[pct-l] Trail runners vs hiking boots

[David Thibault]

Interesting I had the same issue with the Hardrocks - it took months for me
feet to recover from using them for a few weeks on the trail - just praying
to get to the next town where I could get new shoes.  I know a few others
that love them.  That is why footwear is so hard to make recommendations
for - it really takes just trying and seeing what works for you - this can
be a long and expensive process for some folks.

If you do a lot of long distance running (think marathoners) this foot
spreading has probably already happened for you.  But most people see it.

When I came back from my first thru hike - I had to replace all the shoes I
had before hand.  They were just so tight.  I couldn't even get my feet
inside my hockey skates - that one cost a bit to replace...

Day-Late (EEEE's all the way now)



> My feet were ruined in Piper's Flight because I bought Montrail
> Hardrocks which apparently have a very molded bottom insole. My toes
> were forced into this pointed up position and I was walking right on
> the bones at the base of my toes. I can't even watch people walk in
> those things it makes me hurt just to watch. I don't think they make
> them anymore.
>
> I came back to finish the trail the next year with squishier, more
> flexible shoes and did fine.
>
> Some people really like those stiff, moldable insoles. Some like the
> superfeet. I liked the squishy foam ones.  Roadwalks are a killer and
> the soft squishy makes it more bearable.
>
> Not only can you put microspikes on crocs, you can also put your
> superfeet in them and hike in them just fine. Who was it, Ameoba? She
> hiked in crocs the whole AT plus the So Cal section of the PCT.
>
> Totally whatever works. Try it all. Try it on the trail. You can even
> find lots of shoes in hiker boxes. I still regret not taking a pair
> from the hiker box in Elk Lake. They were perfect.
>
> Shoe mods, too! And crazy ways to tie them. I met a guy last year who
> cut the tongues out of his shoes for more room.
>
> Lately I have some Keen hiking shoes. They feel like huge clunky
> boots to me. Also New Balance Minimus. Feels like not enough support
> against the rocky trail, but I feel way more nimble. I hike in Chaco
> sandals a lot and even in homemade sandals.
>
>



>
> Wow, this foot swelling thing is kind of troubling to me. Is this a
> permanent change or something that reverts to normal after your thru hike?
> I'm having a hard time imagining sending larger sized shoes ahead.
>
> Randy
>
>