[pct-l] shoe shopping question

[Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes]

Some shoes fit in such a way you can get larger pairs and they don't  
feel loose. Snug around the instep so your feet don't slip. Those  
kind will feel okay and not too big even though sized larger than you  
are used to.

It's a good idea as Yogi said to get men's shoes. It worked fine for  
my women's size 7s in men's size 8EEEE and 9D (and one pair was a 10  
but probably mis-labeled). Most people actually wear shoes a couple  
sizes too small anyway, and it takes a long distance hike to make  
that obvious.

Wool socks don't slip as much as synthetic and it's possible to get  
thin insoles from the drug store with a rubbery surface that will  
also prevent slipping. Even the flat Spenco turned upside-down.

Also, I have a very thin pair of toe socks that go up to my knees so  
whoever said they can't find such a thing, it's available now.

On Feb 8, 2012, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> 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