Hey, I’m planning a long hike from Raleigh to the sea along the Mountains to Sea Trail. I’ve done a lot of hiking before but never something this long. I’m wondering if I should buy some shoes that I don’t mind wrecking. What do you think? Should I just use my current shoes, or get a new pair? Any suggestions on what works for long hikes like this?
Just use the shoes you’re comfortable with. It’s still hiking, just a longer distance.
Caelan said:
Just use the shoes you’re comfortable with. It’s still hiking, just a longer distance.
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too. My shoes are beat up, so I was wondering if I should just wreck them. But maybe I should get new ones to use and carry the old ones. Thanks for the advice!
I’d recommend getting a pair of proper hiking shoes. Given how far you’re hiking, they should last until the end. What shoes do you currently use? Have you done any long hikes before?
Jasper said:
I’d recommend getting a pair of proper hiking shoes. Given how far you’re hiking, they should last until the end. What shoes do you currently use? Have you done any long hikes before?
I’ve been using old Air Max sneakers. I’ve hiked a few days in a row before, but nothing this long. I usually get new shoes every time I go on multi-day hikes, but I’m worried about blisters. Think I could break new shoes in fast enough?
@Dexter
If you’re comfortable hiking multiple days in your Air Maxes, you could stick with them. But new hiking shoes might help. Ideally, you shouldn’t need too many hikes to break in a good pair. I also swear by fancy socks like Smartwool, they help a lot.
@Jasper
Good call on the socks. I didn’t think about that! I’ll look into it. I might buy new hikers and test them out. My Air Maxes are falling apart though, so I might need new ones anyway.
Dexter said:
@Jasper
Good call on the socks. I didn’t think about that! I’ll look into it. I might buy new hikers and test them out. My Air Maxes are falling apart though, so I might need new ones anyway.
Yeah, getting new Air Maxes might be a good idea if they’re falling apart. If you want to try hiking shoes, you could always pick some up for future hikes.
@Jasper
True, I might do that. I’ll try hikers next time but I think it’s too late to switch for this trip.
Look into Darn Tough socks, they’re great for long hikes and last forever.
I’ve tried Smartwool, Darn Tough, and REI brand merino wool socks. I actually prefer the less expensive REI ones.
Whitney said:
I’ve tried Smartwool, Darn Tough, and REI brand merino wool socks. I actually prefer the less expensive REI ones.
I love Feetures socks!
Whitney said:
I’ve tried Smartwool, Darn Tough, and REI brand merino wool socks. I actually prefer the less expensive REI ones.
I love Feetures socks!
I’ve never heard of Feetures. I’ll check them out!
I started my hike at Jockey’s Ridge SP wearing Crocs and stuck to the shoreline. It was super comfortable for that part of the trail.
Consider that some sections of the trail may be road or swampy. If your current shoes are holding up, they might still be fine for the whole hike.