[pct-l] swollen feet

[Bill Batchelor]

Brian,

My experience, and others, is two fold.  Yes, feet swell a bit.  Mine did
after the first hundred miles.  Second though is that it seems most hikers
find wearing shoes very loose - like slippers - really helps day to day
blisters and wear.   I suspect much of what is reported as swelling is
partly just wanting larger shoes.   To this day I still wear my hiking shoes
one size large, as does the gent (Cpt Bivy) who I hiked with this weekend.
And our feet are not swollen any longer.  Shoe sales people will tell you
"oh no, you should get the best fit".  Experience seems to tell many long
distance hikers that a large fit is just better.

I hope that answer is useful.  As always, your mileage may vary.

Regards,
Pink Gumby 

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Brian Erickson
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 10:47 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] swollen feet

How many of you had your feet swell while hiking? How much did they swell
(shoe size increase) and how quickly? I may be able to get a discount if I
purchase all my shoes in one place, at home, but I am worried about trying
to purchase ahead of time since I am unsure just how much my feet are going
to grow. Additionally, I don't know if the shoes I have picked out will work
best once I actually hit the trail with them. Do you think there would be
much of a difference, in terms of hassle or $, between buying ahead and
shipping or buying on trail? Thanks.

Pura vida
Brian
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