[pct-l] Boot Wear Patterns

[tapwild-backpack at yahoo.com]

Shoe hiking is on the rise, and many extol the virtues thereof over boots.  It seems tempting, but there are two disadvantages often given (amongst the lavish praise):

1) Feet growing as much as three sizes (apparently you should plan on at least one full size).
2) Needing to buy new shoes every 800 miles or so (3-4 times on a PCT through-hike).

Do boots share these disadvantages as well?  If you wore boots on a through hike please share! How much did your feet swell on a through-hike?  Did you have to get new shoes because of it?  How many pairs of boots did you need to get through?  Why did you get new ones (worn out, swollen feet, better breath-ability, more waterproof)?

-Joseph A. Cottam
Preparing for the PCT in 2010