I had my inagural hike in my new boots. i settled on Birkenstocks because i know that my feet will be happy with that. They seem to be OK, except my heel slips a little and they are so stiff. I am still not conviced that my running shoes wont work. Anyhow Jason (my friend)and I climbed Rattlesnake ledge and learned that we are both out of shape. He did let me wear his hat when it started raining and i have thus added it as a permanent part of my hiking attire-Sorry about that Jas!