The Shoes That Saved My Thru Hike | Footwear For A Long Distance Hike | Story Time With Chris

In this video I will discuss all the footwear that I used on my Appalachian Trail thru hike. The good, the bad, and the terrible. Trail runners, hiking shoes, hiking boots, socks, and some of my suggestions about picking the right footwear for you.

I also go into depths about a my great shoe debacle when I found out the pair of shoes I started the trail with were no longer made. This resulted in a month of massive discomfort while trying to find the right footwear again. Enjoy!

Socks

This video was recorded with:

Full disclosure - The links in this description are more than likely affiliate links. This means if you click on one of these links and make a purchase I make a commission from that sale. As much as I love money, I would highly suggest giving yourself at least 48 hours before any purchase decision and asking yourself “Do I really need this?”. I hope more times than not, you find yourself saying “I Definitely do NOT need this”. If you find yourself still in need, shop around and find the best deal for your money.

Please note that I am not recommending any of the gear seen in any of my videos. The gear I use is what I have found works best for me at the time period I am using it. I have come to these gear choices through vast levels of trial, error, and experimenting with gear out on trail.

Gear, clothing, footwear, etc. are not one style works for all. Do as much research as you can, try out things in person if able, and make the best informed purchase decision for YOU. Do not buy gear just because it worked for, was showcased by, or recommended by someone on YouTube

[tomdavis]

Don’t worry. Whatever brand or style you like and is perfect, they will change it. 😐

[schil]

I know this is an old video but thanks to it I saved myself a lot of hassle and pain. I was looking at buying waterproof shoes/boots because I thought it's what all the good/experienced hikers would do. After watching this video I got the Altra 5.0 shoes and It was the best decision I made. I wore them through creeks and snow the other day and feet got a little wet but no trapped water and they dried out so fast. There were comfortable and I was on some pretty nasty rocky terrain. Who would have though I would have watched a video this long about shoes but I did and so glad I did. Thanks

[marcodendunnen]

3 years later and still up to date. Awesome. Thank you!

[bruntr]

Lots of great info, been a mountain biker for about 25 years and just took up hiking/trail running as I prepare for my Half Dome hike this June and have been going though a whole new learning process in regards to choosing proper footwear. Wife thinks I'm nuts with the amount of shoes I have bought and returned but I've yet to find that perfect pair. I have a set of Altra Lone Peak 4.0 in the mail so I cannot wait to give them a try, and the sock brands you recommend happen to be ones I've researched and plan to buy. Thanks!

[FLCMAA]

Thank you Chris! I too think the Altra Lone Peak 3.5's are awesome shoes, especially for people with wide feet. The toe box is huge and allows the foot to naturally spread when walking. I did replace the insole with the Superfeet Trailblazer, which added even more comfort and stability. I also bumped the size up by 1 size. I have hiked about 200 miles on them so far and love them, but the true test starts early July when we begin our AT section hike. As always, I appreciate you sharing your experiences.

[craiglenhard-rvrguyd]

I started the trail with the Oboz and had no blisters for over 400 miles. Shoes did not fall apart and no glue joint failure. I'm still wearing them at home and on outings.

[luckyhiker]

Oh my Chris! What a horror story. For decades I have had no blisters but in my 20's I had a period of suffering so I can relate. You are right on in all your assessments. Waterproof boots will dry in a day if you leave them in direct sunlight on a hot day. I also have the same life saver trail runners.

[stanthemanhikes]

Wow that was quite the shoe story and experience to have to go thru to get it right. As a "church goer" I would have taken the day off church to get you there if i would have been there if at all possible. Glad to know Damascus outfitters carry the LaSportivas. The Wildcats are the shoe that works perfect for me I think I'm married to them for life as far as hiking goes. As you say all feet are different and what works for one doesn't work for another. Great vlog with some great advise!

[DUMBLIESCOM]

Chris - I like your advice and videos because they appear well thought out and well intentioned. Must admit I laughed about your instant reaction to the Altra shoes because my shoe searches are long process of hunt and test. Right now I am on Brooks Cascadia and like, but do not love them. REI sale today so I got the Lone Peak 4 shoes based on what you said. You were right about instant comfort, I liked them so much I ordered a pair in the waterproof setup also. Thanks, I would not have tried them without your input.

[childcrone]

Long, sure, but engaging :~) As soon as you showed that first pair of shoes -- and I know you had been happy with them -- with the pinkies wearing through, I thought 'Man, you NEED some foot-shaped shoes!' I'm sorry you suffered so on your way to meeting up with some, but glad you found 'em. Everyone's feet are different, yes. But everyone's feet should naturally be widest at the toes. That room to properly spread is such a part of balance.

[heatherm]

Thank you for pronouncing Crozet correctly!!! So many people get it wrong. I have lived in and around Crozet my whole life. Thanks for a great video!

[traviseller]

I work in Damascus is a bicycle mechanic two of the shops are owned by the same people they are basically sister shops the third Mount Rogers outfitters is independently owned and operated and it’s an amazing shop

[Carlops]

Chris... Great have the storytelling a pair of the Lone Peak 3.5's... use hiking in the Olympics and the Washington shoes ever, but had to Re-glue the toes in rain and on wet muddy river trails...so light Dry out Dirty Girl gaiters.... on my coastal hikes keep the sand and rocks out. Ingingi toe socks keep the blisters

[rootsontrail]

Glad to hear about your experiences. I just ordered the Altra 3.5's. My old Columbia trail runners just gave up the ghost on Moosilauke.

[MariaPereira-szok]

Hi Chris,
I totally enjoyed watching your video and learning about your experience on the trails.
About the Altra trail runners… how well do they hold your heels in as far as the sliding up & down on the heel. This has been a major issue with me since my feet become very hot with the minimum friction… I can not super tie down the shoelaces due to water retention.
All the best to you,
John

[FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your story! I heard about most of this from your AT thru hike but always nice to know the full story. I've been in the Altra LP 3.5's this whole year so far and love them. All except for an insole issue when the shoe gets wet it tends to shift on me, so I shoe glued them down.

[AmyHikes]

I have the Merrel waterproof shoes. Got them wet once and it took them a week to get dry. Wonderful shoes as long as you don't get water inside. I've tried a lot of shoes and this one fits me perfectly. Although, I do realize that if I'm going to be getting them wet, I need to go to something else. Thanks for the video. Great info. I see a lot of people loving the Altra's.

[Larry]

Great advice and even better stories! Man I love the videos, keep up the great work.

[markgoodsmith]

I bought Lone Peak 4.5s and developed Planter Fasciitis in both feet. It took me a year to heal the damage they caused. Probably caused by the zero heal. Still looking for a great shoe for me. Using Merrill Moab’s for now.

[Truth-Seeker]

The problem with Altra’s is long-term durability. If you got them past 400 miles, then you did better than most. Current versions also aren’t as good as older version.