Not my usual form of introduction, I’ll admit, but ‘mes pieds’ will be a hot topic over the next few weeks, when I’m walking the Camino St Frances in Spain, from Léon to Santiago de Compostela, so I figure you need to become more familiar with them – their likes, their dislikes, their strengths and their weaknesses. Getting up close and personal, as it were….

To be honest, I’ve spent the most part of more years than I’d like to admit, ignoring them pretty much. Yes,  I’ve had a pedicure here and there,  nail polish of course, and even given them a soak from time to time. But really, I’ve not given them any real credence at all – they’ve done their job without much thanks from me and, to their credit, they just got on with it.

But in my hour of need, I’m ashamed to say,  I’m only now finally paying them some extra care and attention.

So far, my feet are enamoured with the Merrell Goretex boots I bought some months back, but  I wonder if we’re still in that honeymoon period? Will they fall out of love, once we hit rocky ground? Could there be a mountain too high?? Or will I be a happy wanderer, following the long and winding road, in boots that were made for walking?

I could be lucky, you know. It’s a long shot, but there’s even a possibility that, after trudging 350klms across northern Spain, we might even be ‘soul’ mates (did you see what I just did there?)

So, some things I have learned..(or, if you like, Feet Facts)

1. Micropore tape for anti-blister prevention. And no, I’d never heard of it before either, but it’s definitely packed in my bag now, ready to go!
2. Vaseline, methylated spirits and wee (yes, you read that correctly). All are good for hardening the skin on feet, which then reduces the likelihood of blisters, apparently. And no, I haven’t yet tried the wee option…but never say never!
3. Plantar Fasciitis and Morton’s Neuroma. Nothing to do with anti-blister anything, but also not something you want your podiatrist to say out loud either, 3 weeks out from the big event. But he did…
4. Losing toenails. Strapping tape is the remedy for that eventuality, so I’m told. So yes, that’s in the bag, too.
5. Woollen socks, bamboo socks, double layered socks, anti-blister socks (yes, who knew??). I’ve got them all and it’s cost a fortune, but if they work it will be worth every cent.
6. And did I mention I’m blister-phobic?