[pct-l] shoe size question

[Scott Williams]

Over the years, the more miles I put on my feet, the looser I've needed my
shoes to be.  I used to lace everything up tight when I wore boots and even
some of the early street runners and trail runners.  But I've come to
really appreciate my foot flopping around in my shoe now, more like a loose
sandal or a moccasin might be worn.  They are supremely uncomfortable with
any tension in the laces at all at this point, and the only time I really
lace them up tight is when crossing a rushing stream where they can get
snatched right off my feet by the current.  The minute I hit the bank
however, I loosen them immediately.  That may not be where you're at with
shoes, but believe me, too small, or too tight will cause trouble and
blisters, whereas you may even come to liking looser shoes.  The one caveat
is that my feet are old and grizzled, and don't blister easily as I walk a
lot.  Yours may not be toughened yet, so go with what works, but remember,
you can always buy the next pair at a trail town via the Internet or phone
call and have it shipped General Delivery to your following stop, where
they will be waiting for you in a larger size if that seems appropriate.
After my feet grew from a size 9.5 (all my adult life) to their current,
clownish, solid size 12, I had to give several brand new pairs away to a
friend.

Happy hiking,

Shroomer

On Sun, Mar 11, 2012 at 1:43 PM, Ben Ulsh <ulshbdbd at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> I am stocking up for a thru hike in 2013 and I am about to buy a pair or
> two of Brooks cascadias.  I have one hang up though.....I don't know how
> what size to buy to account for feet swelling.  It feels so wrong to buy a
> half size or even a size too big.  It seems that if you buy a shoe that is
> too big you risk extra movement and slippage which could lead to blisters
> etc.  I know I am over thinking this but if anyone can offer some wisdom
> about choosing the right shoe size to account for the inevitable swelling
> of a long distance hike that would be very much appreciated. Thank you all
> in advance!!
> Best,
> Ben
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