[philmont] Are Crocs "approved" shoes

I realize with the benefit of hindsight and reflection, that my response
to Pete's comment was rather egocentric - it was what I would do as a
hiker. It does not address the larger concern of "are Crocs appropriate
for camp shoes on a wide scale?" I think this is an area where the
advisor has to advise. For some hikers they might be totally
appropriate; for others not depending on experience, physical condition
to some extent, and also level of maturity.

Hiking out with Crocs on if a boot blows out, is not without its
challenges. Anyone put in that situation would need to recognize that
and take the appropriate precautions. Not every Scout that goes to
Philmont will be able to do that well. This is why Philmont advisors
are paid so handsomely.

Happy Trails,

Roy Fisher
Subject: [philmont] Are Crocs "approved" shoes?

With all due respect Pete, I wear my Crocs all around town, on
campouts, to work in my yard etc. etc. I would not hesitate to hike in
my Crocs with a fully loaded pack at all. It would not be my first
choice, but I would do it if the situation required. I would feel as
comfortable in them as I would in any other "camp shoe" short of a pair
of hiking boots or trail runners. But those both weigh several *pounds*
more than my Crocs. To carry several pounds of camp shoe "just in case"
my boots blow out makes no sense. That's why I purchase a quality boot
and make sure it is properly broken in and cared for. Stuff happens
sure, but I might as well get a Sherpa and have him carry a fully loaded
extra pack, in case something else "fails" on the trek. Its no wonder
you see advisors schlepping fifty, sixty plus pound packs.

There have been a lot of posts lately about Crocs being acceptable on
the trail and/or as a camp shoe.

Boys and girls, I hate to be so negative, but wearing Crocs on the
trail? Come on. There's no way those things would stand up to the
rigors of the trail, at Philmont or otherwise, let alone be comfortable
with a heavy pack on your back. Pebbles between your foot and insole.
Slippage inside the shoe. A "strap" around your ankle. I sure hope the
discussion about wearing them on the trail isn't serious.

As a camp shoe, I could see them being "ok". However, a camp shoe
should always be your backup for a blown hiking boot. A blown boot
means your Crocs would move into the starting lineup (if that's what you
brought for camp shoes). Are they prepared for the trail? I don't
think so.

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Received on Sun May 13 21:58:09 2007