The Perfect Combo

Success!!! For those of you who have followed me over the years and listened and questioned me on my epic "feet stories" and "no toe-nail, blistered feet" issues, I am sorry to disappoint!!!! As I have now wrapped up the Vancouver Island Quest, I thought a FOOT update was in order.

Proudly, I completed the 750km non-stop 4 day journey BLISTER FREE. Using the XT Wings (my most favorite Salomon trail runners) paired with SOLE's custom footbeds, I kept my feet 100% happy. Crazy eh! I think that this expedition goes down in history for me because I took the time to really make sure that my feet would get me through this thing. My other concern was that only 2 days after the VI Quest, I was heading onwards to Baffin Island for the trek across the Akshayuk Pass for another i2P expedition and I needed to be able to get my feet into my hikers for that as well. There really was no room for error.

Check out SOLE's product line up at www.yoursole.com because they really make something to fit everyone's need. Each footbed is heat moldable so you get the perfect fit for you (no need for orthodics.) I have been using the slim fit ones in my bike shoes for many years now and have had great success in making sure that my knees were tracking properly. And as I try to overcome this achilles issue, I am taking all precautions to treat my feet (and hence the whole body) as best as I can.

Here are my Happy Feet tips for racing/expeditioning/playing:

1) remove all calluses (via scrubbing) and be sure to cut your toe nails

2) drink lots of water - I firmly believe that de-hydration leads to blisters

3) use a SOLE footbed for custom support, cushioning & alignment and pair with shoe of your choice (that is suitable for the terrain that you will be on)

4) socks are everything too - my whole crew used SOLE's Air Flow Cooling Sock (this is also what I wore during the Badwater 135 miler last year) on the VI Quest

Hope that helps as YOU Adventure Onwards.....