[pct-l] d....hiking boots??

[m.karon at comcast.net (Marshall Karon)]

Light weight trail runners are the way to go on the PCT (perhaps a light
weight book in the High Sierras during through hiking season). Get what
works for your foot. Although New Balance seem to be favorites (they come in
various widths), they aren't for everyone. I prefer Adidas. And,
unfortunately, each brand has numerous styles and they may not make the same
ones a month later. Make sure there is plenty of toe room. And, don't make
the mistake of buying all of your shoes in advance with the same size. I
guarantee your foot will expand and your size x won't fit any more.
Remember to fit while wearing the socks/insoles you intend to take. Note
that changing sock/insole thickness will give you some flexibility in
sizing. Many hikers shop along the way for something that fits. Better than
totally destroying your feet. You may not get the best price, but you will
get a shoe that fits your foot at that particular time.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@comcast.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "todd kimmel" <tkimmel2@hotmail.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 11:15 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Contacts and....hiking boots??


> As an inexperienced  hiker preparing for an '04 PCT thru-hike, I find my
> mind being consumed with hundres of questions that seem to exit my head
> shortly after entering.  I've recenetly decided to start writing these
> questions down regardless of how trivial they might be.  Anyways, here's a
> couple of things that I'm wondering about:
>
> Contacts -  For those hiker's not blessed with 20 20 vision, what is the
> best way to handle optical assistance.  Are disposable contacts fairly
> common on the trail? I suppose picking up solution along the way is not
too
> difficult?  Does proper sanitation become an  issue?  Do some people scrap
> the whole contact thing and just wear glasses?
>
> Hiking Boots -  I've heard that some people prefer sneakers/running shoes
> over hiking boots?  What is the norm on the trail?  Does anyone reccomend
> certain brands?  I have a nice pair of REI boots but I'm not sure about
> durability and lifespan.  Typically how many pairs of shoes will a
thu-hiker
> go thru?
>
>
> Thanks for all the help.....more questions to come.
>
> Todd
>
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