[pct-l] Footwear.

[Greg Kesselring]

3 1/2 pounds is fairly light for boots, but of course not as light as 
trail runners which run about 1 1/2 pounds.  However, if you're 
comfortable in boots and they've worked well for you in the past, then 
maybe don't mess with success?  If it ain't broke, don't fix it...

But, have you hiked 20 miles days, several in a row in those boots.  If 
they've passed that test, then they might be the ticket for the PCT.

One more point:  For me, fit is more important than type of shoe (trail 
runner, lightweight hiker, or heavier boot).  Unfortunately, it's 
usually not apparent when I'm walking around the store with them on.  It 
may take a mile or three on the trail before I realize that these shoes 
are not going to work (causing pain in my toe joint).   The straightness 
or curvature of the last seems to be the key for me.   (After much 
experimentation I've found that I need a straight last, the New Balance 
SL-1 or SL-2 work best for me.) And getting a shoe that has LOTS of room 
in the toe box.  I buy a size bigger and wider than my street shoe size. 
  So it may not be the trail runners that are the problem.  It may be 
the FIT of the trail runners.  That is, another brand, another size, 
another last, may solve the problem.

Greg

Kevin Clayton wrote:
> I am planning on thruhiking the PCT starting on may 20
> and have come to a bit of a predicament with footwear.
> In the past while backpacking I have always worn
> boots-this was before I switched to a lightweight
> style and was carrying 50 pounds. The switch over has
> gone well with the exception of shoes. I have tried
> out a number of light weight trail runners but all of
> them so far have caused foot pain, and hot spots. Last
> summer I used a pair of vasque wasatch boots while
> working on a trail crew on the Montana CDT. They were
> excellent and I didn't get a single blister all
> summer, but they weigh 3.5 pounds.
>
> Do my feet just need more conditioning in trail
> runners? or are light weight shoes for long distances
> not for everybody? Should I stick with something that
> already works for me? thank-you for the advice in
> advance.
>
>
>
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