...but I am in a total dither as to what to wear on my feet and would like some advice/ reassurance please.

For the past 2 years (remember the first sunday last year??)I have worn Innov 8 trail shoes with goretex socks as required - they have been an absolute joy and I have had no problems at all with them. I would dearly like to wear them again this year but I am concerned about the amount of snow that is purportedly still lying on the hills. Mine is not a high level route and I have no issue with switching to FWA's.

The first time I did the TGO I wore leather Meindl boots and by 3 pm each day I could hardly put one foot in front of the other and would really not want to have to wear them again. I know a first timer has asked a similar question recently but we now have a clearer picture of the weather which does not look atrocious but it is the snow that is lying about that concerns me.

Nice help please!


Jane egg

Jane, I think the answer lies in your question!

Other than kicking steps without bruised tootsies, would your Meindls give you an advantage? If it's hard neve, maybe some microspikes or Yaxtrax Xtreme (which I am taking) might help.

However, our team will not go into full on winter conditions (we have FWAs for that sort of thing). We anticipate trudging over snow from time to time, but nothing too technical.

So, I would say, take what you feel most comfortable with for most of the crossing, and adapt/deviate if necessary.

Hopefully it won't be necessary

Jane

In my experience, you'll be fine in your Inov8s in the snow. Although this winter I did wear my boots when deliberately heading out into the snow, in previous winters I've been perfectly comfortable with Sealskinz and Inov8 Roclites in deepish snow. I wouldn't want to hang around doing nothing but if you keep moving then your feet should stay warm enough.

I am not taking my Kahtoola microspikes on the Challenge as I shall try my best to avoid any large areas of ice and snow but I'm happy enough to cross the occasional snowy patch in my Terrocs.

I agree with both the above, Jane. It's got a lot warmer the last few days. I think river crossings could be interesting.
Enjoy!
Vanessa