[pct-l] foot ware

[Jim & Jane Moody]

I disagree with a portion of Diane's post about footwear in the Sierra (below).  Heavier boots were much preferred in the Sierra this past year, which had a much higher than average snowpack.  Kicking steps in trail runners on a steep traverse (e.g., Mather Pass) requires a shoe that is sturdy with an actual heel and firm sole, which trail runners / sneakers do not have.  For those who hike the Sierra when the snow is gone, then I guess sneakers would suffice. 



The "dry out quicker" argument is also specious.  This year the Sierra had so many creek crossings that nobody's shoes dried out, boots or sneakers.  However, if they freeze overnight, then trail runners are easier to get on, especially if you forget to loosen the laces on your boots.  



Her comments about the sandals in the desert seem like great advice, from personal experience. 


Mango 



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes" <diane at santabarbarahikes.com> 
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:08:14 AM 
Subject: Re: [pct-l] foot ware 




Boots are actually a liability in the Sierras because they don't dry   
as quickly on your feet while you walk. Of course, if you're a   
traditionalist, you'll reject that assertion on some notion of   
needing protection or support or shoes that don't wear out quickly,   
or shoes that can handle the supposedly super rugged conditions   
(seemed like a regular trail to me). That's fine. 


_______________________________________________ 
Pct-L mailing list 
Pct-L at backcountry.net 
To unsubcribe, or change options visit: 
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l 

List Archives: 
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/