[pct-l] hiking boots

[sojo hendrix]

I second the vote for Merrell Ventilators - mid.  I have chosen them for my
thru-hike this year.  Light,  comfortable, sturdy.  Love 'em.

Sojourner

On Feb 12, 2010 7:03 PM, "Jim & Jane Moody" <moodyjj at comcast.net> wrote:



The O.P. asked about getting appropriate boots for his hike, not so much
about trail runners.  My advice is to go to the nearest outfitter (local
shop or chain like REI) and insist on being helped by the most experienced
boot fitter there.  I asked the owner of our local outfitter who he would
get to fit him, and then I asked for that guy, even though he didn't work in
the shoe / boot dept anymore.



If the clerk doesn't spend at least 15 minutes with you, measuring, watching
you walk, noting your arch and angle of Achilles, etc. before putting the
first boot on you, then he / she isn't doing his / her job.  Ask about the
proper way to lace them to minimize (1) your foot sliding forward and (2)
your heel rising up when you walk.  Try them on inclines; kick the floor
with the toe down, to see if the foot slides forward.  Ask if the store will
let you take a pair or three home to wear INSIDE, to see how they feel after
an hour or so.  Note- if they get scuffed, you have to buy them.  Brand
names don't mean anything.  A highly rated make might not fit you well, and
a Wal-Mart cast-off might be just perfect for you.  But until you understand
what features and shape your shoes should have, you can't shop intelligen
tly.  You probably will want a stiff sole with a good bit of tread / lugs
for teh JMT.



Good luck.



Mango

 To: pct-l at backcountry.net > From: ryanoxie at mac.com > Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010
14:33:39 -0800 ...