Dave Jelley
Physiotherapist A physiotherapist with a Masters degree in Rehabilitation, Dave has not worn walking boots in about 20 years. In that time he’s completed the Trans Alpine race from Germany to Italy twice and has run, walked and cycled for thousands of mil
“From a physiotherapist’s point of view, balance is maintained by a number of systems: inner ear, eyes, and joint receptors at the hips, knees and ankles. A problem with any of these can cause a fall. Fixing the ankles in a firm brace may seem like a safe option, but you could argue that it may lead to a reduction in the ankle joint’s sensitivity to movement. This proprioceptive ability in the ankle is vital to reduce falls. A good analogy would be that someone buying a bungalow in later life might think they are making themselves safer, however the opposite might be the case as not climbing stairs makes you weaker.
“Shoe choice is vital. Consider the terrain. Shoes made by Hoka are incredibly comfortable for long walks, and the Torrent and Speedgoat models both have lots of grip for muddy walks. However, the thick cushioned soles, which make them so comfortable, also make them less responsive to uneven ground. For a very rough walk, perhaps over heather moorland, I would choose a more thinly-soled shoe, like the La Sportiva Jackal. If the walk is to be very rocky, like a scramble in the Lake District, then it’s useful to have a shoe with a rock plate.
“You can’t put full proper crampons on a running shoe, so if you’re walking over Alpine terrain or in winter conditions then I would definitely use a boot you can put a crampon on. Or if you’ve got a pre-existing weakness then it might seem like a sensible option for protection. If you’re carrying a lot of weight, with a tent, sleeping bag and all that stuff, you might also want the support of a boot.
“It is worth bearing in mind that if you’re new to using shoes rather than boots, they will make you feel less protected. This feeling can be offset with a good pair of walking poles and learning how to use them well. I love my very lightweight aluminium folding poles by Mountain King. The Trail Blaze poles can be slipped in a daypack and brought out in rough terrain.
“Your body absolutely adapts to the exercise you do. If you’ve never walked in running type shoes, don’t suddenly head off on an all-day, 10-hour hike.”