Hot feet and boot care

[Tuppers]

I offer the following to anyone who may have had a similar experience.
Even in cold weather, my feet become hot in walking boots and over the years I have tried all sorts of combinations of boot material and socks to avoid heat build-up, hotspots and blisters. I eventually settled on all-leather boots (Meindl Borneo) and Thorlo Light Hiking Socks and I was so pleased with the boots that I bought a second pair to spread the wear.
Recently though, the problem of heat build-up returned and I spoke with one of the boot experts at Fishers in Keswick for advice. It transpired that, although I have been meticulous in cleaning and treating the outsides of my boots, I had been neglecting the insides. Sweat and dirt had blocked the pores in the leather, preventing it from ‘breathing’ properly and causing heat and moisture to be retained.
The solution has been simple and cheap. Firstly, I replaced the Meindl footbeds with Zamberlan footbeds which are perforated and so help dissipate the heat from the soles of my feet. Secondly, I remove and wash the insoles after every trip and after every 28 days or so of use, I clean the insides of the boots with a warm solution of Nikwax Techwash and a soft brush followed by thorough rinsing with cold water and leave the boots to dry slowly in a warm place.
Problem solved!

[elperronegro]

Wow. I never thought of that. Good advice Ian. I don't tend to get much of a problem in the winter but summer certainly. I am heading back to the Uk next week and intend to get myself some new summer/3 season boots (prefer strong boots to lightweight trainer types). For the past 20 years Ive always had Scarpa SL's. Do you use the Meindl Borneos in the summer Sierra Nevada?

[Tuppers]

(04-02-2012 09:03 AM)elperronegro Wrote:  Wow. I never thought of that. Good advice Ian. I don't tend to get much of a problem in the winter but summer certainly. I am heading back to the Uk next week and intend to get myself some new summer/3 season boots (prefer strong boots to lightweight trainer types). For the past 20 years Ive always had Scarpa SL's. Do you use the Meindl Borneos in the summer Sierra Nevada?

If I'm heading for rough or rocky terrain I'll always use my Meindl boots, whatever the weather. On easier ground and in warm weather I use a pair of Decathlon lightweight hiking shoes. They're quite sturdy with a good sole but the main thing is they are well-ventilated for hot weather use.
I did check with Nikwax before washing my boots and they said Techwash is fine but to make sure they are rinsed thoroughly in cold water.

[Tinkerbell]

Just reading up about the Meindl Borneo MFS Pro boots and it says (and reviews say) a great boot in hot weather! Keeps the foot cool. Like the idea of memory foam too. I shall be trying some of these on my feet whilst in the UK. I just want some comfy boots

[Tuppers]

The Meindl Borneo boots are without doubt the most comfortable boots I have ever worn and the foam support around the ankle does exactly what it says. I like them so much that my first pair is now having its worn out soles replaced for the second time (by Lancashire Sports Repairs in Burnley-highly recommended by the way). They'll be waiting for me when I get back to Scotland for the summer.