[pct-l] Trail Running Shoes

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

Matt, 



In 2006 which was a heavy snow year in the Sierra, I used Brooks Trailrunners for the entire thru-hike.  While my feet were wet for much of 21 days, I had absolutely no issues with blisters or cold feet (except when crossing the numerous waist high river crossings :) 



To be honest, I was skeptical about utilizing trailrunners for the entire hike and especially through the snow prior to my hike, but Flyin Brian gave me some advise that convinced me to give it a try.  I am glad I listened and have no regrets.  Three years later, Brooks trailrunners are the only recreational shoe I use outside of my business casual loafers. 





Jeff 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Matthew Oliphant" <moliphant at asymtek.com> 
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 2:51:40 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific 
Subject: [pct-l] Trail Running Shoes 

Given this list's recent proclivity to flame, I am somewhat hesitant to 
ask the following question but I will anyways: 
  
For those hikers who have used trail running shoes, for how much of the 
hike are they feasible (with respect to snow/slush and days of 
unrelenting rain)? 
  
BACKGROUND: I am highly susceptible to back-of-heal blisters and have 
found trail running shoes to be my fair weather hiking salvation.  On 
the JMT, San Diego "desert", and several trips to San Jacinto I used 
Vasque trail running shoes and did not have a single problem other than 
their rapid wear characteristics.  No hot spots, no blisters, no 
nothing.  I was overjoyed to find that they worked so well (with Injinji 
toe socks and smartwool outters) given that I went through many 
iterations of socks,leather and cloth boots, and first aid methods to 
address crippling blisters.   
  
I am deeply concerned with being able to find shoe alternatives for 
inclimate weather.  Is it crazy to consider wearing trail running shoes 
in the snow? 
  
Matthew 
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