[pct-l] shoe shopping question

[Edward Anderson]

Amanda,
 
Mango has given you great advice. My only comment is I don't think "toe socks" are necessary. Instead, I have always worn two pairs of socks - the ones that I put on first are lightweight nylon that fit close to your foot. The heavier socks go outside the lighter socks. This eliminates friction on your toes, and therefore blisters. I suggest that you try two different thicknesses of the heavier socks to see which works best. Depending on how much hiking (especially with a pack) you have done in the past, your feet might actually become larger.
 
MendoRider-Hiker
 

________________________________
 From: Jim & Jane Moody <moodyjj at comcast.net>
To: Amanda Schaffer <okapi.ams at gmail.com> 
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 6:31 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] shoe shopping question
  


Amanda, 

My suggestion is to first find a suitable shoe as to weight, toe box size, air circulation (if you're starting nobo), tread, price, etc..  Buy one pair at least one size larger than you normally would wear.  Wear those on your training hikes a nd around town to see how they feel.  They probably won't last much past 500 miles on the PCT, so the next pair you get can be the same size or larger, based on how they feel after hiking a month or so.     



You might have your home support person ready to buy and ship the next pair on short notice. You might even buy a second pair before you leave, with the understanding from the store that you can exchange for a larger new pair with no hassle. 



As to socks, take an extra pair or two, so if  you feel like you need more cushion, you'll have it at hand.  You didn't ask, but I'm going to suggest wearing toe socks as your inner layer and a thin pair of longer socks over those, to protect ankles, keep some sand and dirt out of your shoes, etc.  I can't find toe socks that come up over the ankles, so I wear a second pair of socks.  This combination of socks and large, roomy trail runners have served my well on the PCT and on training hikes on the AT.  No blisters, not even any hot spots. 



Good luck, 

Mango 



----- Original Message -----


From: "Amanda Schaffer" <okapi.ams at gmail.com> 
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 10:20:44 AM 
Subject: [pct-l] shoe shopping question 

Hi all, 
  I'm planning for a thru-hike and anxious to start testing some new shoes 
(I've previously been doing longer trips in Asolo boots but have come to 
realize they're way too heavy for serious mileage). I have some questions 
about the recommendation to get shoes 1 1/2 sizes bigger than normal -  how 
can you tell that they'll fit well? Do you try on shoes at your current 
size to see if they're comfortable, then buy them larger, or try on the 
larger size? Do you wear extra socks the first day or two to keep your feet 
from slipping and causing blisters? 

I always struggle with choosing shoes, so any tips are greatly appreciated! 

Thanks, 
Amanda 
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