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It's been a few months since we announced our thru-hiking plans on Toe Salad and in that time we have been busy preparing for our hike. We thought it was time for a little update of what's been going on behind-the-scenes, on the blogs, and in our lives as we prepare for this adventure.

For this autumn and winter season VIVOBAREFOOT has launched a new range of shoes for daily use. They have insulated uppers and an insulated insole. VIVOBAREFOOT uses its V Multi 1 sole for most of these shoes. This sole is designed for cold weather use, has a thickness of about 4mm and a sole pattern that consists of indented hexagons that provides good stability, traction and proprioception.

Bretwood Higman and Erin McKittrick trekked for four months around Alaska's Cook Inlet in minimalist shoes. Hig wore a pair of Inov-8 BareGrip 200 trail runners and Erin wore a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves. After four months on the trail, Hig now has what are most likely the most worn pair of minimalist shoes you will ever see. Not one to throw away gear before it is truly worn out, Hig did his best to effect repairs in the field using a healthy supply of Spectra fishing line and a little darning skill.

We started buying Montane gear a couple years ago. We have come to really appreciate the quality construction yet lightweight materials used. Montane specializes in lightweight endurance mountain gear for mountain climbing, cycling and running. For our Appalachian adventure Montane is helping to supply our family with one of my favorite clothing layers, puffies!

Well, it's that time of year again. The air is crisp, there is frost is on the ground, the first flakes of snow are starting to fall, and winter footwear samples are starting to roll-in. I live in a northerly climate where winter is winter. I am always on the lookout for minimalist footwear that works in cold snowy conditions, and from what I can see in my email inbox and in comments around here, I am not the only one.