[pct-l] Shoe size, type, yet foot expansion while backpacking?

[Jay Bruins]

The super nontechnical explanation is that your feet flatten out (basically, rapid aging). This changes stress patterns on your bones and can cause fun. I suffered a stress fracture and the remedy was stiffer shoes and insoles with better arch support (recommendation by a podiatrist, not the internet).

Coming off the trail, I had a pair of ski boots that didn’t fit. I went to the boot fitter and he simply formed some insoles (I previously had none in those boots) and the result was my foot box fit similar to how it used to.

FWIW, my shoe size only increased by a half size on the trail. I have also backpacked at least a week a year for most years since I was 13 so the increase might have been less than someone who had no such prior use. Also, since the trail, unless I’m cycling or going someplace super fancy, I always wear my trail runners so there is no distinction in trail vs non-trail shoe for me :)

Cheers,
Armstrong


> On Jan 17, 2017, at 10:34 AM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:
> 
> Mango, Shroomer, and everyone else,
> 
> I don't understand why hiker's feet expand and lengthen over the course of a
> long hike. I'm having a hard time simply accepting this rationale, that it's
> going to happen to all hikers.
> 
> As you guys may know, I log between 100 and 200 days on-trail every year,
> especially since 2005. I did the PCT and CDT. I typically carry between 65
> and 80 pound packs. I always use a leather boot that is one size bigger than
> my running shoe. 
> 
> Here is the source of my confusion, my feet haven't changed since high
> school!
> 
> What is it I am doing that everyone else is not? Why haven't my feet changed
> at all over the years? Is it that I haven't bought into the assumption that
> my feet would swell and lengthen? Could it be that my boots have been
> supporting my feet sufficiently, thus preventing this common malady? 
> 
> Would someone please explain?
> 
> 
> Ned Tibbits, Director
> Mountain Education, Inc.
> ned at mountaineducation.org 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pct-L [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Scott
> Williams
> Sent: Monday, January 16, 2017 8:43 PM
> To: Tom Weir <tom.weir at the-cabin-on-the-hill.com>
> Cc: Pct-L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] My first post since 2003
> 
> Hey Tom,
> 
> The Altras are all about the wide toe box and zero drop heal.  Most folks
> should go with a bigger shoe as Mango suggests just because your feet swell
> and lengthen as you hike, but if you're main issue is the width of the toe
> box, this may be a good shoe for you.  The zero drop heal sometimes takes
> some getting used to, so I'd recommend trying them as early as possible.
> You can always send them back if they don't work.
> 
> Give them a shot and see if they fit your feet.
> 
> Shroomer
> 
> 
> 
> On Mon, Jan 16, 2017 at 11:34 AM, <tom.weir at the-cabin-on-the-hill.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> How do the Altras run in width?  I wear New Balance mostly because 
>> they come in 4E width.  The Altras only have a maximum D width.  I 
>> suspect Altras might work for me because of the toe box design.  I 
>> need the 4E because of a wide fore foot, not because of a wide heel.  Any
> thoughts?
>> 
>> Tom
>> 
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