@KevinJohnMartin When I hiked in 2010, they set aside 30-40% for walk in permits. Got one easily. If you have flexibility, worth it. Maybe things have changed? Alternatively, look at Sierra high route or Yosemite high route ( search Andrew skurka site for guide).
@nhfoley@GravisRobotics I am a mining engineer working in large open pit mines for the last 15 years. There are 101 different ways this would be highly valuable such as working under potentially unsafe walls where you would not want to put an operator at risk. Feel free to reach out.
@JoePompliano Go to a Specialty store. They will recommend several different options for your foot and strike. Pick two pairs that feel most comfortable to you. Rotate the shoes every other run. Typical shoe lasts 300-500 miles so this should cover you for a year.