The Ultimate Guide to Foot Care and Quality Boots for Outdoor Adventures

Taking Care of Your Feet: Hard Lessons from the Field

When it comes to spending long days afield, few things can make or break your experience like the state of your feet. Whether you’re chasing elk in the Montana backcountry, trudging through habitat consultations, or just enjoying a football game from the sidelines, your feet—and the boots you put on them—deserve serious attention.

Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.

A Quarter-Sized Problem

Last year, I made what might rank as one of the most boneheaded decisions of my life. I was battling a plantar wart on my left foot that had grown to the size of a quarter. Located just behind the ball of my foot, it felt like walking on a marble all day—a marble with no sense of mercy.

To complicate matters, I have a history of cellulitis. Foot doctors were understandably cautious about surgery. When I drew my first elk tag for the Montana backcountry, I made the decision to postpone treatment until after the hunt. After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and a sore foot wasn’t going to keep me from the mountains.

The hunt was everything I’d dreamed of. I tagged my first bull on the final evening, but every painful step on that trip reminded me of my stubbornness. By the time I returned home, the wart had worsened, requiring eight or nine months of intensive—and expensive—treatment to resolve.

Looking back, I should’ve listened to my sister-in-law, who swore I could suffocate the thing with duct tape. Even the doctor, Dr. Chockalingam (or something like that), joked that it might’ve been worth a try after putting me through the torture of the SWIFT laser treatment. Spoiler alert: lasers hurt.

Lesson learned: don’t delay taking care of your feet, no matter how tempting it may seem in the moment.

(Gross foot picture at the bottom.)

A Newfoundland and My Favorite Boots

Fast forward to last week, when I found myself in West Virginia for a habitat consultation. As I was unwinding and watching Penn State play on New Year’s Day, I made a critical error: I forgot to latch the door at my client’s house. Their Newfoundland—a giant, lovable dog with a mischievous streak—seized the opportunity to stage his own little adventure.

Unbeknownst to me, that adventure included stealing my favorite boots: my trusty Irish Setter Elk Trackers. These boots had carried me through countless consultations and even that unforgettable Montana elk hunt. By morning, I found them in the carport, thoroughly chewed. The tongue was shredded, and the dog had clearly enjoyed himself. It was like he’d decided to critique the craftsmanship one bite at a time.

Thankfully, I’d packed a backup pair of boots for the trip—something I’ve learned to do after years of unexpected field mishaps. Still, the whole ordeal served as a humorous (and slightly frustrating) reminder: always have a backup plan, especially when it comes to your footwear.

Practical Tips for Foot and Boot Care

Both of these experiences taught me just how critical it is to take care of your feet and invest in quality footwear. A nagging injury or poorly made boots can turn even the best day into a miserable one. Here are a few tips to keep your feet and boots in top shape:

• Don’t Ignore Pain: Address foot issues like warts, blisters, or injuries immediately. Postponing treatment can lead to bigger problems down the road (and maybe even lasers).

• Invest in Quality Boots: A reliable pair of boots, like my (now semi-destroyed) Irish Setter Elk Trackers, can make all the difference during long days afield.

• Rotate Your Footwear: Always bring a backup pair of boots or shoes, especially when traveling. You never know when a Newfoundland—or the elements—might take out your go-to pair.

• Care for Your Boots: Clean and condition them regularly to extend their lifespan. For leather boots, use a conditioner and waterproofing wax or spray to maintain durability and keep moisture out. Reapply waterproofing treatments seasonally or after heavy use in wet conditions.

• Be Prepared for Weather Extremes: Waterproof and insulate your boots as needed for the season. Wet or cold feet can derail any outdoor adventure.

• Chainsaw Safety and Boots: If you're operating a chainsaw, consider boots with built-in chainsaw protection. Look for options with reinforced toes, cut-resistant materials, and slip-resistant soles to keep you safe on rugged terrain.

• Breaking In Your Boots: Don’t Be That Guy

  One last piece of advice—make sure to break in your boots before you really need them. There’s always that one guy who shows up at the trailhead with a shiny new pair of boots fresh out of the box. Inevitably, they get hot spots and blisters and spend the day complaining about their feet, which can ruin the experience for everyone else.

  Don’t be that guy! Take the time to wear your boots around the house, on short hikes, or even during errands to let the materials soften and mold to your feet. Breaking them in gradually can save you (and your friends) a lot of misery during your next big adventure.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re hunting elk, working with clients, or just enjoying time outdoors, your feet are your foundation. Treat them well, invest in reliable footwear, and always have a backup plan.

As I’ve learned firsthand, a good pair of boots can make or break your day—and sometimes even your adventures. From the Montana backcountry to a mischievous Newfoundland in West Virginia, the right boots and a little preparedness can go a long way in keeping you comfortable, safe, and ready for whatever the day throws at you.

With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to schedule a habitat consultation! My schedule is filling up fast, but I still have a few openings left. Let’s work together to give your property an edge this season—don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule your consultation here.

Here’s to happy feet, thriving habitat, and a successful season ahead!