Frequently NOT asked questions

We get asked all kinds of questions, but some, you wouldn't think to ask until after you've done the walk. So, here's a list of some of the frequently NOT asked questions about walking, that makes our "top tips" list for getting more out of your walking holiday.

Read on for our musings on how fit you need to be, the right shoes, why you can't wear runners, hiking versus walking, what should I wear, carrying a backpack and avoiding irritating your bunions!

Fitness:  Be as fit as you can:

How fit do I need to be? is one of our frequently asked ones.  But, I wish I was fitter before I started, is also one of our most frequent feedbacks.

So, be as fit as you can be to start with and you will enjoy the walk a whole lot more.  All walking companies try and cater for slower walkers and adjust the pace but we want you to remember the scenery and the people, not how hard the walk seemed. 

The Right Shoes

How do you know what shoes to wear?  They feel right!  Your shoe wear pattern will say a lot about whether you need more rigid boots or more ankle support, so get your shoes properly fitted.  Don't forget to talk about the sort of walking you plan to do.  The boots needed to take to Nepal or walk the Kokoda Trail are different from what you need to do the Great Ocean Walk or the Bay of Fires.  Terrain makes a difference.

The Great Ocean Walk can be completed in a midweight hiking shoe or boot.  Generally ones that are designed to be breathable, comfortable and cushioned over moderate terrain will be best.

Change your shoes regularly, particularly if your lifestyle changes.  Dramatic gains or loss of weight, pregnancy, injury and changes to exercise habits can make a difference to the way your feet hit the pavement, the size and shape of your feet.  Don't just strap on those boots from 10 years ago and think they're going to fit like a glove.

Boots/brands we like:
Carn boots from the UK, Merrills (Particularly ones called chameleons), Hi-Tec (great ankle support range of boots) Ecco Outdoor range (not the street walking shoes) and of course Columbia (boots you'll shed a tear for when they finally wear out).

Why Hiking shoes/boots and not runners?

Five reasons really:

1.  Rocks:  with a hiking shoe or boot you won't get "poke through" from the sole if you're walking on rocks or gravel.

2.   Rugged soles give better traction:  running shoes generally don't have traction soles so they're more likely to slip on the slightest gravel or loose ground.

3.  Dirt:  hiking shoes or boots generally have a tongue that's attached to the sides of the shoe, that acts like a catcher for dirt and stones that fall onto the lace area.  This and a good pair of gaiters stop a lot of dirt from getting into your shoes.

4.  Water resistance:  creeks, rivers, rain and waves all equal wet.  A good pair of hiking shoes or boots will be water resistant at least, water proof at best.

5.  Rips and tears:  rocks, sticks, roots and plants can easily rip the fabric of a running shoe.  Hiking shoes and boots are made from more durable materials and are made for the terrain you take to.

HANDY TIP:  to prevent blisters, put on a pair of knee high stockings, then your socks.  The socks rub with the stockings instead of your foot, greatly reducing the incidence of rubbing blisters.

Hiking vs. Walking:  What's the difference?

Pace:  Hiking and bushwalking is generally slower than fitness walking.  The main reason is that outdoor trails require more care when steppig than a footpath.  When we say 12km in a day over 5 hours we mean it!  The terrain dictates the speed we can walk at.  We also soak in the scenery, take photos and appreciate the flora and fauna we encounter.  We cover an average of 3km per hour on the trail, which means you should be able to walk about 6km an hour on your normal training on a footpath. 

Hills:  Up and down hills requries more care, especially if the terrain is loose.  Make sure you bend your knees, use side stepping on steep pars and use the hiking poles we provide for extra stability.  Take your tiem, stop and admire the view to catch your breath. Remember it's not a race.

Water Crossings:  There are a couple of our water crossing on our walks.  Water on rocks is slippery and dangerous.  We encourage walkers to choose a safe, shallow place to cross that may be wider, but safer, particularly if you choose to take your boots off and cross barefoot.  But, wet boots are just one of the joys of walking! 

Dressing to Walk:  what do I wear?

Layers are your friend when hiking.  The layer closest to your skin should absorb sweat so it doesn't stay on your body.  Then comes an insulation layer such as a fleece or merino wool jumper (sweater).  Then on top wear a weatherproof, windproof, beatheable jacket.  As you warm up, take layers off; as you cool down, put them back on.

Hiking pants are great:  they are sturdy, micro fibre, waisted pants that don't rip easily and are still comfy even if they are wet.  They dry out quickly on the trail or overnight if you wash them to wear the next day. 

Socks are so personal.  Thicker isn't necessarily better.  Good boots well fitter may mean you need a thinner sock.  Many hiking socks now come in a range of weights to suit different terrain and climates.  Putting a stocking on first will mean you only need a standard weight sock over the top. (See the handy tip above in the boots section)

Will I be able to carry a backpack? 

bothfeet trips only require you to carry a day pack, which if loaded correctly should weigh no more than 5kg.   But if worn incorrectly, even a 5kg day pack can be painful, and dramatically alter your enjoyment of a walk.  If worn correctly, you should hardly know it's there.

Here are a few tips: Always wear both shoulder straps (not slung over one shoulder) and adjust the pack so it's higher on your back and the shoulder straps are comfortable.  Do up the waist strap first and have it firm on your hips, then adjust the should straps to bring the pack upwards.  The weight should be on your hips not your shoulders.  If your pack has a chest strap, make sure you do it up.  If you are hiking with children, they should carry no more than 10% of their body weight in a pack.

Foot Pain

Heel pain and pain in the bottom of the foot are common.  Some causes include not replacing walking shoes regularly enough, a stride pattern that rolls inward and overstriding.  Treatments include rest, ice, massage and stretching.  Bunions are another cause of pain.  Snug fitting socks and narrow walking shoes can irritate them.  Choose walking shoes wisely so as not to irritate the transport - it makes for a long and painful hiking trip if your feet are upset on day 1.
Finally: make sure you cut your toenails before you walk.  We've all lost a toe nail weeks after a trip from a downhill section that put pressure back on an unmanicured tootsie!

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