Australian Hiker

An issue that continues to be a problematic for me is sourcing footwear, in particular for my long distance hikes. For shorter hikes I have a few more options and can get away with a less than perfect fit but given that a hiker’s foot will swell over a long multiday hike, shoe choice is critical. Prior to undertaking my Bibbulmun Track hike in 2018 I was the proud owner of size 14 US feet. Now two years later, my feet are a size 15 US. Given that mens shoe size 12 and above account for less than 2% of the male population, the footwear manufacturers understandably don’t provide a lot of options. Earlier this year I identified the brand and model of my trail runner for this trip with included the additional consideration of being able to cope with gaiters.

I was very organised having made my selection around three months ago but when I went to order my preferred choice, I discovered my first choice was not available and neither were my second or third choices. This resulted in a mad scramble, contact with manufacturers and retailers and an almost daily scouring of online stores to find what I needed. As luck would have it I located my preferred option on the day this post went live but I am now faced with a delivery timeframe that may not meet my start date!

As luck would have it I have a pair of brand new ‘just in case’ trail runners sitting in my cupboard that are very comfortable even though they are not my best option due to the gaiter requirement – beggars can’t be choosers! Now I just have to wait on the freight system to see if my first (I mean third!) option arrives arrives in time.

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