Keep my calluses?

[ScooterB]

So...I'm about two weeks away from starting my Camino and wondering whether to get a pedicure to smoothe out my rough ugly feet, or just hang onto all the calluses I've built up during my training-- thoughts?

 

[Bradypus]

If you have already done the hard work of toughening up your feet in the footwear you will be using why undo the good work now? I would leave well alone at least until my Camino is over.

 

[Magwood]

According to foot expert John Vonhof, author of "Fixing your Feet", you should leave for your camino with your feet as smooth as a baby's bottom.

Forum member and camino guidebook author Dave Whitson (@Dave) has produced an ongoing series of camino related podcasts. Number 8 in the series features an interview with John Vonhof and is well worth listening to. The part that specifically relates to calluses is around minute 30, but I highly recommend listening to this and all of Dave's podcasts in their entirety. Here is a link to the podcast on foot care (which also includes a section on the dreaded subject of snoring)

Buen camino!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Keep your callouses! They are there for a reason! And they'll let you know when it's time to trim them.
I had a pedicure just previous to my 2010 camino, and wished I hadn't. The trouble spots were right where the callouses had been, where my body had installed its own "elephant hide" spot to protect me.
IMHO, Save the baby's bottom as a treat, for when you get home.

 

[Rob the Slob]

Just bear in mind that you can also develop blisters under your calluses.

 

[JillGat]

Yeah, I get blood blisters under the callouses along the outside ridges of my big toe. It has more to do with the bio-mechanics of my feet than it does my shoes. I hate the thought of expensive orthotics, though.

 

[BrienC]

According to foot expert John Vonhof, author of "Fixing your Feet", you should leave for your camino with your feet as smooth as a baby's bottom.

Forum member and camino guidebook author Dave Whitson (@Dave) has produced an ongoing series of camino related podcasts. Number 8 in the series features an interview with John Vonhof and is well worth listening to. The part that specifically relates to calluses is around minute 30, but I highly recommend listening to this and all of Dave's podcasts in their entirety. Here is a link to the podcast on foot care (which also includes a section on the dreaded subject of snoring)

Buen camino!

I completely agree with Magwood. Vonhof is very much in favor of smooth and supple (and trimmed and rounded toenails). John has treated my feet in endurance events. He knows his stuff and helped me get through those events.

Buen Camino!

 

[CathyJ]

The following has been copied from the website for the Oxfam Trailwalker, I have always kept my feet free of callouses and throughout my training have not had any blisters. I also, always, keep my feet moisturised and soft (I often apply a very rich product and then put socks on for maximum effect). Not saying this is for everyone and I know it's possible this may be different while on the Camino but I am confident that it's the right way for me;

"Prepare your feet. Clip your toenails so they are short and rounded to help prevent pressure and bruising. A little callous is healthy, however you should gently file back excessive callous in the weeks prior to the event, or have it removed by a podiatrist. It’s a common misconception that hard skin prevents blisters – the worst blisters are under areas of callous. Moisturiser can be used daily to improve the elasticity of skin and minimise hardening."

Oxfam also recommend the use of anti-friction products but not Vaseline

 

[Anemone del Camino]

The following has been copied from the website for the Oxfam Trailwalker, I have always kept my feet free of callouses and throughout my training have not had any blisters. I also, always, keep my feet moisturised and soft (I often apply a very rich product and then put socks on for maximum effect). Not saying this is for everyone and I know it's possible this may be different while on the Camino but I am confident that it's the right way for me;

"Prepare your feet. Clip your toenails so they are short and rounded to help prevent pressure and bruising. A little callous is healthy, however you should gently file back excessive callous in the weeks prior to the event, or have it removed by a podiatrist. It’s a common misconception that hard skin prevents blisters – the worst blisters are under areas of callous. Moisturiser can be used daily to improve the elasticity of skin and minimise hardening."

Oxfam also recommend the use of anti-friction products but not Vaseline

Interesting, my podologist has explained why toe nails should not be cut round but straight across (cause ingtown toe nails) also never to cut, shave off or grate calluses as they come back with a vengence. There are specific treatments for this.

 

[ScooterB]

The following has been copied from the website for the Oxfam Trailwalker, I have always kept my feet free of callouses and throughout my training have not had any blisters. I also, always, keep my feet moisturised and soft (I often apply a very rich product and then put socks on for maximum effect). Not saying this is for everyone and I know it's possible this may be different while on the Camino but I am confident that it's the right way for me;

"Prepare your feet. Clip your toenails so they are short and rounded to help prevent pressure and bruising. A little callous is healthy, however you should gently file back excessive callous in the weeks prior to the event, or have it removed by a podiatrist. It’s a common misconception that hard skin prevents blisters – the worst blisters are under areas of callous. Moisturiser can be used daily to improve the elasticity of skin and minimise hardening."

Oxfam also recommend the use of anti-friction products but not Vaseline

What type of product do you use?

 

[BrienC]

Oxfam also recommend the use of anti-friction products but not Vaseline

Aquaphor is a great product if you can get it. Works great if used on a regular basis to keep feet supple. If used on the trail it's somewhat water resistant and keeps skin from getting overhydrated.

Buen Camino!

 

[aliwalks]

I had a pedicure and kept feet moisturized an was fine.

 

[Rupe]

So...I'm about two weeks away from starting my Camino and wondering whether to get a pedicure to smoothe out my rough ugly feet, or just hang onto all the calluses I've built up during my training-- thoughts?

I walk 15 clicks a day and once a month I use an emery board to take away ONLY the rough part of the callus. Keep in mind you know your feet better then anyone.

 

[Bonita]

I had a pedicure 2 days before I left. I need them because of ingrown toenails, and my friend knows just how to do them. When she started removing any calluses, I started to worry because of what I had read. Well, the only blisters I had was on my little toes. I had no problem.

Thanks for the aquaphor tip. I have it on my shelf.

 

[JillGat]

Interesting, my podologist has explained why toe nails should not be cut round but straight across (cause ingtown toe nails) also never to cut, shave off or grate calluses as they come back with a vengence. There are specific treatments for this.

Calluses come back with a vengeance because of the biomechanics of our feet. They are not reacting to having been pared down, they are growing because of how we walk and/or what shoes we wear. I have found the website www.fixingyourfeet.com very helpful.

 

[zzotte]

Have a pedicure remove your calluses, blister can form under calluses and you don't want that

Zzotte

 

[CathyJ]

What type of product do you use?

Hi ScooterB, I use something like Neat Feat Heel Balm or Eulactol. Both products contain urea which helps to remove the hard, dead skin and lanolin which is intensely softening and moisturising. Applied at night and covered with socks is the best way. I have also recently been using a product called Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm. This is really nice for any dry skin, feet, hands, lips and has ingredients which are naturally antibacterial and anti fungal.

I also use Glide or Trail Toes on my feet to prevent friction when doing long walks.