boots , trail runners, sandals

[Joseph Kohut]

I initially thought of taking a pair of midweight boots (Vasque Sundowner
MX). (About 3 lbs. 7 oz.) . However, after getting your message I began to
reconsider. Last summer I worked with a geology field group up along
American Ridge and over by the PC Trail in the southern Washington Cascades.
I wore a pair of low cut Lowe Tempest trail runners and they were fine. (2
lbs.) We did a lot of rock scrambling, climbing and cross-country as well as
trail walking. They held up real well; though the previous year I ruined a
similar part on jagged basalt and talus.

My pack will weigh little more than 16 lb., if that. I read you loud and
clear about the mud, however, it was suggested that I take a pair of
gaiters. Not a bad idea, I think. My remaining concern is durability. Do you
think a good pair of trail runners will last 500 miles?

.
----- Original Message -----
From: Donald Schell <djschelaATTGLOBAL.NET>
To: <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2002 12:59 PM
Subject: Re: boots , trail runners, sandals


> Dear Joseph,
>
> No one can fully answer your question of what to wear on your feet, but
> you'll hear lots of opinions and experience.  My first time on the camino
I
> walked in my good, thoroughly broken-in Reichle boots.  They were too hot
> (my feet were constantly sweaty and I think the heat exacerbated swelling)
> and worse, I didn't realize that boots wear much longer than their
removable
> insoles.  I had painful blisters on the bottom of my feet most of the way.
> I learned a great deal about blister care and walking on half-dollar sized
> blisters.  I was carrying Birkenstocks which I wore exploring towns when I
> stopped, but I was having a hard enough time that I was afraid sandals and
> dust getting into socks might lead to infection on an open blister, so I
> never tried walking in the Birkenstocks.  That time I walked 300 miles
(St.
> Jean to Logronyo, Leon to Santiago).
>
> Last May, crossing Somport pass and walking to Estella (115 or so miles),
I
> wore a new pair of LOWA boots (gore-tex/canvas/suede combination and much
> cooler than my old boots).  I carried a second custom insole so I could
> alter the boots' fit slightly during the day.  And when the terrain and
> weather were appropriate, if my feet were tired or sore toward the end of
> the day, I switched to my Birkenstocks.
>
> I also learned to stop immediately if my feet hurt, check what was going
on,
> make a moleskin or compeed patch (or burst and clean a tiny blister if one
> had begun).
>
> The difference to my feet and the pleasure in walking was astonishing.
>
> love,
> donald