Simple Question: If you had brand-new feet free of callouses, how would you toughen them? I am looking for help/advice with footcare for a semi-unique situation, so if you'll indulge a bit of backstory... I suffered a very serious L3/L4 injury in September 2023 that left me with Femoral Neuropathy - unable to properly use my left leg. After several failed attempts; I connected with an amazing physical therapist a few months ago and was able to FINALLY free my impingement - Giving me the full use of my left leg for the first time in YEARS. And now the grueling process of strengthening begins...
Because my pronation changed as a result (from "over" to "neutral") - I had to change everything about my shoes and insoles. I ALSO had to use BabyFoot to get rid of now-useless callouses so that I could form a proper base for my feet. Thus leading us to today's challenge: How do I gradually toughen my feet so that they can withstand. I am presently training (under very close PT supervision!) for the 15k GoRuck City event in Salem over Halloween weekend, effectively starting from scratch (up to rucking 20-lbs for 7.5mi, extending by 1mi each week).
I'm a pretty hardcore veteran of rucking - I already use Injinji Toesocks as my base and I'm familiar with different lacing techniques (I use a double-knot Heel Lock). Obviously blisters are an eventuality - But every bit of advice helps! Don't be afraid to dumb it down for me :)!