[pct-l] Hiking in sandals

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

On Oct 5, 2012, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> From: Miekke <rayvenwahine at yahoo.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Hiking in sandals
>
> Hi list!
> I regularly get blisters on my inner left heel area. Last weekend  
> one started forming on the right side too, and as an additional  
> bonus I also had blisters starting up on the inner balls of both  
> feet. Obviously, I need to have a pro help me figure out what's up  
> with that, but I'm also thinking about trying sandals because  
> mostly those hot spot areas will not be covered if I'm in sandals.  
> I also like the idea of not having to empty my shoes out all the time.
> So, for those of you who have hiked in sandals, what are the pros &  
> cons, and what make/model/etc do you recommend?
> Thanks for the input!

Pros:
Plenty of room for your toes.
Easy to deal with creek crossings.
Easy slip-on for middle of the night trips to the bushes.
No need for camp shoes.

Cons:
You have to shake out your sandals way more frequently than you ever  
have to shake out your shoes.
You can get a lot of blisters from the straps if you don't wear socks.
Not many brands of sandals have as good traction as most trail  
running shoes.
Hard to walk in snow because snow balls up under your toes.

I've backpacked on the PCT for hundreds of miles wearing Chaco  
sandals. I've hiked sections in Northern California, sections of the  
JMT, San Jacinto including Fuller Ridge in the snow twice and two  
other sections in So Cal that included really awful, cold weather,  
rain and snow. I prefer them to regular shoes. I have to get the wide  
version otherwise the formed foot bed is too narrow for my feet.