[pct-l] 2008 PCT thru hike Blisters

[Phil Baily]

Many years ago I used to read Runner's World and they always touted 
Brooks shoes for pronators. I jumped, apparently incorrectly, to the 
conclusion that all their shoes were designed for pronators. Either 
my jump was wrong, or they have more lasts now.
I agree that a good professional can be invaluable, but I also know, 
from experience, that many stores do not have a good one on duty all 
the time even though some act as if they were. I have had experience 
with both types. Therefore, try on several models. My main point is 
that you need to take users' recommendations with a little skepticism 
because what works for one, does not necessarily work for another. 
BTW, I have had good experience with factory reps knowing the 
characteristics of different models within their brand.
I also strongly agree with your comment about insoles.

Pieces


At 09:55 AM 2/29/08, jeff.singewald at comcast.net wrote:
>Phil,
>
>All major Shoe companies make shoes for people that pronate, 
>suponate and are neutral.  As I said in my earlier post, it is wise 
>to work with a shoe professional to determine first, what you need, 
>and second the appropriate model in different brands.
>
>I have a neutral fit and the Brooks model that I use is designed for 
>this.  Many of the insoles that thru-hikers rave about are not 
>neutral insoles and can actually offset the design of the shoe.
>
>I am glad that you and your wife have both found shoes that work for you.
>
>Elevator
>
>-------------- Original message --------------
>From: Phil Baily <pbaily at webuniverse.net>
>All suggestions are good. However, they are just that. They are good 
>for assessing wear and other things. However, fit is paramount. 
>Whatever sounds good, try in the store along with your next couple 
>of choices. You may be surprised how different shoes feel. A good 
>sales person (as below) can get you quickly to the best choices for 
>shoes or boots. However, not all sales people are good at that. 
>After buying, wear your choice a lot before you start.
>
>BTW, Brooks shoes are great for people who pronate, even a little. 
>My wife loves them. They feel terrible on me. (I swear by ASICS. She 
>can't wear them.)
>
>Pieces
>
>
>
>At 07:50 AM 2/28/08, jeff.singewald at comcast.net wrote:
>>I think this is one of those "group think" things.  Here on the 
>>list in 2004 and 2005, so many folks were recommending New Balance 
>>and Montrails and I saw many of these on the trail in 2006.  Some 
>>enjoyed them and some did not.  This is one of the many pieces of 
>>gear that should be well thought out, well ahead of your hike.  The 
>>fact that people are still talking about what shoes to wear six 
>>weeks before departure is amazing to me.
>>
>>When I was looking for a shoe, the first thing I did was head to 
>>the local high performance running shoe store.  The co-owners have 
>>each run more than 50 ultra-marathons (50+ miles in distance).  I 
>>sought ought their advise.  They immediately took video images of 
>>me walking to determine if I needed built-in correction or a 
>>neutral shoe.  They were very aware of the issues of foot 
>>swelling.  We tried 5 different shoes and finally came to the 
>>Brooks.  They provided me with different lacing techniques as well 
>>as the pros and cons of adding inserts (some shoes are not designed 
>>to have inserts).
>>
>>While hiking just south of Snoqualmie Pass, I happened to intersect 
>>the Crest Classic 100 mile Ultra Marathon.  Nearly 50 miles of the 
>>race was on the PCT tread.  There were 106 runners and I saw a 
>>number of these folks in Brooks.  On a side note, if you come 
>>across something like this on the trail, take advantage of it.  I 
>>hit 6-8 rest stops over the course of 40 miles that day and the 
>>organizers opened their tables to me with open arms!
>>
>>This is one of those "to each his own" decisions, but in my mind, 
>>future thru-hikers should have this on the top of thier list of 
>>gear preparation.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>-------------- Original message --------------
>>From: Unnu <pct at cryptogamic.org>
>>
>> > On Wed, 27 Feb 2008, jeff.singewald at comcast.net wrote:
>> >
>> > > I used Brooks Trailrunners (still my favorite trail shoe) and 
>> I bought 5
>> > > pair in advance of the hike.
>> >
>> > I love those shoes too! I've always thought it odd that they're super
>> > popular with trail runners (at least here in the Seattle area), but I've
>> > never seen anyone else hiking with them. They work great for me.
>> >
>> > Unnu
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>
>From:    Phil Baily <pbaily at webuniverse.net>
>To:    pct-l at backcountry.net
>Subject:    Re: [pct-l] 2008 PCT thru hike Blisters
>Date:    Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:50:23 +0000
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