[pct-l] footwear and such

[Scott Bryce]

Christopher Baker wrote:
> For arguments sake, the NB are $50 and the upper end brands are about
> $120. Our question: For double the price, are you roughly getting
> double the miles?

Probably not.

What you are looking for is the shoe that fits your foot best. If you
need to pay extra for that, then pay extra for that. If not, then don't.

You want a lightweight shoe that is comfortable, is breathable, has
adequate traction, is flexible, and fits your foot.

> We know everybody wears out shoes differently. If we need multiple
> pairs of shoes, which is the best cost/benefit option?

The shoe that fits your foot the best, and gives your toes LOTS of
wiggle room.

Don't look at shoes in terms of which shoes will cost me the least as I
hike the trail. Look at shoes in terms of which will give me the least
problems with my feet over the course of nearly 3000 miles.

> Also, for those who have thru hiked in the past, how many pairs of
> shoes did you need?

500 miles on one pair of shoes is typical.