A: Even if you never have to go in search of your own food or water, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the worst. Being able to hike 3 or more miles a day also means that your body is in better shape to fight off illness and infection. In a survival scenario, even the smallest of injuries can be game changers. The wrong shoes and cotton socks will ruin your feet in a matter of days. A small blister can turn into a large infection. There are a few sock materials (wool, smart wool, etc) that your local hiking shop can advise you on, that will go the distance and help avoid blisters. Here’s an old-school technique for avoiding blisters, but not as good as the right shoes and true hiker-quality socks. See old military method of avoiding blisters.
