View Full Version : Trail Running Shoes or Boots
I have been talking to a guy that has thru-hiked and he has reccommended trail shoes instead of boots. I thought I should check here too. So what do you all think is better?
I will only be hiking sections at a time. Thanks!!!
bigcranky
05-05-2007, 21:43
This is a common question:
http://tinyurl.com/29x7nj
http://tinyurl.com/277svh
http://tinyurl.com/2apjfl
I cannot speak from a thru-hikers perspective, but in general people will tell you if you carry 40+ lbs, then use boots. That being said, I hiked with a group and carried 45 lbs (stupid group gear) for a week with my Montrail Hurricane Ridge trail runners and had no ankle problems. Trail runners are where its at, but everybody in the world has a different opinion.
Appalachian Tater
05-05-2007, 21:52
All heavy shoes do is make it harder to pick up your feet. You burn more calories and have to carry more food. When they get wet, they get even heavier and take days to dry out.
Unless you have been hiking in boots since the 1960's or 70's and refuse to trade in your heavy gear because it works, get trail runners.
fiddlehead
05-05-2007, 22:44
trail runners
old man, new convert. trail runners.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-05-2007, 23:33
Unless you have major joint problems, trail runners.
Runners. Just make sure they have a strong toebox. I kick alot of rocks, so I'm paranoid about my toes.
trail runners. made it thru all of pa, no blisters. i'm sold.
handlebar
05-06-2007, 13:28
Unless you have been hiking in boots since the 1960's or 70's and refuse to trade in your heavy gear because it works, get trail runners.
Boots!
Yep, I've been hiking in 'em since 1970. My LaSportiva Makalu's fit my feet perfectly and while about 2 lbs. heavier than a pair than good trail runners, my last pair endured over 2000 miles, finally dying at Franconia Notch last year. I think I had fewer foot problems than hikers starting out in runners as far as blisters are concerned and I never worried about an ankle sprain. Fortunately, I had a broken-in pair a half size larger at home to complete my hike. I'll be picking 'em up and putting 'em down again next year on the PCT in 08.:)
trail runners. made it thru all of pa, no blisters. i'm sold.
Which shoe was it?
applejack
05-06-2007, 14:22
pure running shoes, the 2003 sacony grid shadow model. whole a.t., not one blister. used 4 pairs for the whole walk. have 10 more new pairs for future hiking, which ll do me for many more miles. the only way i d do boots is if there were more than 2 inches of snow involved
bigcranky
05-06-2007, 20:03
the only way i d do boots is if there were more than 2 inches of snow involved
Even then, I still wear trail runners. Gortex, with tall gaiters.
The one=five axiom is quite true. Wear the lightest footwear that you are OK with. I'm leaving on a section hike in the morning with 5 days gear and food plus 2L water...total weight = 15 pounds. I'm wearing Inov8 Roclite 315's at 10 oz per shoe.
warraghiyagey
05-06-2007, 20:27
I wore Vasque Hiking Boots last year. They sucked in every way imaginable except traction and support. It'll be trail runners for me this year.:) :)
Nightwalker
05-07-2007, 05:44
Boots!
Yep, I've been hiking in 'em since 1970. My LaSportiva Makalu's fit my feet perfectly and while about 2 lbs. heavier than a pair than good trail runners, my last pair endured over 2000 miles, finally dying at Franconia Notch last year. I think I had fewer foot problems than hikers starting out in runners as far as blisters are concerned and I never worried about an ankle sprain. Fortunately, I had a broken-in pair a half size larger at home to complete my hike. I'll be picking 'em up and putting 'em down again next year on the PCT in 08.:)
My Lowa Renegade Mids are ~7 oz per shoe heavier than a set of New Balance 810s. I wear them because they are more comfortable, to me, and because I've sprained my ankles more times than I can count. 7 oz. for comfort and lack of pain is a small price to pay*.
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*YMMV, Hike Your Own Hike, Professional Driver on Closed Course, etc. :)
Which shoe was it?
I have been hiking in Adidas Trail Responses now for the last couple of years. They are not a trail shoe, they are a regular running shoe I were when running off road. I keep my load fairly light, maybe 32 on the first day out if I'm carrying a lot...but I think the overall weight reduction allows me to feel good in the runners. And I have to say, it actually made it easier for me to navigate the rockiness.
rswanson
05-07-2007, 17:31
RE: Ankle sprains. Seems to me that many who argue for boots to ward against ankle sprains have sprained ankles multiple times while wearing boots. I've rarely, if ever, heard someone say, "I wore trail runners until I sprained my ankle bad, now I wear boots." In fact, I can't ever recall hearing someone switching from shoes to boots...not that it hasn't happened.
FWIW, the worst ankle sprain I ever suffered was while wearing mid-height boots. Of course I cannot prove this but I feel if I had been wearing trail runners, I would've avoided the sprain. I feel more nimble, have better control over my foot placement, and just generally feel more 'in touch' with the ground in trail runners as opposed to boots. Especially on rocks...wearing thick-soled boots over rocky terrain I almost feel disconnected from the uneven terrain below my feet.
Nightwalker
05-07-2007, 17:57
I've rarely, if ever, heard someone say, "I wore trail runners until I sprained my ankle bad, now I wear boots." In fact, I can't ever recall hearing someone switching from shoes to boots...not that it hasn't happened.
That's what I was trying to say. Trail runners and sprains go together for me. When I get a sprain, I go back to the boots and it makes daddy all better, even with the sprain.
dixicritter
05-07-2007, 18:23
The timing of this thread is awesome. SGT Rock and I have been going back and forth on my wanting to switch from shoes to boots to protect my ankles after doing 4.5 miles on the BMT weekend before last. I put lots of stress on my ankles trying not to blow out my knees and hips (I have rheumatoid arthritis), so I want to have more support for my ankles than my walking shoes provide. My only issue is I also want the lightest boot I can possibly find as well.
I think I found the one I want at our local outfitters. It's the Vasque Breeze GTX XCR. I'm going back this week to try them on again, now that I'm not sore from our hike anymore...LOL. Plus I got a flyer in the mail from the outfitters announcing a storewide sale... yippeee.
rswanson
05-07-2007, 18:50
I put lots of stress on my ankles trying not to blow out my knees and hips (I have rheumatoid arthritis), so I want to have more support for my ankles than my walking shoes provide. My only issue is I also want the lightest boot I can possibly find as well.
If you require real ankle support, don't rely on the upper portion of a boot to provide this for you. Get ankle braces and wear them as well.
rswanson
05-07-2007, 18:52
That's what I was trying to say. Trail runners and sprains go together for me. When I get a sprain, I go back to the boots and it makes daddy all better, even with the sprain.
Well, I can't say I've never heard someone say it now! :)
stickman
05-07-2007, 22:13
Quoddy, if you haven't left yet, I'd love to see your food and gear list. Fifteen pounds with 2L of water and 5 days food? Lets say an average of 1.5pounds a day for food (7.5 pounds) plus 2 L of water (4 pounds). Your saying your pack and all other gear combine to just 3.5 pounds? Amazing.
Stickman
Thanks for all the information. I am going to order a pair of Nike Air Jagged Ice. I just hope they fit! I have big feet so I will have to order them b/c no one carries shoes that big around here.
Nightwalker
05-07-2007, 23:44
If you require real ankle support, don't rely on the upper portion of a boot to provide this for you. Get ankle braces and wear them as well.
My boot does it for me, without any added support.
Funny thing: I got my first Lowas as almost-new left-behinds at Deep Gap shelter in GA. (Me heap-big hiker trash. Your trash, my joy.) I'm about to buy my third pair. These suckers really rock.
whykickamoocow
05-08-2007, 06:17
I'm with you stickman, how do people get theri packweight down so low, what is it that I must be doing wrong?
Slosteppin
05-09-2007, 14:37
If you are considering trail runners for the first time, I would suggest a runner's store rather than an outfitter. The outfitter is more likely to sell lowcut trail hikers. Some companies (TNF for instance) make both and they look very similar. The trail hikers have a stiffer sole, and are not as comfortable, for me, as trail runners.
Slosteppin
squivens
05-09-2007, 20:31
I am thru-hiking this year. I started in boots and switched over to trail runners in Erwin, TN. I am VERY happy I switched. I have had fewer foot problems with the trail runners than the boots and they are a lot lighter making bigger miles easier for me.
I where Montrails. I just find they fit my particular foot very well. I know they came out with a very lightweight boot/shoe that is the Hardrock base but in a hightop. As soon as it comes out in a wide, I am gonna pick up a pair. My hardrocks have made it from Erwin, TN to Harpers Ferry, WV so far and are still in good shape.
refreeman
09-03-2007, 12:00
I am thru-hiking this year. I started in boots and switched over to trail runners in Erwin, TN. I am VERY happy I switched. I have had fewer foot problems with the trail runners than the boots and they are a lot lighter making bigger miles easier for me.
I where Montrails. I just find they fit my particular foot very well. I know they came out with a very lightweight boot/shoe that is the Hardrock base but in a hightop. As soon as it comes out in a wide, I am gonna pick up a pair. My hardrocks have made it from Erwin, TN to Harpers Ferry, WV so far and are still in good shape.
squivens,
Is the Montrail high-top based on the Hardrock the Namche?