Thinking about making the change to trail runners

[TwoForty]

My favorite pair of boots has finally died. I have never had a blister, slippage, or support problems. Alas I cannot find another pair like them. It seems I either get heel slippage or toe blisters with everything I have tried. I have a couple of questions regarding switching to trail runners.

I hear about people saying they switch over to trail runners and they've never had a blister since. Do most trail runners just happen to reduce blisters by nature or is this usually a case of going from something that doesn't fit to something that does?

I've always liked the support of boots becuase I am very clumsy and I often carry a 30lb pack (loaded with food). I've heard many people say that medium cut boots don't offer ankle support, so switching to trail runners isn't any different. Is there any evidence to support that trail runners may allow more ankle injuries? I have come very close to rolling my ankle many times, but my poles always save me. It's only a matter of time....

I'm not concerned with the weight benefit. I just want sticky soles, quick drying, and no blisters.

Thanks!

[Cuppa Joe]

I have become interested in these shoes .. I am still looking at them so this is not a plug but they do look functional and light.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/

Anyone have any info on them?

[gumball]

I am a klutz, twisting, turning and falling...I switched to trail runners this year and, even with my own klutzyness, never had an ankle problem. My pack weight has never exceeded 30-32 lbs (usually only on the first day out of a long hike, when I am filled with food). I was a blister-sufferer in boots, and haven't had one since. I use the same style of trail runner that I run in, b/c it fits my foot well. Its a size bigger than my regular every day shoe.

I am not sure exactly why trail runners took care of my blister problem, but I suspect that 1) it had to do with a corresponding reduction in the weight I committed to, ie, packing my pack lighter 2) the weight of the boot v. shoe is heavier--therefore impact of the runner hitting the ground much less than boot, less friction and 3) my feet breathe in the runner v. the boot--internal sweat from boot worse than stepping in a puddle with the runner. Your feet at least have the opportunity to dry out.

[Two Speed]

I'm going to chime in with two questions for folks that have transitioned from boots to trail runners:

Did you use the same socks? Currently use expedition weight wool socks with light weight boots, but was wondering if trail runners generally work out better with a lighter sock.

What's the experience with gore-tex in trail runners? I've heard a knowledgeable individual say that gore-tex works somewhat better in shoes than boots; the argument was a larger openining than the cuff of a boot and less skin area covered with the gore-tex generating less moisture. The boots I'm about to trash have a gore-tex lining and I doubt I'll ever buy a gore-tex boot.

Thanks

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

I used trail runners for years with loads near 30# and had no problems with ankle support. (I was forced to switch to boots due to an ortho problem unrelated to hiking)

I used a single pair of light wool socks (smartwool dress socks for men) and was blister free in trailrunners. I must use a thin nylon sock under smartwool hiking socks in my boots. I believe that foot moisture wicks up the sock to the cuff area and evaporates better from trail runners than from boots because more of the sock is exposed.

[fiddlehead]

I have used trail runners exclusively for the past 10 years now. No problems with blisters although i do buy them 2 sizes too big. (i once had a heel blister before i started doing THAT)
Sure i roll my ankle sometimes. I thought that happened to anyone regardless of shoes but maybe i'm wrong. It stops hurting in about 30 secs.
I like to run downhills and jump from rock to rock. Can't imagine doing either with heavy boots. Go for it.

[bigcranky]

Trail runners are more flexible than boots, so they reduce heel blisters from heel slippage.

In winter, I wear Goretex trail runners with light thin wool socks and gaiters if the snow is deep enough. In the other three seasons, mesh trail runners with very thin quarter-height coolmax socks. The Goretex trail runners keep my feet warmer in snow conditions, but they are far to hot and sweaty for warm weather.

I switched from heavy boots in April 2000 and have never looked back. The only serious downside in my opinion is cost -- trailrunners last about a season for me, then have to be replaced. I usually find a model that I like, and look for it on sale at Sierra Trading Post or REI Outlet and buy several pairs on closeout.

[maxNcathy]

I like NB 809 now ON SALE at Sierra Trading Post.
Sandalwood

[Footslogger]

I'm going to chime in with two questions for folks that have transitioned from boots to trail runners:

Did you use the same socks? Currently use expedition weight wool socks with light weight boots, but was wondering if trail runners generally work out better with a lighter sock.

What's the experience with gore-tex in trail runners? I've heard a knowledgeable individual say that gore-tex works somewhat better in shoes than boots; the argument was a larger openining than the cuff of a boot and less skin area covered with the gore-tex generating less moisture. The boots I'm about to trash have a gore-tex lining and I doubt I'll ever buy a gore-tex boot.

Thanks
============================================

In 2003 I switched from a boot (Gortex lined Asolo) to a Montrail Java (Gortex trailrunner). I knew well about the trade-offs with Gortex but was impressed with how the Javas fit my foot. After slipping SuperFeet in the Javas they fit even better. I hiked in them (2 pair) from Damascus to Glencliff, where I switched back to my boots.

We had a lot of rain in 2003 and the trail runner did get wet and tended to stay wet ...but they remained comfortable.

You asked about socks. I wore lightweight merino wools with my boots and when I switched to the trail runners I changed over to Thorlo Light Hikers with Coolmax. I had intended to switch over to the light hikers in advance of my hike anyway ...so they were already purchased and waiting for me in my bounce box. The Thorlo's worked extremely well and they are still my sock of choice with trailrunners.

'Slogger

[OntheRoad]

"What's the experience with gore-tex in trail runners? I've heard a knowledgeable individual say that gore-tex works somewhat better in shoes than boots; the argument was a larger openining than the cuff of a boot and less skin area covered with the gore-tex generating less moisture. The boots I'm about to trash have a gore-tex lining and I doubt I'll ever buy a gore-tex boot."


I wouldn't buy a gore-tex trail runner. Think about it, if you step in any puddle that is deeper than your ankle, then they will be soaked and take forever to dry out. If you are walking in sustained rain then they will get soaked and take forever to dry out.

Also, regarding trail runners and ankle support: There are some trail runners that are extremely lightweight and very flexible(you can bend the toe part all the way to the heel) and these are probably not meant for backpacking, but there are sturdier trail shoes that are a little more beefed up and would offer better support.

[Ewker]

I have some New Balance 905 Trail runners. Everytime I use them on a hike my feet ache at the end of the day. Does it take time to get use to them or do I just have soft feet :eek:

[hopefulhiker]

Id say make the switch. I carried loads at thirty two pounds with Montrail Hard Rocks, no problem... Although you need strong ankles.. I used boots till Damascus and then switched to trail runners.. If youre planning a thru, get the shoes early and size them one size up because your feet actually get bigger on the trail.. and swell too...

[fiddlehead]

I have some New Balance 905 Trail runners. Everytime I use them on a hike my feet ache at the end of the day. Does it take time to get use to them or do I just have soft feet :eek:


You may want to try Superfeet. I had that same problem once and i think it was because of the fit/arch? So, i used the superfeet as i was 1/2 way thru a thru and didn't want to go and have to buy something expensive on the trail (different shoes)
but your problem could also be because you are out of shape and not into hiking a lot lately. That could cause aching as your muscles and bones are getting some real attention lately??

[yappy]

I switched a long time ago too and never looked back. I only wear the liners and that actually works better for me then a sock. I bring a pair to wear a night or my last day into town sometimes. The whole set up is SO much more comfy that I can't imagine wearing boots except late season or up here in Alaska sometimes. I never got blisters when i made the switch...:sun

[hammock engineer]

I switched to trail runners last year when I started preparing for my upcoming thru hike. Last time I did any long distance hiking before that I was using hiking boots. I now use whatever New Balances I can buy onsale.

In addition to the ankle support (which I find enough for me), I notice that the soles are not as stiff as the boots. I can feel the trail more. Which I think is a good thing.

I still use thick wool socks. Works for me. I like them because I they can dry out in a couple hours of hiking. I usually don't worry about getting my feet wet. I have a job where I am on my feet a lot, so they are already pretty tough.

[hammock engineer]

I have become interested in these shoes .. I am still looking at them so this is not a plug but they do look functional and light.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/

Anyone have any info on them?


I have a pair of the Newport H2 (I think). I like them for walking around town. I go most of the summer with only wearing shoes and socks while hiking or working. They are more comfortable when my chacos. The soles give more. Chacos feel like I am walking on wood. For me the Keens do not feel as part of my foot as chacos or shoes do. Not a big deal unless you are running or walking through deep mudd or water. I have wide feet. I usually wear a 4E. I had to go one size up. They feel good without socks, but way to narrow with socks.

In the end they do not work for me for hiking. But I still get a lot of use out of them outside of hiking. I read a couple of people posts here that say they work great for them.

EDIT:

I forgot to add that the sole is not as stiff as the new balance trail runners I use. I can feel a lot of what is underneath me. I think that this would cause problems for me while hiking long distance. Definitly try this out for a while if you are switching from boots. JMHO

[yappy]

What i like about liners esp. in summer is that my feet are so much cooler.. and I never get that hot- tight feeling. Funny, I don't really feel any great need to take off my shoes til end of the day.. like I did in boots or heavy socks. I still do though cuz it is fun !

[Ewker]

You may want to try Superfeet. I had that same problem once and i think it was because of the fit/arch? So, i used the superfeet as i was 1/2 way thru a thru and didn't want to go and have to buy something expensive on the trail (different shoes)
but your problem could also be because you are out of shape and not into hiking a lot lately. That could cause aching as your muscles and bones are getting some real attention lately??


I do go hiking but I wear Asolo boots with Superfeet in them. I haven't tried using the Superfeet in my trail runners. I will see how that works.

[Sly]

I switched a long time ago too and never looked back. I only wear the liners and that actually works better for me then a sock. I bring a pair to wear a night or my last day into town sometimes. The whole set up is SO much more comfy that I can't imagine wearing boots except late season or up here in Alaska sometimes. I never got blisters when i made the switch...:sun

Thanks to yappy I switched to trail shoes, thanks to yappy I've done a lot of things. ;)

YAPPY, did you get married today???? :banana

[Alligator]

I roll my ankles the same amount in trail runners and boots.

I switched from a liner sock and mid length socks in boots to low cut socks in trail runners.

I get a few little blisters in trail runners, but as a section hiker my feet don't stay tough. I also push my miles a little further as my load is reasonably light. My callouses are quick to come off. I used to get nasty heel blisters so the trail runners have been a vast improvement over boots.

[yappy]

Sorry ............

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[Sly]

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[Sly]

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[yappy]

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[Sly]

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[yappy]

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