can i where my very comfortable running shoes for the entire PCT thru hike instead of wearing hiking boots of some kind? i am worried about traction in the snow in the sierras and muddy/rainy places in OR and WA possibly. thanks
cheeserTOM
Shoes on PCT thru hike
system
#3
I wore sandals on 2 PCT thru-hikes in all types of conditions ('05 &'97). So your comfy running shoes should be just fine. Some thru-hikers opt to swap out their running shoes for lightweight boots, which are perhaps a little better for kicking steps on steep slopes.
You can vary your socks according to the conditions. For very wet conditions, like the Sierra in June or Washington in September, you could use water-proof socks - there are some good neoprene socks on the market that are quite warm in snow, ice, or rain. Happy trails!
freebird
system
#4
sure you can wear your shoes the whole way from mexico to canada. if you are like most people you wont have any problems. there were a couple people out there this year that just could not adjust to the walking/running shoe and they ended up switching to a hiking boot. running shoes the whole way is very doable.
about the waterproof socks, i was around a couple that each had a pair of gore tex socks sent to them by there dad and at first they were TOTALLY against them, but after wearing them for the first two days, they both LOVED their gore tex socks.
have yourself a wonderfull hike this next year!
TYVEK
TYVEK