[pct-l] shoe shopping question

[Fred Walters]

Have you considered buying larger shoes but using volume reducers for the
earlier stages of your hike.  I don't know about the US but in the UK they
are made by Superfeet (probably others as well) one type for under the
foot, the other between laces and tongue.  They are different from insoles
in that they are flat (i.e. not shaped with foot arches, etc.) and go under
your normal insole.  So you might be able to get away with larger boots and
just take out the volume reducers when you need more space.

On Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 4:19 AM, Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <
diane at santabarbarahikes.com> wrote:

> 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
>
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