View Full Version : Hiking boots on a thru-hike
Mt. Slayer
10-29-2003, 17:30
I've been asked this question and did not know the answer, anyone know of any stats for the following question?
What is the average number of boots (footwear) a thru-hiker goes through on a thru-hike?
I realize there are many factors, but just wondering if there is any type of number floating around out there.
Most good hiking shoes should last around 1000 miles.
The trail runners like the NB 805 seem to last about 600 miles.
Obviously terrain will effect longevity. I expect that foot wear in New England with its rocks, roots, 'rosion and rain will last a lot less than elsewhere.
And your styple will also effect longevity. Some people are harder on their footwear than others.
Virginian
10-29-2003, 22:28
Boots -----Two pair
Sleepy the Arab
10-29-2003, 23:10
One pair of boots per thru for me. Come to think of it, I'm still working on the last pair.
The Weasel
10-29-2003, 23:47
Cheap boots? 400 miles. Good boots? 700 miles then resole.
RedneckRye
10-30-2003, 14:38
First pair got me into Vermont, second pair - which already had about 800 miles on them - got me to Katahdin. This summer I did the Colorado Trail (470 miles) in a pair of Montrail Leona Divide trail runners and they were pretty much cooked when I got done.
Mr. Clean
10-31-2003, 09:35
Hey, how many of you thru hikers wore the dayhiker type boot on your thru hike? It's all I wear here in the Whites for three season use, but was wondering if they had enough support for a thru hike.
They say a pound on the foot is like 5 on your back.
I started using boots, but only hike in trail shoes now and get about 700-800 miles per pair. It generally ends up cheaper in the long run, then buying one or two pair of more expensive boots.
I also don't carry a monster pack now either.
I went through 4 pairs of runners on the PCT this summer. How long they lasted depended on the environment: Anywhere from 563 miles to almost 700. I hated the NB 806s in the end, although they looked barely worn after about 700 miles of hiking. I loved the Asics Eagle Trail, but the Sierra Nevada shredded them. See my "Four Trail Shoe Review" in the gear reviews section for more details.