Fortifying lightweight running shoes

imported
#1

Here’s my problem. I wear a 6E width shoe. The only manufacturers I’ve found making footwear in that width are New Balance (one pair of lightweight running shoes) and Dunham (sturdy shoes, but still just shoes, and sandals).

Keen will make a custom made hiking boot, but there is an 18 month wait, time I don’t have.

I’d like feedback on my proposal to hike the AT in very light running shoes, regular shoes, or sandals as described above. My thinking is to find a pace that works with that footwear, to mitigate the problem of rocks creating “sole of the foot” discomfort.

But, I’m also interested to know if anyone has tried to bolster that footwear, in terms of adding an additional sole, or in any other way. Even wearing “Stableicers”, with or without the metal bits, with the running shoes has been contemplated.

Your thoughts, please.

I’m thinking there’s some simple answer to this that is just escaping me. A “failure of the imagination” so to speak.

Nunam

Nunam

#2

Maybe Asics will work with you… I have size 13 Kahanas on, but they dont seem all that wide… tell them you will talk them up in the hiker/trail runner community… perhaps they will have a way to provide some super wide pairs, especially if you buy in quantity (you’ll need 3+ pairs to thruhiker most trails). Unfortunately, even Asics are made in China now! Happy nikeing!

gingerbreadman

#3

Doubt he’ll find Asics in 6E. Fortunately, New Balance are pretty good. Buy three or four pairs. I’ve never seen anyone try to fortify a shoe - the closest I’ve seen are inserts, but if anything, they shorten the life of a shoe. Don’t bother with custom Keen - too expensive and of course the wait time is too much. I tried a pair of Keen shoes, fell apart in less than 100 miles. I know one person who uses Keen sandals, loves them - not sure if the sandals come in 6E size or not. There are several custom boot makers, expensive, but the wait time shouldn’t be so long. Any good outfitter should know a couple of them.

Bear Bag Hanger

#4

Yes, I can see where this is going. My original thought was the ultimate answer. I’ll purchase footwear from New Balance and Dunham, discover its limits, and hike within those limits. In other words, I’ll find a way to make do.

Thanks for your input.

Nunam

Nunam