[pct-l] kicks

Tue Nov 25 16:05:30 CST 2008

What Chacos are especially good for are forming to your foot -- it's almost like wearing a custom orthodic.  The more you walk in them, the more they fit to your foot.  Also, the deep structure of the sandal's sole absorbs a great deal of shock, making the constant pounding of miles less impactful on your whole body. The soles seem to last an eternity; my straps wore out (thanks in part to the demonic squirrel at Grouse Meadow) but the soles didn't show any signs of wear (800+ miles). I find that since my feet are taking a natural form improves my posture (like Earth Shoes or Birkenstocks), which helps for long days of weight bearing. I need all the help I can get. 

The straps are fully adjustable, so if you want to snug them to your foot, or keep them looser, you can quickly make the change.  I tend to snug mine up where there's any type of vertical exposure being that I'm a chicken, and I find they do not slip at all.  They also have fewer points of friction than shoes.  I did get blisters inbetween my toes, but that problem has been eliminated wearing toe socks. 

I've worn them from deserts to snowy mountain tops, and have found them to be my perfect footwear. Footwear is so personal and individual though, so Chacos won't be for everyone and YMMV!

L-Rod   

-----Original Message-----
>From: patti kulesz <peprmintpati88 at yahoo.com>
>Sent: Nov 25, 2008 9:30 AM
>To: pct <pct-l at backcountry.net>, Rachael Howard <rachaelmw at gmail.com>
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] kicks
>
>I personally wouldn't advise that type of shoe for the trail. You need something with arch support and something that holds onto ur feet so ur not sliding around. I have used the Chacos as well and they are fabulous for the reasons Bamboo Bob stated and b/c they offer the support u need as well! They are even more comfortable when worn with socks, of course u would have to change the socks if u crossed a creek in them. But if you're going to wear shoes, it's a different story. As for one pair...no way u'll make it. Remember that even if u wear a pair of comfy shoes for ten years, you're not putting on the mileage that u will on this trail in that kind of terrain with weight on ur back in a normal situation...not even in ten years and this will be in 3-5 months. 
>
>patti
>
>--- On Tue, 11/25/08, Rachael Howard <rachaelmw at gmail.com> wrote:
>From: Rachael Howard <rachaelmw at gmail.com>
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] kicks
>To: "pct" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 7:47 AM
>
>I'm planning to wear my Chaco's for the southern section of the trail  
>and then switching to NB's closer to Kennedy Meadows.  I've hiked in  
>the former before over distances of 100-200 miles at a time, and they  
>were completely comfortable and provided the necessary support.
>
>
>-rachael
>
>
>
>
>
>On Nov 25, 2008, at 9:42 AM, Bob Sartini wrote:
>
>> I live in Boston , the NB factory is two miles from my home. Many  
>> people
>> consider Boston part of the USA.
>>
>> I hike in sandals. A few years in Bite Sandals but they don't make  
>> them
>> anymore. More recently Keen.
>>
>> In the distant past I swore by Scarpa boots. Heavy.
>>
>> My argument for sandals is that they dry quickly after rain or stream
>> crossings. Boots never dry. NB's only dry eventually.
>>
>> If you carry a heavy pack (for reasons I don't understand) you might  
>> not get
>> enough support from sandals. I weigh 250 and carry 30-35 lbs max fully
>> loaded out of town and I love my sandals and will be unlikely to  
>> switch
>> although I think NB's are very nice. For me the dry - wet  thing  
>> carries the
>> day. Because for me wet boots means blisters.
>>
>> "EVERYTHING is in walking distance,"
>>    ......Bamboo Bob
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "d hans" <dhonah775 at yahoo.com>
>> To: "pct" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 9:10 AM
>> Subject: [pct-l] kicks
>>
>>
>>> Ok, I'm sure this is going to release a deluge, but I think
>I'm  
>>> ready...
>>>
>>> What is everyone's opinion on kicks?  I usually just buy mine at  
>>> Sierra
>>> Trading Post on super mega awesome clearance sale,
>>> but I'm not in Reno anymore... So I'm feeling a little
>overwhelmed  
>>> with
>>> the selection... Favorite brands? Loathed brands? I realize shoes fit
>>> everyone different, so I'm mostly interested in people's
>opinions  
>>> about
>>> the QUALITY (and socio-eco-responsibility) of brands. I'm looking
>>> mostly at New Balance cuz i heard they're made in America, but I  
>>> think I
>>> may have been misled on that tidbit...
>>>
>>> Also, how many pairs do people usually go thu on the trail? Any  
>>> chance
>>> I'll make it in one?
>>>
>>> So, ok, hit me...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Pct-l mailing list
>>> Pct-l at backcountry.net
>>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> Pct-l at backcountry.net
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