Hi,

I'm not a ultra lighter exactly but being a day hiker sort of makes me concerned about this.

I have been looking around for shoes/ boots as I have been hiking
and scrambling in running shoes (actually I have found some devotees of this, though I wouldn't be one.) Anyway, I was in 2 stores and tried on approx 20 shoes and boots, and have actually taken back two pair already. I have planar faciatis and wear orthodics (I'm not real young, I might add.)

Everything hurts, and after returning a pair of sturdy Merrell Chameleon Wraps, which are in the range of light hikers (though I am not sure I would call them exactly LIGHT), I ended up getting Asic Gels. The case is still not settled. Today I hiked again in running shoes as these are not at all broken in. I could add I found a pair of Brooks Adrenaline trail runners but I see them as not much more supportive than my regular running shoes (I wear nothing but running shoes and Birkenstocks in real life.) I wanted a shoe that might at least move me in the direction of trail shoes and boots.

The jury is still out on these. I went in and tried on some Merrell Ventilators yesterday. I was all excited as I could have walked out of the store with, but read reviews that described how the wind whips into them. Doesn't appeal right now. :eek:

--des

Why not just wear running shoes?? A lot of hikers do. Just make sure the tread is suited for rough terrain.

Why not just wear running shoes?? A lot of hikers do. Just make sure the tread is suited for rough terrain.

Not so much. Also since I scramble, I'd like something a bit "stickier". I wouldn't do approach shoes though, strangest things I have ever seen.

--des

Then stick with one of the brands you normally wear and just get a trail runner or else have new soles put on your Birkenstocks.

Then stick with one of the brands you normally wear and just get a trail runner or else have new soles put on your Birkenstocks.

I don't leave the house in the Birkenstocks. I wear Brooks
Adrenaline running shoes, they do have a trail running shoe. It wasn't much as far as sole, etc. But if these don't work out, I'll go to them. Sadly they came out with a BRIGHT RED one that looks a bit tougher. I was thinking of wearing the shoe to work as they are a little warmer than the regular running shoes. I can't wear bright red to work. Maybe they'd scare the bears away though. LOL!

--des

BTW, whew but I think the Asics are working out. I wore them inside for around 4-5 hours with no problems-- doing chores that sort of thing.


--des

Asics and Salomon XA Pro 3D (http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7156454/c/71958.html) are my favorites for hiking without a pack. I wear Hi-Tec Seirra V-Lite Fastpack boot (http://www.hi-tec.com/category.php?styleId=1768)for BPing.

Shoes aren't one-type-fits-all. You have to try them and find the right type and brand for you.

A different spin on this, I am no "youngster" either, the one thing I DO NOT want have happen is a bad ankle twist, my plantars faciatis acting up, etc, etc........with a 35lb - 40lb pack I need boots. Lightweight, under 3 lbs, lots of options for narrows, I have a wide foot so less choices. I like the extra support. If it means a bit less mileage some days, so be it..........not in a huge hurry.

No disrespect Del Q, but it sounds as if you have a lot more issues than just you’re feet? Maybe you should reconsider backpacking?

Have you tried Lowas yet? They make a couple of light boots, very comfortable but with more support than most running shoes.

No disrespect Del Q, but it sounds as if you have a lot more issues than just you’re feet? Maybe you should reconsider backpacking?

Oh hell no! We old folks are decrepit but we're not dead! We may have to rest a season or so, but that doesn't disqualify us. No, choose whatever footwear is comfortable, and lighten the load as much as possible, but don't stop just because you have to be more careful. Just be careful!

Me, I like the lightest shoes I can get away with. I had a 20+# bag last outing, if the Fall, but that was because it was spur of the moment, and I had to use some heavy gear. Next time, I will be below 15# winter, and maybe 12 or less summer, if I can manage. I hike slow, too. Have to.

I'm a big fan of New Balance and using green Superfeet insoles.

Asics and Salomon XA Pro 3D (http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7156454/c/71958.html) are my favorites for hiking without a pack. I wear Hi-Tec Seirra V-Lite Fastpack boot (http://www.hi-tec.com/category.php?styleId=1768)for BPing.

Shoes aren't one-type-fits-all. You have to try them and find the right type and brand for you.


I use the Salomon's that FD suggests, I due summer hiking with non goretex, the mesh lets the feet breath rather well. I use the goretex in late fall to early spring. I highly recommend them. I have logged over 300 miles in them and have never gotten a blister while hiking in them with low cut smart wool socks, no liners. I use the stock inserts that come with the shoes. I am a big guy 6ft, 250. I tend to hike with about 30lbs in the summer. Good grip and traction and they shed mud rather well.

Unfortunately, you have to figure out what works with your feet. Tried Montrail and Asolo. Montrail's heel cups are too shallow and blistered/ripped up the the back of one of my ankles. Asolo's were alright but ended up causing a bump to form on top of my left big toe where the grommit was, can't wear shoes with grommits any more.

Good luck, but once you find the right foot wear, you'll swear by them!

I just bought a pair of Lowas this past weekend. Had them on most of the day today, and they fit my usually sore, aching feet like ... well, like gloves. I feel a real need for boots. Maybe because I live in PA and in my neck of woods, it's really about those stinking rocks. My biggest fear is a fall or a twisted ankle, so I like the support of a boot, especially on downhills. Oh, and did I mention how much I hate up. I just hate up in general. Anything that goes up, well, I just hate it.

My hubby, who will occasionally hike with me, is a runner. He only wears his running shoes on trails, regardless of conditions. He thinks boots feel confining. I guess in the end, you have to get what fit your feet and conditions the best.

Asics and Salomon XA Pro 3D (http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7156454/c/71958.html) are my favorites for hiking without a pack. I wear Hi-Tec Seirra V-Lite Fastpack boot (http://www.hi-tec.com/category.php?styleId=1768)for BPing.

Shoes aren't one-type-fits-all. You have to try them and find the right type and brand for you.

HAHA! Apparently in my case try and try and try. THough I am pretty sure Asics are fine. This isn't really pack hiking. I carry a day pack, water, a few granola bars, first aid kit, that kind of thing. A few people are worried I intend to have the dog carry all my stuff! :) (no but the dog is driving! LOL)


--des

Just an update on the Asics Gels. I wore them out today as I have worn them around elsewhere with no problems. I wouldn't say they feel broken in but they are nice shoes which seem a LOT more stable than my regular running shoes.

They did nicely and my ankle didn't twist. (This wasn't a really difficult hike, but I did take a turn off for a little boulder/rock scrambling). The soles are nice and sticky and I even went thru a little snow and ice in them with no cold or wet feet (we are not talking heavy snow or ice here of course. But I could not have done this in the running shoes).

So far I give them a good review.

BTW, what is this with them weird color combos and so forth. I heard an REI person give some rationale why they are 3 different colors (3 different materials), but why pick 3 ghastly colors? (These are sort of mustard, brown, and greyish). I can't wear them with an evening dress so I won't get one. :rolleyes:



--des