Hiking The Appalachian Trail, or parts of it

[interesteddad]

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Question about hiking boots, walking shoes and trail-running shoes: I was just looking at a site that said to fit your trail running shoes by putting them on, walking up stairs two at a time, and seeing if your heel moves in the shoe. If it does, the shoes don’t fit and you should try another pair.

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<p>I don’t usually have a heel slipping problem, but I have trouble finding shoes/boots wide enough. I think I have size 10 feet with size 8 toes. Even in EE width, I’ve usually got to go up a size (too long) to get enough width that I’m not getting crushed across the forefoot. I finally got a Brooks 4E width that is perfect and I’ve pretty much stopped even looking at shoes/boots that don’t come in a Wide width.</p>

<p>I use SuperFeet insoles. They tend to lock the heel into place pretty well.</p>

<p>The bigger concern with hiking boots/shoes is to not get them too small. First, they often get worn with thick socks and often with a wicking sock liner (to prevent blisters). Second, feet swell after a long day hiking. And, third, too small means your toes will get destroyed slamming into the front of the shoe going downhill.</p>

<p>The thing I really like about the Bean Cresta Hikers (and other similar boots) is that they lock the laces at the hinge point. So you can independently tightened the laces across the forefoot and the laces around the ankle.</p>

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I like your style, especially your attitude with the day hikes and the turnaround times. Makes so much sense. Just relax, enjoy the ride and turn around at the right time. no stress.

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<p>Well, I wouldn’t say no stress. The trails where turning around becomes an issue are a real physical workout. But, you know when it gets dark and you know when you started, so it’s pretty easy to figure out when you need to turn around to get back to the car – plus or minus. The closest I’ve come was arriving back at the car right at sunset on a December hike on Mt. Monadnock, when sunset was at 5 pm. The return loop on that hike was pretty easy hiking and it was still light after sunset on a clear day, but that’s as close as I want to cut it. I would want to allow more cushion on hikes in the White Mountains.</p>

<p>Honestly, taking up hiking at my age, what’s the hurry? I’m only doing it to get some exercise and enjoy some pretty outdoor scenery. It would be kind of stupid to hike according to my capabilities. If I get home and say, “gee, that hike was too easy”, I can always pencil in a harder one for next time. Plus, not every hike needs to be for a world record!</p>