What kind of shoes to wear on the northern part of PCT in July?

imported
#1

Im planning to hike the last 200 or so miles of the PCT in July. I was wondering what kind of boots/shoes it is advisable to wear. I am very familiar with lightweight hiking and would prefer to wear a trailrunner (newbalance). I am also aware that there is probably going to be snow/ice on the passes and want to know if trail runners w/ crampons will cut it.

Do i need heavy duty boots?

From what I understand the grade and terrain of the PCT is very nice and i hear one could walk in converse all-stars if they wanted too.

I guess what im asking is will trailrunners be OK on the northern sections of the PCT? What kind of trail conditions can I expect out there?
Thanks

Jim

#2

if no one who knows what they are talking about answers you, then i will. i have no idea what specific conditions you could expect, but a call to the cascade national park or some googling could help you out there.

i would guess that snowpack will be lingering at the higher elevations, but the teperatures will be warm enough that you will not need crampons, since it will not be solid ice. it may be icy in the early AM, but just chill and have a cup of tea and read some and it will be soft enough by 10. soft enough for you to kick steps into the snow with a shoe with a rigid sole, and good chunky tread. i saw some hikers on the pct who found those qualities in a low top trail runner, myself being poor, i carried my heavy boots on my back but can testify that having a rigid sole and good traction made a huge, huge difference. this was in the sierra in june. if you find there to be significant amounts of snow, you should carry an ice axe.

i am only relaying my experience in the sierras in june, and guessing the conditions up there will be comprable. your post looked lonely.

good luck, it will be gorgeous, no matter what is on your feet!

milo

#3

Jim, I am planning to start a southbound hike on july first in manning, we are starting in boots with Ice axes. I know that there will be some snow, so be prepared for snow travel. Also be prepared for lots of blow down on the trail and crazy stream crossings. Hope to see you out there. Peace :cheers

toastyjosh

#4

I don’t think i’d use trail runners on the PCT in Oregon or Washington. I’m a boot hiker myself so my opinion is just my opinion. But there are points where trail runners just aren’t going to hold up. Nothing is worse on the trail then blown out footwear. Read Wookies PCT trek from last year and make your own choice from there.

frey