Congratulations “Fat Man Walking” Steve Vaught

Back in November 2005 I emailed Steve Vaught with some questions about his foot care. I wanted his input on a new chapter for the 4th edition of Fixing Your Feet. In case you missed it, Steve just finished walking from 3000 miles from San Diego to New York in 13 months. He called himself, The Fat Man Walking. He started weighing in at 410 pounds and lost about 100 pounds by the end.
     In February, he wrote in his journal: “So now, with my experiences on this walk, I have learned to judge my health not by a scale of weight but by a scale of mental harmony. Once you accept that you are in control of your life and weight, then lose the obsessive tendencies and work on curing the emotional base of the weight problem you will find that the body will take care of itself.”
     I am amazed at what Steve accomplished. He really had his mind on straight and knew what motivated him. When you weigh 410 pounds, foot care is vital. Carrying that much weight on your feet is tough. Then add on pack weight and the numbers are even worse. Here are Steve’s answers to how he managed his feet. Remember these were asked when he had gone about 2/3 of the way, around 2000 miles.
1. What shoes and socks are you using? Smartwool
2. How often do you change shoes and socks? Once a day
3. Do you carry any foot care supplies? If so, what? Hydropel Sports Ointment and first aid stuff.
4. What problems are your having with your feet? I had some problems to start with but not any longer.
5. Have any foot issues compound themselves over time? No if you maintain strict foot care routines you will not have compounding issues.
6. Do you have any overuse issues (tendons, etc)? I pulled three tendons in my knee early on but nothing since.
7. Do you have any toe issues? I have lost three toenails but they are growing back.
8. What could have helped you better manage your feet? Only experience.
9. Do you have a morning/night ritual for caring for your feet? Just washing and a massage.
     Steve told me he did not do any preventive taping. His advice to my readers was, “Listen to the advise of others, accept what sounds reasonable but ultimately you body will tell you what you need. I tried several recommendations from different lubricants, a mixture of A&D Ointment, Vaseline and Vitamin E, to Voodoo but ultimately went back to what I learned in the Marines.”
     He added three tips:
1. Do not change your socks every time you stop. Remove you socks, let them dry and re-use. Your foot creates "goosh" which is a perfect foot lubricant and protectant. My definition of goosh is dead skin, skin oil, sweat and fabric fibers – what some call “tow jam”.  Combined, they create a nice lubricating barrier. This is enhanced by commercial lubricant or a cheap antiperspirant.
2. While hiking do not wash your feet with harsh cleaner. Use only a mild soap to protect your goosh. The smell is just a fringe benefit!
3. For extra toe room, wear shoes that are one size too big. But make sure that the toe box portion of the shoe is tight all the way from top to bottom.
     His final comment was, "Well, that is what I do, and I have only had one real blister since Amarillo."
Congratulations “The Fat Man Walking” Steve Vaught – nice job. Check out The Fat Man Walking here.