I cannot find footwear. Please help!! I can't decide on shoes, socks, can't find anything that fits properly.
I know I don't want goretex after reading several other posts about it. I've posted a bunch of other things about socks/boots, etc, and I just cannot figure out what to do. I'm planning a thru for early-mid march start. I want something lightweight and pretty well ventilated, but sturdy enough that my feet wont get wrecked- I live in PA, land of the rocks. I blister really easily. I tried coolmax liners- poor fit and got blisters. I just got some Inijini socks, with the individual toes but they're thinner than I'm used to and I'm not sure about how durable/warm/cushioned they will be. I have smartwools that are ok, but getting worn out and like I said my liners don't fit. My heels seem to be pretty narrow and slide around which is why I cant wear the gore-tex, heavy backpacking boots I already bought (Asolo TPS520).
So here's a re-cap, I want:
no gore-tex
well ventilated
sturdy sole, but still relatively lightweight shoe
I need something that will hold up on a thruhike with a 30lb pack, approximately. (I should mention that I'm female.)
So socks, sock/liner combo, shoes- trailrunners, "trail shoes", boots?
I've tried the Asolo TPS like I said, and I just got Merrell Siren Sport GTX XCR and I think I'll be taking them back. I also have superfeet inserts.
I'll take any advice. I know everyone's feet are different.