Shoes

[Teegate]

I did a test walk today in my sneakers around the "White Trail" at Batsto and it was surprisingly pain free. Now, the Phillies game was a different story but for now, as long as I'm on an established trail in the pines, I think I'll stick with the sneakers.

If there is no water, I would have to agree with you. There is not a shoe for walking better than a sneaker.

Guy

 

[chemicalcraig]

If there is no water, I would have to agree with you. There is not a shoe for walking better than a sneaker.

Guy

Very true. But depending on your disposition towards wallowing in soggy socks a very ventillated shoe could work in watery conditions. I canoe in these, and have even hiked on the pacific crest trail with them, but would never take them into the swamps. I hate soggy socks, but don't have any waders.

 

[jburd641]

Can you tell me, what's the rest of the Batona like heading south from Batsto? Am I going to have soggy socks? I'd rather have soggy socks than not see any water at all.

 

[LongIslandPiney]

I've had good luck with montrail's. Currently I have a pair of solomon XA pros. I like a bit of toe room and breathability is big for me. I did a weeklong backpacking trip with these in the alpine lakes wilderness without breaking them in and had no troubles.

Wow, LIP, 2 to 3 months? It might help to pick up your knees instead of dragging your feet as much.

Well I generally get shoes from Target or Walmart, and can do as much as 25-30 miles in one week, and some of my hikes are 10-15 miles each. I do have a tendency to drag my feet, which is related to my "pidgeon toe" condition that I've had since I was a kid, though it's alot better now than when I was younger.
I've tried more expensive shoes, Sketchers, New Balance, Timberland and haven't found them that much better than the cheaper ones at Target,etc, certainly not worth the 2-3x higher price.
I generally get walking shoes for the warmer season, and boot-type shoes for the colder season.

 

[dzurinkod]

Merrells. They sell them at Dick's. I have super high arches and these have seemed comfortable. Last year I was hiking 50 - 70 miles weekly. I loved my Merrell Chameleon Wrap Gore-Tex XCR. I've owned both the lows and the ventilator versions in mids. My favorite were the lows. Now, I buy nothing but Merrells. Not sure what price range you want to be in, these are a little high($130), but worth it.

 

[chemicalcraig]

Merrells. They sell them at Dick's. I have super high arches and these have seemed comfortable. Last year I was hiking 50 - 70 miles weekly. I loved my Merrell Chameleon Wrap Gore-Tex XCR. I've owned both the lows and the ventilator versions in mids. My favorite were the lows. Now, I buy nothing but Merrells. Not sure what price range you want to be in, these are a little high($130), but worth it.

I have a pair of merrell canoeing shoes and like them. I think as long as you get a shoe that fits you'll be good going with merrell, vasque, montrail or salomon (or others for that matter). I think the difference among the brands has to do with foot shape and size, kind of like New balance vs. Asics vs. Saucony. All make great shoes, but each has a different molding. That's why it's important to get into a store and try them on. I like to go to REI to try things on and find a brand that fits, then buy them cheaper online somewhere like campmor. Though companies do change sometimes. When I first tried on a pair of salomon's they were way too narrow and the arch was in the wrong place. Now they've widened the toebox and they fit like a glove.

 

[jburd641]

Well, the sneakers worked pretty well today from Batsto to 679. One small wet area but otherwise, another great day to be in the pines.
I'm a little tired but I'm looking forward to the last eight miles of the Batona on Saturday, weather permitting.
Since I'll be wearing sneakers, I was wondering what the conditions are like on this section. (679 to Coal Rd)