As far as boot advice... http://www.backcountry.com/store/KEN0204/KEEN-Voyageur-Mid-Hiking-Shoe-Mens.html have proven to be my favorite. I like that Keen offers a wider toe box. It allows my little pigs to wiggle, but still hugs my foot well and provides good support for long hikes. On another note, I am curious if you are interested in having a tag along during your thru-hike? That is something I have wanted to do for a while, but I don't have enough friends interested in hiking to dedicate this much time and energy to the cause.

Some people want a big, rugged boot for long hikes; others don't. I suggest some short, 2-3 day hikes to figure out your preference regarding hiking boots vs trail runners/tennis shoes vs sandals. Oh, and your pack won't be heavy after you pass Blood Mtn, believe me. Figure on about 40lbs by the time you're fine-tuned. (I had no problems with sandals--or bare feet.) And last thing--camp shoes! Crocs are da bomb, man. Super-light and super-durable. I've seen hikers hobbled by blisters (terrible blisters) hike out in Crocs...I'm also still using my original pair of Crocs from my '01 Trail section.

Moving on what Lisa said, I tend to agree with hiking with trail-runners. If you can get your pack under 30 lbs, any sturdy trail runner should do well (Montrail Hardrocks, Brooks Cascadias, La Sportiva Fireblades, etc.) I have a lot of miles under my belt from trail-running, but when I backpack, I primarily go with my most comfortable trail-runner with some superfeet insoles. I personally think trail-runners are the way to go. But I am sure other folks will disagree. As you may know the saying though, Hike Your Own Hike!

I've talked to some thru hikers and am researching and buying gear for my daughter to start thru hiking AT soon. They all mostly wear sturdy trail runners that have a shank for underfoot protection and lots of mesh for breathability and fast drying. For your gear set think: lighter, thinner, smaller with everything! She has pack weight down to 25 - 30 lbs. No need for a bag under 10 to 15 degrees as the temps. don't go lower than that. Think of layering all clothes together for climate changes. Get titanium pot and homemade pop can alcohol stove. Look up ultra light camp sites for lots of info. and keep paring down. Most hikers only carry one set of clothes, warmer layers, raingear, and spare socks & undergarments. Everyone says gortex shoes too hot and don't dry fast enough. Happy trails - keep researching!

These seem like they would be a little to light duity for a long hike like that, espically if you will be carrying a heavy pack. These will just be a little to light duity for a big hike like that, they would make an excellent day hike shoe.