Fitness Expert replies:

Dear Wonder Walker's Member

Thanks for your query. Blisters can be quite debilitating when you are away on such a long tramp so I can understand your misgivings regarding the choice of footwear. If the terrain is quite rugged however, you will be quite glad of hardier boots than just ordinary running shoes which will not give you the foot and ankle protection you need. It may be that you need to take both types of footwear with you (despite the extra 'load').

Alternatively, there are some really good lighter boots around these days. It would just be a case of trying some on and seeing if they would suit you better (although I realise that you might not want to pay to upgrade your boots at this stage!). You would also need to ensure that you wore any new boots regularly before going on a long multi-day tramp.

If you don't want to take alternative footwear, then I suggest that you 'manage' the pressure points where you would normally get blisters. This would entail ensuring that you have a few pairs of good quality socks which absorb sweat and you change these at least once throughout the day. You would also need to ensure that you cover the skin where you usually get blisters with some suitable tape and some light gauze to assist with 'padding' (you will need to check out the selections available at your local pharmacy), and change this at least once during the day as well. Feet need to be kept as dry as possible so if you are doing water crossings then it pays to change into dry socks after each crossing although this can also be frustrating!

I hope that this has given you some ideas – have fun and good luck...

Wendy