How to throw a Toe Party!

censored-feetIt came as somewhat of a surprise (and shock to my sense of femininity) a couple of years ago, when I went to buy new shoes to begin training for the Oxfam Trailwalker 100km charity event. I figured that If I was going to walk almost non-stop for 100km, through day and night, regardless of weather, I wanted to make sure I was setting myself up for success, not failure with dodgy shoes, blisters and cramping toes.

Up until that time I’d thought I was a size 9 (41) something I considered normal for a tall gal like me, when the very helpful shop assistant informed me that I was infact, size 11 (43).

Excuse me? 11? Really?

Once I got over the shock and headed out on the trail to break in the new shoes, you can imagine my surprise when I realised that I didn’t actually need to break them in that much. Huh, they fitted me properly.

Is this what my toes had been missing out on all these years?

A toe party?

Check out this video for another quick footcare tip!

YouTube video

So whether you choose to wear boots, trail runners or even the trusty Dunlop Volley – that’s totally up to you. But my one bit of advice is always check that your toes can wiggle freely, that they don’t touch the end of the shoe and can dance around in there, having their own little toe party!

Writer, producer and content creator by trade, search and rescue volunteer by passion, Caro Ryan started LotsaFreshAir.com to inspire, teach and encourage people to get into hiking and the outdoors safely.

It’s all about connecting people to wild places in meaningful ways, so they can look after themselves, their mates and these precious places we visit.

She teaches wilderness navigation, authored the book, ‘How to Navigate’ and hosts, ‘Rescued - an Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers.

In the bottom of her pack you'll find coffee grounds, instant noodles past their used by date and an insatiable curiosity.

Bushwalking & Hiking Tips from an Unexpected Outdoors Chick

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