[pct-l] [John Muir Trail] Heavier, Vibram soled boots...

[Thomas Jamrog]

Excellent advice, Ned,  to which I'd add--> get a sports podiatrist to consult on your gait as well.  A good DR. will instantly be able to predict exactly what the problem will be and also why your feet will give out on you, if you have any potential issues.  It is not just about the shoes, its how they interact with your particular body as they strike the ground.  Surviving a long trek is all about the feet, even more so than your fitness level.
Uncle Tom 

On Feb 15, 2010, at 12:57 PM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:

> I wasn't paying attention to this thread when it started, but after reading "Peter's" comments, I had to chime in. 
> 
> First of all, what you wear on your feet is a highly personal choice, so get out on a trail that will provide the similar, rugged conditions you expect to find on the JMT, and see for yourself what styles and sizes work for you, both on the uphill and the down. Get to know how your feet respond to daily stomping with a thru pack. Will they spread out like in trail runners, do they need to be held in place with arch supports and leather uppers to prevent plantar fascitis, do you need to pre-condition your skin to toughen them up to prevent blisters, do you need a vertical heel wall because you need the "braking" ability to stop or slow down in gravel, sand, or snow, do you like a little more weight on your feet for "swing-weight" to get down the trail easier, maybe you just like the ankle support afforded by the high leather uppers, you need to ask your self these and questions like them so you can discover what is best for you--before you're on the trail for good, in pain, an
> d must leave because you didn't figure this out earlier. As Peter said, you do not want to be way out there and suffering from ankle injuries, multiple blisters, tendonitis, fascitis, or any of the other foot maladies that all day trail pounding produces.
> 
> Sure, weigh what others say about what worked for their feet, but be more knowledgeable about your own. It's your hike and this is where the rubber meets the trail....
> 
> 
> Ned Tibbits, Director
> Mountain Education
> South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
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