[at-l] Which footware to buy?

[PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com (PMAnderson@apshealthcare.com)]

if there isn't a good store locally, mail order is a viable option for a
first boot.

first, go to any shoe store and get measured - make sure you get measured
STANDING w/ full weight on your feet.  Then go up a bit in size to give you
room for cushy socks and swelling feet and any arch support inserts you may
feel necessary.

I've had good luck w/ the LL Bean boots, the cresta day hikers etc.  They
are softish on your feet, don't cause much blistering and have *many* widths
avail, which is important for a good fit.  I've also talked to many other
hikers who also had good luck w/ these.  The guys at the Orens booth at
Trail Days said they saw a surprising number of the Bean boots on the trail
w/ fairly happy owners.  Most only needed one of those foam tongue
depressors to push the ankle/foot back and keep it from sliding into the toe
box on downhills.

the nice thing is they aren't too expensive and should work fine while you
get more used to hiking and know more of what you want / need in footwear.  

cheerio
-----Original Message-----
From: Christopher Willett [mailto:cwillett@math.uiuc.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2002 11:41 AM
To: David Smith
Cc: at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [at-l] Which footware to buy?


Unfortunately, I think it is really hard to judge footwear well in a
store.  Make your best guess and then do some miles.  If this is
your first time buying boots, try to get to a decent store and have
someone help you.  As decent stores are few and far between in Illinois,
and maybe where you live too, I buy most of my boots mail order and
pray for the best.  For the AT, I'd get the lightest weight boot you
can, trail runners perhaps.  You just don't need really big boots.
If you sprain your ankles alot walking down the street, more
supportive boots might be necessary, though.  Socks are not super
important (wearing them is).  I've found Thorlo and other partially
synthetic stocks stink alot faster and alot worse than all wool socks.
So, I use a midweight wool sock.  If you go with trail runners or low
cut shoes, you might find low gaiters nice.

In summary:  Go to a store or make the best guess you can.  Do not get
big boots.  Spend some time hiking in the boots to see how they will
really behave on the trail.  If your feet stink (mine do), go with
wool socks.  Consider gaiters. Remember to go hiking.

Chris

----------------------
Chris Willett
cwillett@math.uiuc.edu
http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~cwillett
Department of Mathematics
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

On Mon, 10 Jun 2002, David Smith wrote:

> Hi All
>
> I am new to the list and have enjoyed lurking for a while..I've been away
from hiking for a while but am thinking/contemplating a thru-hike in 2003
and would like to get suggestions on boots....I know this subject has
probably been kicked to death in the past but any suggestions would be
appreciated!
>
> So far I am thinking about Fusions or Vasque Sundowners...with smartwool
socks and no liners...
>
> any help would be appriciated!
>
> Dave
>
>
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