Right Shoes for the Job

Earlier this week, my friend Phillip had a post on The Right Tool for the Job where he discussed struggling with a task and teaching himself once again the value of using the correct tool.

Today, I learned a similiar lesson– "The Right Shoes for the Job"

It was such a pretty day, I took the the dogs (three of them– I'm watching Meredith Webber's dog Lily this weekend) out for a quick hike.  We went from VA-635 to Pine Swamp Shelter and back.  It was a total of 4.8 miles and relatively flat– a hike I could do in my sleep! 

 

Instead of wearing my regular Asolo hiking boots, I wore some outdoor sandals.  It was not my best decision.

These sandals aren't new and they are well broken in.  They were with me in Pennsylvania and Kentucky last July.  They were with me in Delaware in August.  They were with me in Las Vegas in November.  They've been on walks and kayaking outings.  In warm weather, I wear them to work.  So it is a footwear my feet are well accustomed to. 

Nonetheless, over the course of a 4.8 rocky trail, they did not treat my feet too well.  I got three blisters.  I slipped more often.  And finally, I didn't anticipate "the stick factor".  The open toes and heels left more opportunity for little sticks and rocks to get stuck under my feet.

So let's compare this week's hike to last week's hike:

	Last Week	This Week
Footwear	Hiking Boots	Outdoor Sandals
Mileage	13.1	4.8
Altitude Climb	~1500-1800 feet	Negligible
Blisters	0	3
Foot Discomfort	None	Moderate

I think the metrics tell a clear message!

My website contains other pictures of my Pine Swamp Hike.  Also, I only have 11.5 miles until my RATC patch.