Inexpensive shoes?

imported
#1

I’m currently dividing up the areas of planning for my upcoming '08 thru, and the object of study today is shoes. On the AT, I fell in love with my Montrail Hardrocks which lasted over 900 miles a pair. From what I’ve read, people who have used shoes like these on the PCT get serious issues in the desert due to heat. I’m looking to find a really breathable shoe, but has at least a little bit of support for the stiff ground underneath. I do understand that I may not need quite as much arch support in the sole because 1)I’m hoping to be have a sub-5 lb base weight, and 2) there aren’t as many rocks and roots to push thru the soles which litter the AT. So…have any of you had success with any particular normal running shoes, which should cost less than the +$80 cost of trail runners? It would be great to find some really breathable shoes that were durable, even while losing support underfoot, and not wind up spending $300+ on footwear again.

bbbbbeat

#2

If you and your feet love the Hardrocks, you should use them! I use Lowa Tempest Lo’s, but everyone’s feet are different. I got 1,000 miles/pair on the AT. Tried some lighter weight, more breathable shoes in SOCAL on the PCT. They broke down and started giving me blisters at 200 miles. Went back to my old favorites and the foot problems went away. Still using Tempest Lo’s on the CDT–1,000 miles/pair. My advice is: If it works for you, don’t try to “fix” it!!

WILDCAT

#3

I spent around 200 on shoes for my hike this year. At Kennedy eadows (Mi. 700 or so) I switched out my newbalance 810 for newbalance 608(?)(I ripped the tags off and I’m not sure if they are 608). I walked in those all the way to Etna, CA (Mi. 1200 or so). In Etna I picked up some Hardrocks that lasted me the rest of the trail. I still wear them to work and trail running (with orange superfeet). I only used the superfeet insoles on the trail for about 150 miles where I sent them home due to crowding in my heel area. I agree with wildcat and go with the Hardrocks, I found mine for $60 plus shipping. They were my heaviest shoe but provided good support on rocky trail…better in comparison to my newbalances. My newbalances ventilate better than the montrails.

Spigot