I don't have any answers for you, but do have to chime in on my own experience. I had a wonderful opportunity to fly down to Az. and do a two day ride with a friend.. I rode her horse, used her saddle, which is the same as mine, but with a fleece cover and different stirrups. I will admit this was in the winter so I wasn't in tip top shape. We rode prior to the ride, adjusted things to fit me, or so I thought. Started off bright and early the first morning, and within 15 miles my feet were completely numb. We hit the first stop, and I leaped off adjusted the stirrups, within minutes, I knew my ankles couldn't handle the shorter stirrups. Had to make us stop and adjusted again. Needless to say I spent both days adjusting my stirrups. Nothing worked, I went home with 2 sprained ankles, my little toe nails both fell off, they are permanently disfigured now, they never grew back in normally. I had a great time and can't wait to do another multi, but it wasn't th
e shoes. I have no idea what threw me off so much, could have been my riding style, could have been different tack, I don't know, but it wasn't the shoes... They are the same shoes I rode in before, and I still ride in them. Have never had a problem with them. I know you aren't supposed to try new things right before a ride, I know, I know, I really know now... There was something that just didn't work for me, but I have no idea what it was. My good friend was ready to shoot me for being a whiner by the end.. By the last 9 miles of the 2nd (last) day I was ready for her to shoot me and put me out of my misery... It was the longest 9 miles of my entire life, I was sure it was never going to end.... I know this doesn't help any, but I feel for you.. I wouldn't wish numb feet or sore ankles on any one... Good luck. ( this isn't insinuating that it isn't your shoes, just feeling your pain)
vickie
