View Full Version : UL trail runners, and camp shoes
Looking for an UL trail runner. The New Balance ones are sticking out to me. Any feedback? I'm assuming most people get water resistant, not waterproof ones.
Also, for a through hike, I'm going to want camp shoes. The best idea for this I've come up with is to use an UL racing shoe, has anyone else done this?
No point in water resistance. The low top means water can easily get in. Get the most breathable shoe you can to prevent blisters and help wet shoes dry out faster.
Even racing shoes are pretty heavy compared to trail running shoes.
If you want camp shoes to have something dry to wear in camp, then a better solution may be to wear a vapor barrier over thin socks and wear your shoes. This would help your shoes dry out faster while in camp.
Serial 07
10-08-2010, 18:35
Lafuma makes some very durable trail runner/UL hikers...i got 600 miles out of a pair that fit like a glove and broke in right out the box...
It would be helpful if you shared your defintion of "UL."
I loved the INOV-8 X-Talon 212 (212g/7.5oz) on the PCT, racking up ~1000 mi on my last pair.
The NB 101 (221g/7.8oz), Inov-8 X-Talon 190 (190g/6.7oz), and F-lite 195 (195g/6.9oz) are new this fall.
Is this what you're looking for, or are you thinking something more substantial?
-ed
garlic08
10-08-2010, 20:13
I've been using the NB 8XX series for six seasons now--started with 806, now have 813. They're great shoes if they fit you. They come in three widths to help that out. I can't quite get 1000 miles out of a pair, more like 800 max.
If you use these, I see no need for camp shoes as well. One of the best reasons to use trail runners is that they're so comfortable you don't need to change shoes at the end of the day. Just loosen the laces.
I use Leaftye's vapor barrier idea, too (Bagtex). I always carry a couple extra bread bags.
Danielsen
10-08-2010, 20:30
I'm hiking mainly in some Asics Hyperlight XC cross-country runners right now, and they're light and comfy enough for wearing all day in pretty much any conditions. At about 6 ounces and $50 I felt they were a pretty good deal. My only issue is the soles are not at all sticky; I value traction over durability. Next I'll probably get one of the new Inov8s Suttree mentioned.
A big question is how much cushioning your feet require. My current shoes, and the ones mentioned by Suttree, have very very little cushioning and little or no heel raise. If your feet are used to a cushier ride, you might find such shoes uncomfortable unless you recondition your feet.
i've probably got 500 miles on my current pair of montrail hardrocks
If you really really want camp shoes, consider poking some holes in your insoles, or carry a spare pair of insoles for this purpose, and then threading a shoe-lace through to make a sandal. Remove the shoe lace to put the insole back in. It's a good idea to have spare shoelaces anyway. Another option is to use a bit of blue foam pad and some duct tape to make sandals. Carrying two pairs of fully functional shoes kind of isn't really Ultralight and camp shoes really aren't necessary unless you are doing some kind of river hike and will have permanently wet shoes or something like that.
trailangelbronco
10-15-2010, 12:29
I use Sanuks for Campshoes. Light as flip flops, but secure on yer foot and comfy.
They fit in the side open pocket on my pack and weigh next to nothing.
Every shoe company has their own "fit". Find one that fits you best and forget about the name. New Balance doesn't cut it for me. My forefoot is too wide, my heel is too narrow, and I don't have any arch to speak of nor do my feet have much volume. Do some study on types of feet, determine which type is closest to yours, and start shopping.
frisbeefreek
10-16-2010, 10:27
Every brand fits differently - I'm an ASICS man (size 11.0US slightly wide). Find a brand that fits. Buy it a 1/2 size big.
For ASICS, I found the Kahana 3 to be the best. I tried 4 other models on 2 thru's (including some expensive models). The Kahana has a toe rand that enables the shoe to last >700miles. They dry quickly and have good traction.
Footware is the most varied and contentious topic among hikers.. Okay food maybe the most contentious!
Anyhow you asked about New Balance. I used 12 pairs of New Balance shoes to hike the PCT and CDT. I used the cheapest style they had(NB 476 & 479), not totally because they were cheap, just cause they fit the best. My feet never changed shape like some do on the trail. I liked and needed the extra width of EEEE that New Balance offers. As far as water resistant.. IMHO forget it. After hiking through snow and streams with abandon I found the choice of sock to be more important than the shoes ability to resist water.
For example: In the Sierra on top of snow pack for a week and a half and crossing streams I would just let my feet get wet. Sometime throughout the day I would change my Smartwool socks, hanging the wet pair on the pack. Even if they don't totally dry just slinging them around a bit restores some of their cushioning qualities.
Anyhow I am getting off topic. As far as New Balance I can recommend them myself.. That they worked well for me anyways. And the way i made them work well in wet conditions was sock strategy.
I wanted to add that I always put superfeet insoles in my cheap New Balance shoes. One outfitter I met (Shortt supply Hood River Oregon) said :" Youv'e turned a thirty dollar pair of shoes into a 90 dollar pair by adding those insoles".
On the CDT '10 I learned to just put the superfeet in on top of the stock insole that comes in the shoe. The extra cushion meant absolutely no foot pain like I had after the PCT in '09.
Crikey! I am sorry. I am going off about everything foot related. Anyhow HYOH, Your Mileage may very.. all that.
Cheers:sun
Every brand fits differently - I'm an ASICS man (size 11.0US slightly wide). Find a brand that fits. Buy it a 1/2 size big.
For ASICS, I found the Kahana 3 to be the best. I tried 4 other models on 2 thru's (including some expensive models). The Kahana has a toe rand that enables the shoe to last >700miles. They dry quickly and have good traction.
I'm a bit curious to know whether or not you noticed my post. :-?:)
My fave is INOV8. I highly recommend these!
Do not change out the insoles to superfeet, the original insole cups the the foot and is very comfortable as is.
These are great for strong ankles:
http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=Inov8+roclite+315+Shoes&pf_id=IN10-109&dept_id=14800
These are great for me for ankle support:
http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=Inov8+roclite+390+GTX+Shoes&pf_id=IN10-121&dept_id=14800
Yes 315 and 390 are the weight in grams which tells you how light they are.
I bought some $30 new balance 400 series and I think they fit and feel best, too. They do tend to hold on to water more than other models with other fabrics. Other than that, I can see no reason for the difference in price.
I've been through a few pairs of the 390s and really like them.
I liked the non-goretex version, the 370, even better but they quit making it. When the 390s get wet, they stay wet for a while.
My fave is INOV8. I highly recommend these!
Do not change out the insoles to superfeet, the original insole cups the the foot and is very comfortable as is.
These are great for strong ankles:
http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=Inov8+roclite+315+Shoes&pf_id=IN10-109&dept_id=14800
These are great for me for ankle support:
http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=Inov8+roclite+390+GTX+Shoes&pf_id=IN10-121&dept_id=14800
Yes 315 and 390 are the weight in grams which tells you how light they are.
fiddlehead
11-29-2010, 10:40
Although I'm not one of them, many hikers DO wear camp shoes.
I sell a lot of these (at 3 oz/pair for the size XL): http://theunderwearguys.com/product_info.php?cPath=64&products_id=218
fiddlehead
11-29-2010, 10:45
Oh forgot to mention, mention "whiteblaze" and we'll give you $4 back (will give you a refund after we receive your order as you will be asked to pay $8 shipping fee) on the above camp shoes.
burntoutphilosopher
11-29-2010, 13:22
well i love a business that loves us !
just orderred two pair i'll give'em a try
pistol p
12-21-2010, 17:57
I've tried other brands, but New Balance trail shoes are my pick. I also use the MT8xx series shoes. I currently use the MT876. These shoes are lightweight and have great toe box room.
As far as camp shoes, I currently use Crocs. I have had flip flops in the past, or went without. The Crocs are by far the most comfortable ones I have had. But, they do take up a bit of room.
Good Luck!
Black Wolf
12-22-2010, 23:21
leaftye....... ""Even racing shoes are pretty heavy compared to trail running shoes.""...So not true...
trailangelbronco....."" I use Sanuks for Campshoes. Light as flip flops, but secure on yer foot and comfy.""... I was just looking at these last nite ... I like 'em...a bit heavy .. I didn't buy any.. But I do like them
Cotter...;"".Also, for a through hike, I'm going to want camp shoes. The best idea for this I've come up with is to use an UL racing shoe, has anyone else done this? ""
.....I have thought of this as well...but have rejected the idea ..and I have worn a lot of racers..AKA.. spike-less track shoes... being that you'll be in moist wet ground most of the time...to down right muddy...because of the minimalistic sole that have on them you'll { I've a some the the fabric wraps around and down the side of your foot } have wet and or muddy feet most of the time in camp...de-feat-ing the purpose of having a camp shoe...you did want your feet warm and dry at camp right??
Being that you'll need 3-5 pair to get you ""through""..you can adjust the shoe slightly as you hike ..you'll either be buying them along the trail or picking them up in mail drops... Variety is the spice of life..
burntoutphilosopher...let me what you think of them...I like them and the weight.. coupled with a pair of wool socks (for cold nights) these just might be the ticket....and you talked me into the Neo Air..
Just my thoughts guys..
I use Salomon XA Pros because they fit my feet the best. I use the ones with the goretex liners in the winter because they are much warmer.
When I carry camp shoes I use Crocs. You can hike in Crocs..cross rivers in Crocs..they make great shower shoes. Because they don't absorb water you can hang them on the outside of your pack. I always carry them when it's hot because my feet swell and need to breath after hiking all day.
My Crocs and insulated air mattress kinda disqualify me from the Ultralight club :eek:
leaftye....... ""Even racing shoes are pretty heavy compared to trail running shoes.""...So not true...
Except they are. Note, I did not say "heavier". Plenty of racing shoes weight 5-8 ounces. Trail running shoes start under 8 ounces and I wouldn't consider trail runner over 13 ounces. Even if you pick the extremes of those two choices, what's the point of getting a largely unused camp shoe that weighs such a large fraction of the weight of the primary pair of shoes? There will be even more overlap this year, such as the New Balance Minimus which which should start out around 6 ounces.
sandylwes
02-18-2011, 18:26
Just got a pair of Montrail Hardrocks.....hope they will work as good as my Montrail Namches Ive come to love!
Just found out about these for camp shoes:
www.zemgear.com (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/www.zemgear.com)
Sort of like armored socks. Some weigh 2 oz.
Ordered a pair today (no affiliation except as customer)
I've tried the Vibram 5 fingers but these Zems look like more what I want in a camp shoe.
No Crocks for me.
I just got the ZEMGear ... um.... it's difficult to call them shoes...
Armored socks? They have a stretchy lycra top over a full length textured rubber sole. Weight 2.6 oz each, = 5.2 oz for the pair.
I think they might work fine for camp shoes. Better than the shower slippers, which I have also tried. I could see using these to go to the loo or to a nearby spring to load up water. Possibly OK for wading into streams too, they would stay on the foot well (I got the round toe low).
They are quite a bit lighter and more flexible than Vibram 5 fingers. I wouldn't want to walk a long way in them, but they are one of the best things I've seen for minimalist camp shoes. Nice color accents too!
KillerKowalski
02-24-2011, 19:20
I ordered the ZemGear's. I am not sure if I like them yet. I will try them next month on the trail. Pretty pricey. The new models look awesome with a better outsole. I do light the weight of them.
HeartWalker
02-25-2011, 07:48
I got a pair of zemgear split toes and love them for camp shoes. Only down side I see is they leave your feet a little cold in the winter. I made a pair of split toe socks for that and it helps.