.............not all those that wander are lost..............

Monday 18 November 2013

Wearing the shoes.......

I sent for a pair of Inov-8 Ladies Terrocs 308 after this year's Challenge. My boots are generally comfortable but during the two weeks my feet had become blistered and eventually I lost five toenails - big and small.

{Brand spanking new - first outing}

The shoes arrived and seemed comfortable - much lighter and cooler for the feet. I took them with me to Alnmouth for two weeks walk leading in June but didn't pluck up the courage to wear them at all.

They had their first proper outing when Louise and I walked the 7 Bridges from Ballater.

{Showing off the new shoes}

There was a big day with Mick & Gayle when we found our way to the top of Creag nam Ban and a trot up to the bottom of Glas Tulaichean exploring the old railway in Glen Lochsie. Both these walks had tested the way the water soaks into the shoes - cold at first but then hardly noticeable. In Glen Lochsie I had waded across the river a few times with no ill effects. Last week 13 miles over soggy Culblean was no problem.....

{Underwater in Glen Lochsie}

What I did notice after wetting my feet properly was that when I arrived home and took out the insoles they had begun to fall apart. These were not the insoles that came with the shoes but a pair of my own that I felt were more supportive. A search on the internet came up with Crocs RX Silver insoles which I've been using ever since.

Since then I have been wearing the shoes for all my walks. First exploring the hills of the Borders, then standing up to my shins in wet marsh on Harris followed by two weeks in Whitby for HF, established that they were really enjoyable to use on day long routes too. Although my feet were wet they were never uncomfortable. And best of all - no blisters or lost toenails!

The soles are very grippy and I haven't had a problem going up or down tracks in wet or dry conditions.

{Wear and tear after several months of use}

This is all very positive but there is one thing which is not very pleasing. The inside of the heels of the shoes have worn quite badly. I've stuck on some moleskin tape now to prevent them wearing to pieces which is OK but needs replaced regularly. However I have gone ahead and bought a second pair - possibly to use for the Challenge next year - while they are available.

I do wonder how they will be when I'm carrying a heavy backpacking rucksack and perhaps walking on harder stony tracks so I haven't completely made up my mind about using them in May. A slightly thicker insole might be appropriate for more cushioning under foot. But I'm looking forward to the river crossings!

I'll continue to use this pair until they fall apart. At the moment there is no sign of wear on the soles or the uppers. They've been washed in running water after particularly 'peaty' outings and they dry quickly. The insoles are looking worn but I expected that.

Altogether I'm liking my 'dancing' shoes......





9 comments:

Louise said...

Keeeeeeep dancing!!

Laura said...

Thanks Louise! I did consider that for the title of the post....

John J said...

Interesting. Some of the lads in our running club used these for trotting around the hills, they're popular for their comfort and grip - but not for their longevity. I gather earlier models lasted longer than more recent types.
I've used Walshes for trail & fell-running although I actually bought them for walking. They're bombproof and last forever but they don't give any support - so no good for walking, for me anyway.

AlanR said...

Colour co-ordinated too. Nice.
They really shouldn’t be falling apart so soon its just ridiculous. I have a pair of Salomon xa pro that i just cannot wear out. Had them for years.
I hadn’t come across the croc insoles so thanks for that info.

Laura said...

I've just left feedback on the Inov-8 site about the wear. In general I'm really pleased with them....

Reifyn said...

I'm amazed that you use trainers where others might use hiking boots. I used to do that—but wet feet didn't make me happy. I never thought to use moleskin inside shoes or boots: I've used duct-tape for years, but it's somewhat too slippery. Thanks for the idea: I'll try the moleskin now.

Alan Sloman said...

I've used Terrocs on a couple of Challenges and the heel cups fell to bits, leaving a nastily sharp plastic edge to rub against. The rand and sole went separate ways too at the flex point.

Comfy, but never again. I then went with Raptors, that were much better built.

:-)

Laura said...

Thankfully the wear on the inside of the heels hasn't revealed any hard plastic yet.....the moleskin must be keeping the padding in place. I'm not sure Inov-8 are making this model anymore as I managed to get both pairs at quite good discounts.
I'll look out for the Raptors and try on a pair sometime.

afootinthehills said...

My first (and last) pair lasted six months. Hated them!