stairs or up and downgrades. REI has a little plastic rock to walk on. See if your foot slips forward and you hit your toes or if the heels slide excessively. See if something pinches or rubs funny. You won’t really notice this unless you spend some time in the boots.
Lacing matters. A surgeon’s knot will help with heel slip, other lacing tips can help if you’re out on the trail and having issues. Learn more about lacing from REI here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/lacing-hiking-boots.html
Resources: Here are some useful videos that will help you choose, fit, and care for boots.
Videos
Philmont Prep Video - Footwear for Philmont Treks Philmont Preparation Sessions: Episode 3 - Footwear For Philmont Treks
REI Hiking Boots basics.
Guides
REI Hiking Boots Basics: https://www.rei.com/learn/series/hiking-boot-basics
REI How To Choose Boots Guide https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html?srsltid=AfmBOopxMDy-MqWaw8TeBUXq4DX38YfJiqrdPuDyVrCfb55a9Ieiag_G
REI Lacing Strategies: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/lacing-hiking-boots.html
Breaking in Hiking Boots
Finally, please remember we’re collecting that money for youth participants now. If you haven’t done so already, please make a payment of $800 to Ms. Bulova NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 23rd. The easiest way to make payments is still via Zelle to Troop1865b@gmail.com. Please remember the “b” and be careful not to add any spaces. Please contact Ms. Bulova, the Troop Treasurer at: gmbulova@aol.com if you have any question or if you’re having any trouble with Zelle. If you’re a Troop 1865 Scout who wishes to use their Scout Account, please contact Mr. Scattergood at jeff.scattergood@gmail.com.
Please also know that we are not also collecting for adult leaders. Between this payment and last spring’s deposit, we are collecting $1,025 from each adult leader.
As always, I’m happy to answer any questions you many have.
Is ANYONE NOT READY?
HIKE ON!