Footwear

One of the most important pieces of equipment Evan and I will bring with us are our shoes. Imagine - what is going to support your feet, which will support your ankles, knees, back, and everything that you carry on it - for 20+ miles a day, day after day after day. It's a big decision. There is quite a debate over support versus maneuverability when it comes to backpacking footwear. I had intended, early on, to go with a pair of beautiful leather Asolo boots, but if I'm being honest, that decision was based almost entirely on aesthetics. I thought that Evan was crazy when he told me he was going to wear a pair of cheap tennis shoes from walmart, beginning with the pair he has already worn to the ground.

However, as I started to research what other thru-hikers had chosen, the answers varied from teva sandals to cloth boots to trail runners. The most convincing argument I came across was that of Ray Jardine - ultralight backpacker extraordinaire. This man, who is known for climbing the first ever 5.12 and the first 5.13, has hiked the PCT 3 times, as well as the comparative Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail. In his book "Trail Life", he argues the many benefits of trail runners for long distance hikes. Here are a few of his points:

1. The "myth" of ankle support: Ray argues that we do not need stiff leather boots to protect our ankles, but that this system actually prevents our ankles from gaining the mobility and strength they were designed to have, and that it is important to develop this before hiking.

2. He also states that, while it is always important to be conscious of obstacles and foot placement, by wearing more lightweight shoes, we are naturally more aware and therefore protect ourselves from injury.

3. Finally, Jardine stresses the importance of lightweight shoes. Every time that you lift your foot to take a step, you are lifting the shoes that you are wearing. Over thousands of steps, a 3lbs. pair of boots adds up. However, if you are lifting merely ounces with each step, you will hike the same distance and feel less fatigue.

The only downside to trail runners, as far as I can tell, is that, while hiking in snow, you don't have the stiff toe necessary to kick in steps on steep terrain. Haven't quite figured out what I'm gonna do the first few weeks in the cascades yet - let me know if you have any suggestions.