[pct-l] how fast do feet change

[bharve at dslextreme.com]

>> Monty wrote:
>>
>> <You ask:
>> Should I start the trail with should 1/2 size bigger,
>> or wait until I'm busting out of my current runners?
>> My answer is   No.
>>
>> Bigger shoes is right.................. but even
>> bigger.
>> I wear shoes 2 sizes bigger and big enough they ring
>> like a bell when I shake them.>
>>
>>
>>
> Scott Herriott wrote
>>
>> I completely agree.  In fact, I wear size 13 on-trail,
>> 10.5 in civilian life.  Before I did this I was very
>> prone to blistering, afterwards, hardly any.  Make
>> sure
>> to tie your shoe in what's referred to, I think, a
>> "marathoner's knot".  Hard to describe...anyone wanna
>> help out with that?
>>
>>
Not familiar with the term 'marathoner's knot'.  However, to provide as
much toe box room as a particular shoe affords and still avoid heel
rubbing against heel counter, a knot in the lace can be used: Thread the
lace ends loosely up through the first few crossings (typically two) and
loosely through the holes above that crossing, then tie a firm square
knot.  Above the square knot, lace remainder snugly and tie normally
at top.  The square knot prevents lower part of lace from being tensioned,
thus preventing  the toe box and toes from being compressed.  For extended
descents, cinching lace ends very firmly above the square knot can cinch
top of the shoe down against the foot bridge and keep foot from sliding
forward and pressing toes against front of shoe.
This approach isn't applicable on a an unmodified Salomon shoe because of
it's slick lace points and slick single tug lace with cord lock.

My street shoe size is also 10.5, D width.  I wore size 12, 4E width shoes
through Section D and had no blisters.  Next pair size 12 D worn to
Tuolumne, many toe blisters.  Next pair size 13 D worn to Castle Crags
with fewer toe blisters.  Next pair size 13 D worn to White Pass,
continuing toe blisters.  Final pair Montrail Hardrock 13 'wide' worn to
Manning Park.  Wish I'd found Montrail Hardrocks sooner!  Would have
gotten 4E instead of 'wide', if that had been an option.  It seems my feet
are more prone to blistering on toes than elsewhere and that excess width
is as important as oversize for me.

geezer