A few more pictures

[Andrew Breecher]

to clarify....( make sure no one tried an 800-mile trek in these)

the aforementioned footwear metioned are NOT boots. They are extra-tall Converse All-Star Sneakers. They were very popular as a baskteball shoe until Nike and Reebok started making shoes specifically for basketball.

I have heard - usually in reference to sports shoes - the British use "boots" as a slang term for sneakers/trainers. You don't wear football cleats; you wear footie boots. I assume this is what Derek means when he refers to his Chuck Taylors as boots.

And as an aside, while I may not attempt an 800-mile trek in Chuck Taylors, the famous Grandma Gatewood, a 75 year-old woman, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (2,000+ miles) three times in Keds tennis shoes.

When I backpack I don't wear boots, I wear running shoes. A little more sophisticated than Chuck Taylors, but sneakers nontheless.

Andrew.