[pct-l] shoe sizing, cont..... (and boots and other things

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

I have read that book. It's very good. It's quite inspiring. I don't  
run, though. I tried after my big hike last year but it only made me  
way too hungry. I might try again now that I'm not so hungry.

There's a lady right now (Crow) wearing Virbram Five Fingers on the  
PCT. She alternates between them, barefoot and Chaco sandals. She is  
really missing her shoes and is looking forward to picking up shoes  
in Echo Lake. She misses the cushioning.

I can relate. On my last two backpack trips wearing Chacos, they do  
start to feel really hard by the end of the day. I can only imagine  
how hard they feel after weeks and weeks. I wonder what it takes to  
be able to hike without cushioning for 20 or 30 miles a day. Maybe  
you have to run part of the time?

Diane

On Aug 25, 2010, at 8:28 PM, John Licata wrote:

> If you haven't read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, I  
> recommend it.
> He talks at length about endurance runners with 'flip flops' that  
> put in
> relatively high mileage.
>
> http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/ 
> 0307266303
>
> He also discusses research on the benefit of barefoot vs. shoes.   
> Having
> known a few folks who have picked up Vibram Five Fingers after  
> reading the
> book there should be caution given to folks who attempt to  
> transition back
> to 'au natural' footwear.  My friends have tried to make the jump and
> injuries abound.
>
> John