Shoes/Boots - Everest Base Camp/3 Passes - Nepal

[Flipper Hands]

Hi all,

Questions up front, detail below.
What footwear would you do 3 Passes in, in March?
Could this be done safely and comfortably in trail runners? (Goretex socks, etc.)
Should I just cut my deliberation short, buy the Scarpas and cut a luxury or two from my pack?

Normally in Australia I walk with New Balance Leadville V3 trail runners. I wear orthotics, strap both feet/ankles as a result of multiple ankle injuries, and walk with poles on any inclined rough terrain. Since I have adopted this approach, I have not been close to an ankle injury. I would continue this approach regardless of footwear selected.

I don't want to walk on the edge of frostbite for a week, or loose a toe. I am also concerned that 3 weeks on pretty rough terrain will trash the soles of my feet (trail runners are very soft).

I am considering a pair of Scarpa SL Activ's. They fit perfectly, and feel like butter, but I will probably only ever strap them on for international trips. And they are HEAVY.

Opinions I get from shops when trying on boot/shoes almost all recommending heavy boots with stiff soles and a shank.

I am travelling solo, no guide, no porter, 3 Passes in March is a different animal to anything I have every done. The passes could be snowed in, so a bit of work on crampons or micro spikes may be required. If possible I will wait for trail information, or worst case even divert back down the mountains to do side trips. I will pick up a guide/porter if necessary.

My solo multi-day walking experience is very good in NSW, with some solo overnight alpine experience in the Snowies (in snow). Overall I am a very independent and careful walker. I'd grudgingly class myself as experienced.

I have no international experience or experience with 3 week long walks, 3 Passes will be a challenge, and I am already training. I will train in whatever footwear I decide on.

[Mark F]

I cannot comment on the requirements for your proposed walk but I would think long and hard about changing away from a footwear setup that works for you. Given that porters do it in sandshoes I would suggest that current setup is likely to work with the appropriate spikes/crampons if required.

[johnrs]

Hey Flipper Hands
There is a long thread here
viewtopic.php?f=58&t=21244&p=280410&hilit=three+passes#p280410
John

[RonK]

The weather in March should be fairly warm, but you may still encounter snow drifts at high altitude, and there is always the chance of a storm. The trails can be very rough and hard underfoot, so trial runners may not give much protection from bruising, particularly when carrying a pack. Approach shoes will give a little more protection and may be a better choice, there are plenty to choose from. Take sealskin socks to wear for the pass crossings.

This might help. The Best Climbing Approach Shoes for Men Review

[rcaffin]

We were wandering around there in light joggers. No problem. MUCH easier than the big boots, especially on the rocky bits.

One section over 6,000 m needed crampons. Trip leader demanded we hire plastic boots in Kathmandu, but I stuck to light Scarpas we had. Could have used the joggers with a bit of 3-ply. It wasn't hard.

However ... one poor girl hired plastics. At 6,000 m her feet swelled up and she was in absolute tears of pain. But the trip leader was a bit inexperienced and hadn't a clue. Half the porters went on strike and went home.

Cheers
Roger