Hiking boots vs Hiking shoes/trail running shoes

[G.Sterling]

I have always hiked in boots, but i read a post the other day where someone mentioned that most thru hikers and serious long distance hikers will probably wear shoes instead of boots. Anyone have info on this? I'm in the market for a new pair of boots/shoes, my old ones still have some life left in them but not too much i suspect.

[kayak karl]

this might help http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/sear...archid=2913903

[RodentWhisperer]

This might be said/discussed elsewhere. Everyone's choices depend upon how well they know their body. From what I've learned (the hard way), my choice of shoes/boots depends upon the trail. When I go out on a smooth, flat, well maintained trail, I'm happy to wear shoes. But when I've to scramble up talus/scree, hike over tree roots, stumble through poorly defined routes, or bend my ankles to the side, I wear my boots.

[RugerWes]

This might be said/discussed elsewhere. Everyone's choices depend upon how well they know their body. From what I've learned (the hard way), my choice of shoes/boots depends upon the trail. When I go out on a smooth, flat, well maintained trail, I'm happy to wear shoes. But when I've to scramble up talus/scree, hike over tree roots, stumble through poorly defined routes, or bend my ankles to the side, I wear my boots.

Ditto ! Depends on terrain and conditions.

[SassyWindsor]

I have always hiked in boots, but i read a post the other day where someone mentioned that most thru hikers and serious long distance hikers will probably wear shoes instead of boots. Anyone have info on this? I'm in the market for a new pair of boots/shoes, my old ones still have some life left in them but not too much i suspect.

Keep the boots, buy a European made pair if a USA made pair is not available. One good brand is Scarpa, made in Italy. Can't resole shoes and will cost you more in the long run. I use my trail runners for shopping and light day hiking. Steer clear of China made footwear whatever you buy. Most of the cyberhikers claiming to know all about serious hikers or hiking have probably only hiked from their easy chair to the refrigerator and back.

[Rasty]

100% Depends on the person. I am much more comfortable with low top trail shoes then sturdy hiking boots. There is no brand that will work for everyone and anyone that states different is really foolish. Price doesn't mean much either if they don't fit your foot and hiking style. I always find it funny when someone states that only full grain leather hiking boots will work. Try hiking in the South with 90% humidity and 98 degrees F all day in a pair of heavy boots.

[Train Wreck]

100% Depends on the person. I am much more comfortable with low top trail shoes then sturdy hiking boots. There is no brand that will work for everyone and anyone that states different is really foolish. Price doesn't mean much either if they don't fit your foot and hiking style. I always find it funny when someone states that only full grain leather hiking boots will work. Try hiking in the South with 90% humidity and 98 degrees F all day in a pair of heavy boots.

Uh, I do exactly that. Seriously.

[MuddyWaters]

Boots are unnecessary for backpacking on trails if you have a reasonably light pack.
In most cases they are a detriment.
You will have to try them both to determine what is best for you.

If you are quite overweight, carry a very heavy pack, hike in deep snow or frigid conditions, or just enjoy plodding along slowly with heavy sweaty feet, then boots will probably be best.

[Train Wreck]

Boots are unnecessary for backpacking on trails if you have a reasonably light pack.
In most cases they are a detriment.
You will have to try them both to determine what is best for you.

If you are quite overweight, carry a very heavy pack, hike in deep snow or frigid conditions, or just enjoy plodding along slowly with heavy sweaty feet, then boots will probably be best.

none of the above, I just have weak ankles and was told by my regular dr. and an orthopedic specialist to stick with the heavy boots.

[Sarcasm the elf]

100% Depends on the person. I am much more comfortable with low top trail shoes then sturdy hiking boots. There is no brand that will work for everyone and anyone that states different is really foolish. Price doesn't mean much either if they don't fit your foot and hiking style. I always find it funny when someone states that only full grain leather hiking boots will work. Try hiking in the South with 90% humidity and 98 degrees F all day in a pair of heavy boots.

Exactly this.

I own both a good pair of leather and goretex scarpa boots and a pair of synthetic trail running shoes. For the most part, if it's above freezing I wear the shoes, if it's below freezing I go with boots. Shoes are lighter and more comfortable, they are breathable and dont get as sweaty and swampy in warm conditions, they let me ford streams by walking through them and dry fast and comfortably. When it is below freezing I opt for my good waterproof trail boots. They keep my feet warm in cold conditions and when temps are below freezing, getting you feet wet from freezing rain, streams or slush is inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst.

One additional thing to note, there is a common misconception that modern hiking lightweight hiking boots provide strong ankle support (the way that real heavyweight work boots do), however they are usually neither tall enough or rigid enough to provided much more ankle support than sneakers. [Edit: Train Wreck, I wrote this reply before I read your post, this paragraph was not directed at you.]

[MuddyWaters]

none of the above, I just have weak ankles and was told by my regular dr. and an orthopedic specialist to stick with the heavy boots.

Everyone should wear whats right for THEM, obviously.

My only point is that some do have a pre-conceived notion that you MUST have boots to step off of pavement, and it aint so. Its based on stereotype, marketing, old wives tales, ignorant salespersons, magazine ads, etc.

The high percentage of thru hikers, and long distance backpackers on long trails have conclusively demonstrated that trail shoes are at least sufficient , if not advantageous, for most people on established trails.

You can wear whatever you want, for whatever reasons you want, medical, psychological, sentimental, and thats great.

Just dont peddle the crap that boots are "necessary". Thats hogwash.

[OzJacko]

As stated above it depends on the person.
Rasty's comments largely hold true.
Women generally need boots more than men as the percentage of their total weight that the pack represents is usually higher.
I hike in trail runners which is not the norm in Australia.
Then again light packs aren't the norm here either.
My son hikes with a similar pack but likes boots.
Put 30lbs in a pack, walk a couple of miles over rocky uneven ground (inclined if possible) wearing light shoes.
If your ankles hurt stay with boots.

[Train Wreck]

Exactly this.

I own both a good pair of leather and goretex scarpa boots and a pair of synthetic trail running shoes. For the most part, if it's above freezing I wear the shoes, if it's below freezing I go with boots. Shoes are lighter and more comfortable, they are breathable and dont get as sweaty and swampy in warm conditions, they let me ford streams by walking through them and dry fast and comfortably. When it is below freezing I opt for my good waterproof trail boots. They keep my feet warm in cold conditions and when temps are below freezing, getting you feet wet from freezing rain, streams or slush is inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst.

One additional thing to note, there is a common misconception that modern hiking lightweight hiking boots provide strong ankle support (the way that real heavyweight work boots do), however they are usually neither tall enough or rigid enough to provided much more ankle support than sneakers. [Edit: Train Wreck, I wrote this reply before I read your post, this paragraph was not directed at you.]

no problem, I wish I could use the lighter shoes but I've tried two brands on 2 separate occasions and sprained an ankle both times. They're just not right for me. I really do have chicken ankles

[Many Moons]

I have always hiked in boots, but i read a post the other day where someone mentioned that most thru hikers and serious long distance hikers will probably wear shoes instead of boots. Anyone have info on this? I'm in the market for a new pair of boots/shoes, my old ones still have some life left in them but not too much i suspect.

I use trail runners now. Have a new pair of $220 lowa size 11 for sale for $110. Hike On!!!


Miller

[coach lou]

no problem, I wish I could use the lighter shoes but I've tried two brands on 2 separate occasions and sprained an ankle both times. They're just not right for me. I really do have chicken ankles

Choo Choo......you are good

[cliffordbarnabus]

most boot wear'ers get to a shelter, sit down, remove boots, thump them down, and make a sound like, "ugh" while horizontally shaking their head at them. most shoe wear'ers get to a shelter and take off their shoes before they get in their sleeping bag. most boot wear'ers convert.

[Tinker]

Boots are unnecessary for backpacking on trails if you have a reasonably light pack.
In most cases they are a detriment.
You will have to try them both to determine what is best for you.

If you are quite overweight, carry a very heavy pack, hike in deep snow or frigid conditions, or just enjoy plodding along slowly with heavy sweaty feet, then boots will probably be best.

Like.


Added: I used to use heavy boots. At the end of the day I would take them off and wear old running shoes (when I used to run). I got bad blisters from my (custom made) hiking boots early on before they were thoroughly broken in, and chose to wear my running shoes for a few days like slippers (with the heel out of the shoe). It didn't dawn on me until 10+ years later that I could've done hundreds of miles of hiking with lighter shoes. I switched to lighter boots, then low top hikers (not trail runners) then tried trail runners and finally, sandals. I have enjoyed all of them and now hike in either trail runners or sandals unless I expect lots of rocks. I bought a pair of Merrill Moabb Ventilators to do the northern part of Pa. (the rocks) and had no problem with them. My Asics trail runners were fine for southern Pa. and all the AT north of NJ. (New Jersey beat up my feet pretty badly when I was wearing the Asics, which were the least expensive trail runners I could find which fit and had a recognized brand name on them).

To each his/her own.

Experiment.

[Firefighter503]

most boot wear'ers get to a shelter, sit down, remove boots, thump them down, and make a sound like, "ugh" while horizontally shaking their head at them. most shoe wear'ers get to a shelter and take off their shoes before they get in their sleeping bag. most boot wear'ers convert.

This is the truth. I will just add that I take my trail runners off at camp, remove the SuperFeet, and then wear the shoes around until I get in my sleeping bag. Gives the feet a little more breathing room while around camp.

[staehpj1]

none of the above, I just have weak ankles and was told by my regular dr. and an orthopedic specialist to stick with the heavy boots.

Everyone is different, but I suffered from ankle problems for many (~40) years and ultimately found boots to be a crutch rather than a solution. The solution for me was carefully strengthening my ankles by bicycling, then hiking, then road running, and then trail running in running shoes. The progression was over a number of years, but I no longer have ankle problems.

Wearing more supportive shoes can prevent strengthening of the ankles and may be counter productive, at least in some cases.

[Cadenza]

It's totally seasonal.
Trail runners are the way to go in summer with light gear.
They suck in cold, wet, mud or snow or if carrying a heavy load.

Wear what's appropriate.