[pct-l] Running shoe mania

[Montedodge@aol.com]

 I can see from the post there is a real trend to hike in running shoes. When 
I say hiking boots, I don't mean 6 lb. full shank Mt. boots, I'm talking 3 to 
4 lb. boots with one half shanks. People who've had bad experience with 
hiking boots are the ones who never had their boots fit them properly in the 
first place. This is why many hikers cop out and just go to the flimsy 
running shoe type boots that offer little or no support. If they had ever 
owned a decent set of boots that fit properly, most running shoe hikers would 
see they are missing the SUPPORT and  CUSHIONING effect that a good hiking 
boot can bring. I would hate to wake up with a fresh foot of snow at the base 
of forester, then throw on some little nylon bedroom slipper shoe and attempt 
to head up. I buy my son these Nike and New Balance shoes because he outgrows 
any boot in 9 months. ( They work fine for trail hiking, but will never be 
any kind of snow boot) A good leather boot has a stiff enough sole to allow 
side traversing in snow. In all my years of climbing, I've yet to see running 
shoes on Rainier or even Adams. Reason is insulation, cushioning and support. 
You can kill a grizzly with a 22 cal. rifle, but it's not the tool of choice 
nor does it work best. Same as running shoes in early Sierras. Those who have 
done so should consider themselves lucky and might do well in Vegas. I'd love 
to see a home video of  20 or so thru-hikers plugging along in 18 inches of 
fresh snow wearing nikes!!       PS     Bring the popcorn!!
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