Walking around in flip flops or sandals is synonymous with summertime. However, those aren’t realistic pieces of footwear for many outdoor adventures. If you have to wear boots or shoes for your leisure pursuits, ensure that you stay as comfortable as possible with these three products:
Sof Sole Insoles
Let’s face it: the insoles that came in your fancy new shoes aren’t exactly up to snuff. For whatever reason, most manufacturers try to cut production costs by skimping on insoles. Don’t let your feet suffer- switch in a pair of Sof Soles for the ultimate in summer plushness. I have been using these since late last year, swapping them out between almost every pair of shoes or boots I own. In athletic sneakers/hiking shoes they shine, adding a bit of support and lots of shock absorption. I also liked them in casual shoes, where they provided much more comfort than the standard paper-thin inserts. The only place I didn’t notice a massive improvement was with my hiking boots; it seems when you are shelling out top dollar for clodhoppers, the companies actually make insoles worth a damn.
Balega Socks
Great shoes with crappy socks? Worst combo since pineapple on pizza. Step your sock game up this summer with Balega. Made with performance yarns sourced from right here in the USA, Balega offers a bevy of socks made for specific pursuits. From personal experience, I can say that they excel when it comes to mountain biking and hiking (in both boots and shoes.). My girlfriend, Jess, has been wearing Balegas for several months, mainly for running and working out, and here are her thoughts:
“The Hidden Comfort Sock was initially concerning with an 84% mix of pollster (would it breath/wick?). But Balega did a fantastic job; while running and hiking my feet felt dry and comfortable. Best of all is the lip on the back; beefy enough to keep it where it belongs: over the top of my shoe. The Blister Resist Sock has a wonderfully snug fit, especially around the arch and instep. Also, the mohair weave on the footbed made for delightful cushioning. I have very low volume feet, and finding a sock that stays snug during activities can be a challenge. The Balegas definitely rose to the occasion. Finally, the attention to detail on the packaging was great; I loved seeing the photo of the person who inspected my socks!”
Chamois Butt’r
Probably not the product that comes to mind when you think of your feet. Yes, Chamois Butt’r has been protecting bikers’ delicate bits from chaffing for many years now, but it also works wonders on the paws! Lather some Chamois Butt’r on your little footsies before your next hike to stop your feet from drying out, and keep blisters at bay. I have been using Butt’r for the past few months for both my feet and chamois area, and I’m pleased to report the protection is legit. It doesn’t leave much residue behind after activities, and what is left over washes out easily in the laundry. Chamois Butt’r has updated their packaging and their website (www.chamoisbuttr.com); check them out to learn more.