[pct-l] Footwear - help!

[miles brown]

I have now purchase my footwear.

Thank you all for your words of advice.
I'll probably be enquiring again after I complete my trek.

Thanks again. You've all been extremely generous with your time and advice.

On Sun, Sep 2, 2012 at 4:03 PM, Melanie Clarke <melaniekclarke at gmail.com>wrote:

> Dear Miles,
>
> When you select a trail runner, make sure it has a firm sole or you will
> start to feel every sharp rock through the sole and the bottom of your foot
> will start to feel bruised.  REI has some hybrid shoes that are a little
> bit sturdier than a running shoe but not as clunky as a hiker.  Also invest
> in a good insole.  REI now carries this really good sport cushion/support
> insole that is wonderful.  I looked at my insole and it is called,
> "Softsole" and has a picture of a lady running.  I like a little bit of
> cushioning and firmness but I am old (52).  I am always amazed as these
> young kids can successfully hike with just about anything.  I have never
> had an ankle problem so I don't like the high tops as well but I wear
> gators so I don't get stuff falling into my shoe all the time.
>
> My shoes were too small at the end when I hiked the JMT section.  Then,
> reading the advice from this site, I got shoes that were too big.  On the
> downhill sections my toes kept crashing into the shoe so I would get "toe
> jam" issues.  You need to be able to tighten the laces to hold your foot in
> place for the downhills.  So there is a "Goldilocks" shoe size, not too
> big, not too small.  Your foot really doesn't expand for the first 200-300
> miles but they will indeed expand so finding a "Goldilocks" size that works
> for you isn't easy.
>
> Footwear, I think is absolutely the most important piece of equipment but
> be prepared to make some mistakes before finding what works for you.
>  Section hikes and experience are your best bets.  Good luck!  Be patient
> and work with this aspect of your hike for a bit.  It will ultimately give
> you a better hiking experience.  Some people are lucky right away with
> shoes but most of us are not.
>
> Toga
>
> On Sat, Sep 1, 2012 at 5:23 PM, miles brown <e.milesbrown at gmail.com>wrote:
>
>> I'm about to trek the Oregon/Washington sections of the PCT.
>> What kind of footwear would you recommend?
>>
>> I hear "trail runner" a lot. I like that idea.
>> I'm a "minimalist" when it comes to running/walking wear.
>>
>> 25 miles of incline/decline mountain trekking sounds like I'd definitely
>> be
>> moving toward something *A LOT* heavier than what I'm used to wearing.
>>
>> Can I avoid hiking boots if I use a "trail runner"?
>>
>> And what kind of weight should I be looking at?
>> How about ankle & arch support?
>> How flexible should the sole be?
>> Bla bla bla bla bla...?
>>
>> --
>> Miles
>>
>> *Find your passion.  **Pursue it with fervour.  *Have something to fall
>> back on.
>> (Like, your ass.)
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>
>


-- 
Miles

*Find your passion.  **Pursue it with fervour.  *Have something to fall
back on.
(Like, your ass.)