[pct-l] Boots

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

Since your subject line was boots, this message probably won't help you.

Lately there's a lot of interest for minimalist hiking shoes and  
Vibram 5 Fingers. Usually the VFFs don't work out too well for people  
long term on the trail. I haven't heard if the other minimalist  
shoes, like the Trail Gloves or similar work out well.

There's a new one out from Altra Running called the Lone Peak. I  
recently bought a pair. They aren't as minimal as other shoes but  
they are more minimal than ordinary trail running shoes. The sole is  
a little thinner but not super thin like minimalist shoes. There's  
cushioning. There's no arch support and they are zero-drop--no heel  
rise or toe spring. The toebox is supposedly wide but my freakishly  
wide feet could argue with that a bit. Still, with the insoles  
removed, my EEEE width feet fit in the ladies model in my size.  
That's unheard of for me to wear ladies shoes in my size.

I've been wearing them around and on some day hikes and I think  
they're terrific. Might be an option for someone considering  
minimalist shoes who is willing to admit that under some  
circumstances, a little cushioning is a plus. Might not be an option  
if your feet are super wide.

Diane

On Nov 16, 2011, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> Any favorite brand/style shoes out there?
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry