Lee <craftystud-onlineaccts RemoveThis @yahoo.com> wrote:
> Thanks for the advice. I'm still a bit torn b/c although the Chaco is
> more supportive than the Teva, but I do worry about the bumps on the
> footbed. I'll try it out and I'm crossing my fingers hoping that my
> feet will get used to the tiny bumps. It's too bad they don't make a
> smooth footbed.
Several years back Chaco switched from a small-bump pattern
to the square-bump pattern. I wear both barefoot, and find
very little difference in foot comfort. Do you lack callouses?
The biggest improvement is that the square-bump pattern is
easier to keep clean with a brush, and thus smells less.
When I need to hike more than several miles, I wear wool socks.
I've hiked almost 20 miles a day in Chacos with socks, and have
no blister problems (fewer than with hiking boots).
When wearing neoprene socks for boating and on-river use, the
textured pattern prevents your wetsock from sliding around
when you climb on angled rock.
Most Tevas have footbed patterning also. One pair I have from
years ago (the only one that hasn't delaminated) now has a smooth
footbed. Seems like it might cause blisters due to sliding around,
but I don't trust it enough to try it on a long hike.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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