[pct-l] Hiking Shoe recommendation for thru-hike

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

I am still seeking the holy grail as far as hiking shoes. I like the  
roominess of New Balance for my Hobbit feet. But I have not yet found  
the perfect model. I'm considering ordering some 811s.

I did a lot of research online after having to leave the trail last  
year. I had to leave because I bought trail runners that were too  
"supportive" (read stiff) and they crippled me. I learned a lot  
reading about barefoot running. There are people out there who run on  
trails in their barefeet or wearing homemade hurachi sandals. There's  
a lot of info out there on the debilitating effects of shoes, much of  
it written by doctors. I don't believe I can backpack with 30lbs on  
my back in bare feet or hurachis, but I do see the wisdom of not  
hindering the natural movement of my feet and legs.

So now I'm trying to find good shoes with the help of a web site  
called Road Runner Sports. They rate each shoe for the type of  
support it provides.

Don't feel compelled to follow the trends or the "rules". Do what  
works for you. The PCT is graded quite gently much of the time and  
they keep it pretty smooth (the JMT portion is an exception--lots of  
Inca trails and giant rock steps.) When choosing shoes, I think it  
may be wiser to think of this hike as a long walk rather than a  
mountaineering expedition. Your shoes have to allow your body to walk  
a marathon every day for months on end.

By the way, if you are vain about your feet, don't hike the PCT.  
Before the hike I wore ladies size 8-9. Now I wear 10-10.5.