How These Hikers Overcame Foot And Ankle Pain To Conquer Their Trail Adventures

At Summit Strength, we help hikers overcome foot and ankle pain while hiking so they can get back to enjoying the trails they love. We've worked with numerous hikers dealing with chronic foot pain, ankle pain, and hiking-related injuries, and through the right training, education, and personalised support, we've seen fantastic results.

With a personalised and hiking-specific approach, many of our clients have significantly reduced pain, improved performance, and returned to pain-free hiking.

Below, you'll find a collection of real success stories from hikers who overcame foot and ankle pain, rebuilt their strength, and reclaimed their confidence on the trail.

Training To Prevent Foot And Ankle Pain While Hiking: Summit Strength Reviews

 "I first hired Summit Strength to help improve joint pain that was impacting not only my hiking but also my day to day life.

When we started working together I received tailored and re-tailored the programs to address not only my feet, knee and hip pain but also came up with ways around other problems such as my vertigo. I loved that there was always another pain free option to address each exercise, which also means there is variety.

Summit Strength is a slow burn - it starts off feeling kind of easy and with less time commitment than I was used too but as time goes you get more out of each exercise and the results are there, oh and it gets tougher.
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There have been so many aha moments of “oh that pain in the middle of the night is gone” or “ oh I just got to the ground on that squat, and my knees are fine”. My first aha was simply going downstairs quicker and easier and without the normal pain. When I set out with Summit Strength my goal was to improve my pain levels, never to eliminate, and to be able to get out and enjoy more hikes with my friends who patiently waited for me on the downhill, anything else was a bonus. With their goal setting I put in more than I expected to achieve and have to admit that I was surprised to tick them all off and more. I don’t think I would have got here on my own.

I signed on longer to continue the great progress I made which for me was a great move. I would also recommend anyone else who needs that point of difference to their training to get them across the line whether it is a specific trip, to just improve or to deal with pain to try this because it works and is simpler than everything I was doing before. No matter your hiking experience (I was a hiking guide years ago) they will offer up ways to improve your skills on the trail."

- Jodi 

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"I signed up with Summit Strength to help with good plantar/foot health on the trail.

The process began with a personal interview and review of past problems I have had with foot health on the trail, followed by a customized program to prepare me.

This is a success story for me and I have already recommended Summit Strength to fellow trekkers. I have done 3 prior treks to Philmont and suffered from Plantar Fasciitis (and a stress fracture in my heel!) on all of them. But this time, I was pain-free the entire time and felt well prepared to go on the trail.
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Highly recommend Rowan's friendly and personalized approach for your next trek."

- Stephen 

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"I hired Summit Strength to help keep me moving and hiking through plantar pain, as well as to help train for a 1000 miles of hiking in 2022.

I knew I needed specific support to achieve my hiking goals and manage my plantar pain. I have a great team of folks locally that have support me and I was excited to find a hiking coach that specializes in moving through injury!

The plantar pain and overall planning was overwhelming and I needed specific support, that was Rowan. I came to refer to my local team as my primary support and Rowan as my specialist. Rowan held my (virtual) hand throughout the 12 weeks and adapted with me as things shifted or came up."

​- Jenni 

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"I hired Summit Strength to develop a strengthen program to compliment the physical therapy I was doing for the planter fascia tear in my left foot.

Rowan created a 3-month plan of strengthening/ flexibility exercises introducing a more rigorous program as I improved or when I had a setback adjusting the schedule.

Rowan has been insightful, a good listener creating a great work relationship over digital worlds. It was very helpful to be routine contact to adjust the program to my progress."
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- Steven 

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"I hired Summit Strength to help strengthening my ankles for hiking, specific to pain and discomfort in this area.

At the start of the process, he asked lots of questions and information. Throughout, he was very respectful and encouraging to move at a pace that would allow for strengthening results specific to me.

It was an empowering and encouraging experience. When I focussed on the strengthening routines and took a break from hiking for a number of days, got back on track after consistent work, it was a great difference afterwards. I hadn't noticed that the pain and discomfort had gone until I reached the summit.

I would definitely recommend them to others. Great knowledge and very supportive. Attentive to listening to the specific need that isn't always obvious."
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- Maria 

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I started working with Summit Strength to help me prepare for my hike on the Bibblumum track. 
I had come into this program with plantar pain from a previous exercise program.  Never had it before and really didn't know how to deal with it. 

I am also very new to this world of hiking, I've done one overnight with my sister. This nearly killed me, through the very challenging Kalamunda hills, the northern section of the track.  I basically knew nothing about hiking, gear, strength.  Nothing!!

My general experience was "outstanding".  The detail, the explanations, the way the program was delivered, both through trainerize and the small chunks of program, so you could manage each section.  

The pace (this seriously surprised me) at one point I did think, holy crap, I'm going to loose all my hard earned previous fitness on other programs because I'm not even breaking into a sweat. How wrong was I..... very wrong!!

I got stronger than I have ever been on any other program. 

It was such an incredible, well thought out, well delivered and accountable program.  Total credit to Rowan. His years of being in this space and putting it all together in a very achievable program, where you can see major changes.  Which in turn boosts your self confidence.  

I've gone from wanting to just manage a section of the Bibblumum track with my sister, to looking at thru hikes, but solo!!

Absolutely, 100% I would I work with them again. When I get the opportunity to go on my multi day or thru hike by myself, I will be calling on Rowan to get me strong enough to tackle the challenge safely and know I can trust my body to go the distance. I've already recommended your program to many people!!"
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- Linda 

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"The increase in ankle strength has helped me feel more confident where the terrain is more rugged and it’s a great feeling to have!

I would definitely work with Summit Strength again. I would have no qualms recommending them to other people, in fact I have already!"
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- Sue 
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"I hired Summit Strength to help alleviate foot pain and get stronger for hiking. I’d had some prior experience with personal trainers and online race prep plans, but Rowan’s approach is much more holistic and intuitive. He takes a personal interest in his clients because he genuinely cares about helping them, and he really knows his stuff.

It was a bit scary when I came to Rowan for help. I’ve never wanted to do be able to perform a sport or recreational activity as much as I do hike, and my feet have significant issues. There is a calf exercise I physically couldn’t complete in the first few weeks of training because of foot pain and the load on my joints. Well, I just did it this morning! It was a quiet but monumental victory. This whole experience has not only left me more equipped to prepare for my dream hike this summer, I believe again that I can keep hiking into my golden years, despite my foot challenges.

I highly recommend Summit Strength to anyone who wants specific training for an upcoming hike and/or needs help resolving foot/knee/back/etc issues.

Like I said, Rowan really cares about helping and is great about communicating as much as you need to feel comfortable with your training. He uses a seemingly endless pool of resources to help you find your personal best & confidence without ever making you feel like a number that has to meet a universal standard. It sounds corny, but he’s more of a friend than a fitness factory. That’s why I’d recommend him as a coach."

- Kathy 

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"I initially joined with Summit Strength to help increase ankle mobility

I was impressed by the program. The personalized programming is based on exercise science principles and the coaching and feedback were fantastic.

I would absolutely recommend it to others."
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- Audrey 

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I first hired Summit Strength to help me get stronger and fitter to hike longer and to (eventually) hike the Larapinta Trail for 6 days.
Through the process I became stronger in body and mind, ran/ hiked faster and longer and I stopped my mind limiting my body. As well as this I have no knee or foot pain any more! It was an amazing experience would recommend it to any and everyone
- Peta

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"I hired Summit Strength to strengthen my ankle and foot after recovering from a sprained ankle.

The questions asked in the pre meetings prior to planning the workout schedule gained a good understanding of how my injury occurred, where the pain was and when the pain would kick in. The online physical assessment I believe then supported the information provided which enabled my workout program to be tailored to my specific needs.

I really appreciated the genuine interest in my hike by Rowan, my concerns about doing the hike due to the pain I was experiencing and then the thought and detail that had been demonstrated with developing my tailored work out schedule.

I have already recommended Summit Strength to friends. I would highly recommend them as it has been a very good experience for me. I have been able to strengthen my ankle and foot and feel less anxious about the hike that is coming up. I felt supported throughout the program and appreciated the regular check ins."

- Jules 

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Working with Summit Strength was very helpful.

Rowan's individualized approach and attention helped me get back into trail running after being off for over a year. I previously thought, "No pain, no gain," but working with Rowan has really changed my way of thinking about exercise in general. His "reps in reserve" principle has helped make my foot and knee pain much more manageable.

- Nate 

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I successfully completed the Camino Frances (yay!!) just in time for my birthday in June. Six weeks across northern Spain - and I was in pain ever single day without fail. I'm not talking blisters, I'm talking joint pain and then shin splints - things that I could have avoided if I'd done the proper strength training to support my knees and ankles, and had worked up more slowly and consistently to carrying 12 - 16 lbs for hours each day, day after day.

When i got back, I said to myself that I never want to be in that much pain again, and in July I signed up for the coaching program that Summit Strength runs.

The coaching program has been great. They do a great job to customize the workouts and tailor it to where you are, how you're feeling, what's working well, and what's challenging.

Each week I check in with Rowan, and he gives me tips for how to modify the workouts based on what I'm facing that week - time crunches (he gives help prioritizing across and within workouts) - pain (he'll modify the exercises for that week).

I'm still in pain, but can feel that I'm getting stronger and know that having someone who I'm working with, who is asking me to check in with them once or twice a week, and who's giving feedback and tailoring the workouts.

If you've been considering signing up for coaching, reach out!  For some of us, it's the extra boost we need to stay accountable and on track, so that we can enjoy these big, epic adventures more comfortably and safely.

- Jessica

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 "I really appreciated the tailoring of the training program to my preferences, and the promptness, support and encouragement in response to my messages and queries.

In seeking other professional input around my plantar fasciitis pain, I had felt dismissed in my concerns and that I was not being taken seriously, possibly an ageist attitude by the professional and also because I was not familiar with strength training exercises and culture. I certainly felt respected in all my interactions with you, even as a newly strength trainee. Thank you.
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I found your presentations  clear in their instructions and your manner encouraging. I also really valued that I was able to complete the program at/from home and with equipment I had around the house. I was not expected to run or go to a gym! Yay!

Overall, I am pleased with the increase in my strength, especially in my legs over the eight weeks. I certainly experienced less plantar pain and have a much better understanding about causes of it, prevention of it and recovery from it. My strength was not put to test in the field (due to a cancelled hike) but I certainly gained confidence about doing so .Thanks very much again Rowan."

- Libby 

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"I wanted to give a HUGE shoutout to Rowan and the whole Summit Strength team! I recently got back from an Everest Base Camp trek and I 100% wouldn’t have made it without my training and preparation in advance.

I started the trip with basically no food the first 3 days due to food poisioning (this includes the trek to Namche Bazar with nearly 3K’ of gain in the last 2 miles). I don’t know how I made it other than mental fortitude and my physical preparedness. 

I also have preexisting cervical spine, knee, and foot injuries which were a concern. I had NO pain other than some mild discomfort in my right knee the last three days (the major decline days). Which is mind blowing because I can’t run a mile without my knee seriously hurting!

But I made it the full 80+ miles and 20K’+ elevation gain and had a phenomenal time!
Thank you to Rowan and the entire team for feedback, guidance, and the preparedness to make this dream a reality!!!"

- Carter

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How Summit Strength Helps Hikers Reduce Foot And ANkle Pain While Hiking

At Summit Strength, we specialise in helping hikers get strong and pain-free so they can conquer every adventure. And we have helped many hikers over the years overcome their foot and ankle pain and accomplish some amazing things on the trail!

How do we do this?

We apply specialised and personalised workout plans (covering strength training, conditioning, mobility and recovery - everything your feet and ankles need to stay strong, stable and comfortable on the trail).

We educate you on the topics you need to perform at your best and stay as comfortable as possible on the trail (such as pain prevention and management, nutrition strategies, gear advice, pacing techniques and much, much more)

We provide the support, coaching and accountability to keep you on track (no pain prevention journey is ever linear - so we ensure you have the support you need to work through all the ups, downs and uncertainties which come up).

If you are a hiker who struggles with foot or ankle pain, and you discover what a specialised and structured training program can do for you, you can check out The Online Summit Program here:

Online Personal Training For Hikers With Foot And Ankle Pain

Yours in trekking,

Rowan