I came down with a foot condition known as plantar facitis, a painful heel condition. During the process of trying to find the right shoes, I came across these things: Vibram five fingers. We'll have a much bigger story in an upcoming issue on these shoes and a really cool 100-plus mile journey I'll be taking in Glacier. But for now, I can say these shoes are uniquely comfortable. In fact, they're the only "shoes" I can hike in without severe pain (my orthotics fit inside them for arch support).

The only problem I've had so far: Stuff gets stuck between your toes.