u/Careless-Profile2494

Don’t want to be another annoying voice in the crowd asking for shoe recommendation… but I am going to be 😅

Basically, I have tried many pairs of hiking boots (at least 6), which all, no matter what size or brand or sock used, gave me huge blisters on my big toes - tried wides, size ups, merino wool, synthetics, etc.

I recently switched to Altra timp 6 trail runners based of the recommendation at REI for the wide toe box and trail runners generally being more comfortable. Made the mistake of taking them on a 25 miles backcountry trip without realizing the low drop could hurt my achilles (severely) without getting used to them first AND they gave me huge blisters on both my big toes. (Used the altra size guide to purchase and wore smartwool hiking socks)

Should I send them back and size up a half size? Size down? Get a trail running shoe with a mid-drop? Insoles? Thicker socks? The toe socks that give me the heebie jeebies???

I am at my wits end with hiking shoes and need to find the best fit for the JMT in a month.

This is an issue I have been dealing with for years and trying to solve myself and with store employees to no avail. Thank you and i’m sorry if this is not the place for this question.

Edit/Disclaimer***

I have backpacked many times before, regularly in the Sierras and elsewhere for 25-40 mile trips doing 10-15 miles a day. Usually I just get blisters and deal with them as they come. The trip this past weekend was actually much easier terrain than the Sierras (mostly flat) which was why I didn’t think much about the shoes not being broken in - as mentioned in original post, this was a mistake, I know😅😊

Now I am wondering primarily if it is the shoes giving me blisters and I need to go a full size up rather than a half size from my typical shoe size, or if it is a different problem such as proper insoles, socks, etc.

I will definitely not be bringing the Altra’s on the JMT based on comments and wanting to avoid further inflammation of the Achilles and not having enough experience with them! Thanks for that help!

I will look in to comfier trail runners with higher drop!

Hi all! Looking for first come first serve camping for this weekend. Any recs in the Eastern Sierras? Preferably not super crowded, but obviously no guarantees in June. Driving up from LA area on Friday. Thank you!!

Hi all! Looking for first come first serve camping for this weekend. Love Tuttle Creek out of Lone Pine, but probably will be a bit too hot for my liking this weekend. Have also stayed at Whitney Portal and Onion Valley campgrounds. Done some backpacking as well in the area but not super familiar with first come first serve campgrounds around there. Any other recs in the Eastern Sierras? Preferably not super crowded, but obviously no guarantees in June. Driving up from LA area on Friday. Thank you!!