[pct-l] Footwear - help!

Tortoise Tortoise73 at charter.net
Sun Sep 2 22:13:30 CDT 2012


After reading some discussions about footware on this list last year, I 
tried both around home and on the trail of not using a fancy footbed or 
insole or even my custom orthotics. I use only a Spenco flat green neoprene 
insole and have been better this way than with the other stuff. I think I 
am a little more sure-footed now because my feet can somewhat sense the 
walking surface.

We evolved over the millennia walking and running barefoot on ground.  
Shoes are generally needed both because of the modern surfaces we walk on 
and because our feet have not been toughened thru lots of walking barefoot.


Also I no longer use the laces over the front part of my shoe. I just use 
the laces closer to my ankle. These hold my feet in place and my toes are 
not squeezed by tight lacing.

I suggest you experiment and see what works for you.

Tortoise

Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable
President John F Kennedy,  1962

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On 2012.09.02 14:03, Melanie Clarke wrote:
> Dear Miles,
>
> When you select a trail runner, make sure it has a firm sole or you will
> start to feel every sharp rock through the sole and the bottom of your foot
> will start to feel bruised.  REI has some hybrid shoes that are a little
> bit sturdier than a running shoe but not as clunky as a hiker.  Also invest
> in a good insole.  REI now carries this really good sport cushion/support
> insole that is wonderful.  I looked at my insole and it is called,
> "Softsole" and has a picture of a lady running.  I like a little bit of
> cushioning and firmness but I am old (52).  I am always amazed as these
> young kids can successfully hike with just about anything.  I have never
> had an ankle problem so I don't like the high tops as well but I wear
> gators so I don't get stuff falling into my shoe all the time.
>
> My shoes were too small at the end when I hiked the JMT section.  Then,
> reading the advice from this site, I got shoes that were too big.  On the
> downhill sections my toes kept crashing into the shoe so I would get "toe
> jam" issues.  You need to be able to tighten the laces to hold your foot in
> place for the downhills.  So there is a "Goldilocks" shoe size, not too
> big, not too small.  Your foot really doesn't expand for the first 200-300
> miles but they will indeed expand so finding a "Goldilocks" size that works
> for you isn't easy.
>
> Footwear, I think is absolutely the most important piece of equipment but
> be prepared to make some mistakes before finding what works for you.
>   Section hikes and experience are your best bets.  Good luck!  Be patient
> and work with this aspect of your hike for a bit.  It will ultimately give
> you a better hiking experience.  Some people are lucky right away with
> shoes but most of us are not.
>
> Toga
>
> On Sat, Sep 1, 2012 at 5:23 PM, miles brown <e.milesbrown at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I'm about to trek the Oregon/Washington sections of the PCT.
>> What kind of footwear would you recommend?
>>
>> I hear "trail runner" a lot. I like that idea.
>> I'm a "minimalist" when it comes to running/walking wear.
>>
>> 25 miles of incline/decline mountain trekking sounds like I'd definitely be
>> moving toward something *A LOT* heavier than what I'm used to wearing.
>>
>> Can I avoid hiking boots if I use a "trail runner"?
>>
>> And what kind of weight should I be looking at?
>> How about ankle & arch support?
>> How flexible should the sole be?
>> Bla bla bla bla bla...?
>>
>> --
>> Miles
>>
>> *Find your passion.  **Pursue it with fervour.  *Have something to fall
>> back on.
>> (Like, your ass.)
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