View Full Version : Hiking boots vs. Running Shoes
rachels0880
09-10-2015, 22:13
I've seen a lot of people on here saying that they chose to wear running shoes instead of hiking boots.
What would you guys recommend and why?
There are a hundred thread on shoes vs. boots. I suspect you use boots or you wouldn't be asking this question. My suggestion, if you have a pair of running shoes then do a day hike with your gear and see if it works FOR YOU. That is all that matters. Rather Fred likes boots or Gary wear moccasins etc doesn't answer what is right for you.
Vegan Packer
09-11-2015, 02:34
I am going to have to start looking for boots. I have foot issues, and I went with my Newbalance 812 shoes, because they are the only vegan shoes that will fit my orthotics. No pain, but despite being a 15 mile a week walker at home, I was surprised to find my ankles quite swollen (again, pain free, and I would not have even noticed, had I not looked down at them when cleaning myself or changing clothes) after a few days on the trail. I am going to start an endless search for something that will work. I have someone that can actually make a custom set, from scratch, but I can only guess at how much those will end out costing. I just might end out having to explore that option.
bigcranky
09-11-2015, 06:34
Your feet and ankles can get swollen no matter what shoes you wear. I don't think it's a function of the shoe. At least, not for me.
To the OP, there are a lot of "trail running" shoes and low-cut hiking shoes. Lots of brands and models, from extremely light and flexible with zero drop, to burly leather low cut shoes. Long distance hikers have been successful with all kinds of shoes, what it really comes down to is how they fit you, and what sort of support you need.
Unfortunately, it's hard to choose the right shoe in the store. I've had several thaty felt great in the shop, and walking around town even with a pack, but were awful when I took them for a longer hike. It's almost impossible to know in advance.... sorry :( I guess the best bet would be to buy at REI or some other place with a 100% return guarantee on fit, and then spend a lot of time in the store with a pack trying shoes.
Harmless
09-11-2015, 10:09
For the swelling, you might have a doc look at that. It could be an edema problem. If so, compression socks might be all you need to add to your repertoire.
I've done about a dozen sections on the southern AT so far over that last several years.
I alway wear boots, and on each hike I almost always have an "incident" on the trail where I nearly roll my ankle, and the boot saves me from a sprained ankle injury.
I will always wear boots.
mattjv89
09-11-2015, 11:52
I've done about a dozen sections on the southern AT so far over that last several years.
I alway wear boots, and on each hike I almost always have an "incident" on the trail where I nearly roll my ankle, and the boot saves me from a sprained ankle injury.
I will always wear boots.
It may just be the strength in your ankles stopping them from a sprain. I've probably had 10 incidents of rolling without spraining through the whites and Maine and I'm in trail runners. I've read a number of studies that find no statistically significant difference in ankle injury between low and mid top shoes. Don't have time to dig them up right now but I'm sure Google will provide if you're interested.
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For those of you who use trail runners rather than boots, I'm curious how you keep your feet warm when it's cold/snowy during parts of your hike? When I wear my (non-waterproof) boots with thick socks around town, my feet freeze in the winter, so I can imagine I'd be even colder if I was outside 24-7 and wearing sneakers in the snow.
For those of you who use trail runners rather than boots, I'm curious how you keep your feet warm when it's cold/snowy during parts of your hike? When I wear my (non-waterproof) boots with thick socks around town, my feet freeze in the winter, so I can imagine I'd be even colder if I was outside 24-7 and wearing sneakers in the snow.
I normal wear the lightest weight socks with trail runners even in the winter. If it's wet and cold then I wear a sock liner, waterproof bootie, and another liner over the bootie. And I keep moving.
Another Kevin
09-11-2015, 13:38
For those of you who use trail runners rather than boots, I'm curious how you keep your feet warm when it's cold/snowy during parts of your hike? When I wear my (non-waterproof) boots with thick socks around town, my feet freeze in the winter, so I can imagine I'd be even colder if I was outside 24-7 and wearing sneakers in the snow.
For shoulder season conditions, wool socks, my regular trail runners, and low gaiters. Add microspikes as necessary.
I've not tried Neoprene socks like Malto, or Gore-Tex oversocks like 1azarus, but they're also popular in the trail-runner crowd.
For actual winter, I'm mostly going to be on snowshoes or crampons, and I need to use boots that work with the bindings, so the trail runners go in the closet for that period. Down to about zero F, I'll wear thin nylon or polyester dress socks, doubled newspaper bags over those, then my usual wool socks, and then mid-cut hiking boots with over-the-calf gaiters. In deep winter, the same socks-bags-socks layering, in Sorel pac boots. (That's the cheapskate solution. Most mountaineers eventually invest in hardshell mountaineering boots for those conditions.)
My understanding is that the winter in the southern half of the Trail has conditions like what I'd call 'shoulder season.' I can imagine your feet freezing around town, if your town is Minneapolis. I've been known to wear pac boots around town on the coldest winter days, even in Schenectady.
True, it gets much colder here than it would during any weather I'd be willing to backpack in, but even during 'normal' cold weather (as opposed to crazy Minnesota cold weather) my feet get cold...I'm talking at like, 15-30 degrees F. I'd love to hike in trail runners, but I just can't picture it! Maybe I'm just wimpy, lol.
And sorry OP, didn't mean to hijack your thread with my question!
Plug-it In
09-12-2015, 10:14
I personally like trail runners. I've noticed that I twist my ankles less. The more I hike in them, the stronger my ankles get. I also wear liners with my darn tough socks. That's what works for me.
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Slo-go'en
09-12-2015, 10:34
If you read a lot of Trail journals you'll notice that about Pennsylvanian many start complaining how much their feet hurt. The combination of rocks and soft soled trail runners are the reason. Trail runners are good in the south where for the most part the trail is "soft", but up north you want a stiffer sole to protect you from the rocks and roots which is provided by using a proper hiking boot.
GlennBur
09-12-2015, 13:25
You don't have to choose between trail runners or hiking boots. There are also hiking shoes which are low cut hiking boots.
booney_1
09-12-2015, 14:39
A couple of points...There is a wide range of boots...some are very heavy...others much lighter. I just saw an ad for sketchers USA sergeants. They weigh 1.6lbs. You can find a lot of light weight boots under the work boot category. (skip the steel toes and arch!) I just bought a pair of Timberline White ledge boots. They are pretty light and feel great (after 20 miles so far). Work boots tend to be lighter (and cheaper) than "hiking"boots. They provide support some where between a 3lb hiking boot and trail runners.
I like to browse trail journals...and noticed this years Box Turtle...just broke her ankle (in PA?). If you google "broken ankle Appalachian trail"...you get a lot of hits.
I saw a couple other journals of people who finished already, and weeks after the hike...their feet are still sore. Red Panda was in tears after she tried to run a week after her hike...she just made it down the driveway..I'd love to see a survey about foot pain/accidents during and after a thru-hike.
There is probably an age consideration also. Us older hikers have to consider that bones are not as strong, and joints not as flexible as when we were younger. Everybody of a certain age...knows friends who broke an ankle or bone stepping off the front porch, or slipping in the parking lot.
I've never like the real heavy hiking boot, but I like the work boot class, but for support and water-proofness.
The bottom line...footwear is very important...both to comfort and safety. You have time to try out some different options so do it.
Another Kevin
09-12-2015, 18:05
If you read a lot of Trail journals you'll notice that about Pennsylvanian many start complaining how much their feet hurt. The combination of rocks and soft soled trail runners are the reason. Trail runners are good in the south where for the most part the trail is "soft", but up north you want a stiffer sole to protect you from the rocks and roots which is provided by using a proper hiking boot.
Or you compromise by replacing the stock insole of the trail runner with one that has a better rock plate. I do fine in the Catskill Crud - the same geologic formation as the Pennsylvania Rocks - with New Balance trail runners and green Superfeet. It would kill my feet if I tried the same routes with the insoles from the factory. I do switch to boots when the traction gear comes out.
Sarcasm the elf
09-12-2015, 20:05
Or you compromise by replacing the stock insole of the trail runner with one that has a better rock plate. I do fine in the Catskill Crud - the same geologic formation as the Pennsylvania Rocks - with New Balance trail runners and green Superfeet. It would kill my feet if I tried the same routes with the insoles from the factory. I do switch to boots when the traction gear comes out.
Bingo, a pair of green superfeet add a lot of rigidity to trail runners, it's all I've ever needed for running up and down New England creek beds (or for following AK up off trail Catskill routes). Wearing trail runners allows my ankles to flex which really removes a lot of the potential stress and damage from being transferred into my knees the way that it does if my ankles are locked in place by boots.
I wore boots for a long time, switch to trail runners and I'm not going back. I now tell anyone that's asks, "They're maybe not for everyone, but they're probably right for you. It's foolish not to try them given all the potential benefits."
If you have healthy ankles, I'd use trail runners or hiking shoes (not boots).
I have an ankle with an old injury, that strengthening exercises don't seem to help with... For that ankle, I notice that high boots give lots of ankle support. Shoes give almost none. Mid-height boots are in the middle, support wise.
For my healthy ankle, trail shoes or hiking shoes work just fine with a 25-27 lb pack, on rocky trails. I also notice that they are waaaaay less effort to lift when going uphill in rocky terrain. High boots are tiring !
I also notice that my knees feel the side stress when I use high boots instead of shoes, and they are often stiff and somewhat swelled at the end of the day. This doesn't happen when I wear shoes instead :)
For snowy conditions, I like waterproof boots that are relatively high. They waterproofing doesn't keep them dry - but it does keep them warm :). I also find that I need a higher boot to keep snow out of the tops - even when wearing gaiters.
Ps: for winter boots get them too big so you can wear a wicking sock plus 2 pairs of thick wool socks - without compressing the socks. They must fit loose to be warm.
I started with boots.... always broke them in (at least 150-200 miles before the A.T.), and ALWAYS got horrible blisters on my heels. I was sized by two different outfitters - both stating I have a wide toe box but narrow heels. I always ONLY WEAR Smart Wool, but I still had problems.
This year, I went to a running shore store and purchased trail runners. I hate to say this, but this is the first year that I only put about 30 miles on them for break in. Yet, I received NO BLISTERS! I also found that while my feet got wet faster than my friend's - who wears Gortex boots, my feet dried significantly faster than hers when we were both wet - which was pretty often!
Just FYI: The running store stressed that people with ankle problems should not wear trail runners backpacking....
I am really curious how a trail shoe will perform in the Pennsylvania rocks. Is it a "you really shouldn't" or an absolute thou shalt not? My plan is a 25lb pack and can't imagine not using trail shoes. To further pick your brain....regarding the Whites and Mt.Washington et al....how taboo would a trail shoe be heading up and around Mt.George W.?
Another Kevin
09-16-2015, 15:07
I am really curious how a trail shoe will perform in the Pennsylvania rocks. Is it a "you really shouldn't" or an absolute thou shalt not? My plan is a 25lb pack and can't imagine not using trail shoes. To further pick your brain....regarding the Whites and Mt.Washington et al....how taboo would a trail shoe be heading up and around Mt.George W.?
As I said above, I've not been to the Pennsylvania Rocks since I switched to trail runners, but mine have performed admirably in the Catskill Crud, which is the same geologic formation and has more elevation change. The trail runners I like (New Balance MT610) are too flexible to protect the forefoot, but a pair of green Superfeet fix that. Pick the color according to your foot profile. Green fit me but might not fit you. I've done Northeast 4000-footers in trail runners. I switch to boots only when there's enough ice, snow, and frozen mud that the traction gear comes out.
Yes, the rocks chew up trail runners and spit them out. I'm willing to replace my shoes every few hundred miles in return for the comfort.
I am really curious how a trail shoe will perform in the Pennsylvania rocks. Is it a "you really shouldn't" or an absolute thou shalt not? My plan is a 25lb pack and can't imagine not using trail shoes. To further pick your brain....regarding the Whites and Mt.Washington et al....how taboo would a trail shoe be heading up and around Mt.George W.?
I hated the PA rocks personally, but my trail runners (Brooks Cascadia) were not a problem. They lasted over 500 miles from Glasgow, VA into NJ before I noticed the tread starting to tear off the bottom. With gorilla tape I was able to get 600 miles out of them. Wished I could have gotten them swapped sooner, but that was the best I could do with the logistics involved.
tauwillow
09-17-2015, 19:27
I have been using trail runners exclusively for two years on hikes now, and love them. I like that they are lightweight and dry quickly. I always thought I had weak ankles, but after thorough research, determined that boots wouldn't really protect them anyway.
As for the PA rocks, I just hiked through the Seven Devils Mountains of Idaho, and we had rocks aplenty:
<img src="http://www.tauspot.com/tauspotting/rocks151.jpg">
My shoes were great on the whole trip - even the 6,000 ft elevation loss on the third day. I love my Brooks Cascadia trail runners, and won't use anything else. (I also love my treadlabs insoles)
tauwillow
09-17-2015, 19:32
32033
(sorry - can't edit the above post)
A recent study published on Appalachian Trials based on survey data of Section and Thru hikers on the A.T. showed that trail running shoes are the preferred shoe for Thru Hikers. It also showed that many will switch to trail runners and away from boots while very few go to boots after hiking in trail runners. One above poster is correct that height of shoe (low/mid/high) has no statistical difference in ankle injury rates, additionally the premise that any shoe provides 'ankle support' is patently incorrect. Studies on ankle braces (more 'support' than footwear can provide) have shown to not change injury rates, however, they have demonstrated decreased strength in the muscles that support the foot/ankle/knee as well as a decreased proprioreceptive balance. Basically any external support makes you weaker and less able to protect yourself with your own balance.
If I worked in the mountains I'd wear boots for protection. Hiking for sake of moving each day to progressively further distance from a starting point is a no brainer for me: Running Shoes are the correct choice because they protect the long distance hiker from prolonged wet feet, blisters, overheating, diminished balance/strength from an overbuilt shoe, and finally they are more obvious when they need to be replaced.
Each has strengths and weaknesses and for each there are trade offs.
The trail runners I'd recommend trying based on my own experience:
Saucony Xodus
Brooks Cascadia
Water Rat
09-21-2015, 11:41
I've seen a lot of people on here saying that they chose to wear running shoes instead of hiking boots.
What would you guys recommend and why?
First, :welcome to White Blaze!
Second, I recommend both. It just depends on where you are hiking and when you are hiking. Above all else, what I would recommend is wearing whatever works best for your feet. YOU are the one who has to wear the footware and you are gonna hate it if you start hiking in something that does not feel right.
Shoes & boots are expensive. My advice is to go to an outdoor store and try on shoes and boots. What feels best? Do your feet normally have issues (blisters, etc) when you get new footware? I would also check on any return policy before buying - That could keep you from being stuck with something that felt good in the store, but not so good on the trail.
I would advise against buying boots or shoes just because they work well for someone else. Getting outdoors does not have to cost a lot and there is not set uniform. Go forth and find what is comfortable for you! :)
For those of you who use trail runners rather than boots, I'm curious how you keep your feet warm when it's cold/snowy during parts of your hike? When I wear my (non-waterproof) boots with thick socks around town, my feet freeze in the winter, so I can imagine I'd be even colder if I was outside 24-7 and wearing sneakers in the snow.
If it's cold and have chosen to hike in light wt non WP low cut trail runners or low cut hikers expecting a mix of some ice/snow but mostly clear ground underfoot such as might occur on a early AT NOBO or early AT SOBO start I'll carry two socks, one wool 1/4 length height and one a thin breathable crew length height sock like manufactured by HANZ or SEALSKINZ and maybe Shortie stretchy Schoeller fabric very water resistant gaiters. When more extensive snow travel and regular cold is anticipated I may go to WP shoe even a mid cut. Throw remote bushwacking into that mix and I'm out or several wks at a time I my even go to a lighter wt WP boot.
I'm always giving careful consideration to trail/route conditions and my hiking style, which both change to some degree on every hike, when I make shoe choices. I don't see shoes as stand alone pieces either. I consider what's on my feet a system that has to work for me seamlessly meshing with what I consider other systems that make up a whole under different scenarios. I'm anal about protecting my trail experiences through protecting my feet, joints ligaments, spine, posture, etc through appropriate selection of shoe systems.
I used hiking boots in VA, hiking shoes in lower - mid PA - both times getting blisters, such as these: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzpN2dQrl9UfcE1QU3Rid2JqR3FPeWR0WlNFcWRmMnZZZTNv/view?usp=sharing (I hope this links!).
I always broke in the boots/shoes well before hand.
This past year, I bought trail runners - no break-in... started at Palmerton, PA and hiked to the New York border in 10 days. My feet WERE GREAT!!!! I did not have inserts either; although I might do that next time to alleviate any soreness. However, I must say that I did not even take Ibuprofen this time! (something I took like a daily vitamin in the past!)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzpN2dQrl9UfcE1QU3Rid2JqR3FPeWR0WlNFcWRmMnZZZTNv/view?usp=sharing
This should show how my feet used to always look (heels anyway!)
frontovik193
09-23-2015, 11:02
I made the switch from GTX boots (Asolo Drifters) to trail runners a few months ago and I'm glad I did. I just finished a three day hike and it rained almost the entire time. Parts of the trail were ankle deep in water. My girlfriend, who was wearing mid-length GTX boots had to find ways around these puddles and the inside of her boots are still wet (just checked). While the shoes (New Balance 610v2) performed well even on slick rock and dried out fairly quickly, my socks and aftermarket insoles never seemed to be able to dry out. That may be something I need to look into.
I also want to second what Water Rat said about trying things on. I've had to try on dozens of pairs of shoes to find something that works. I have wide feet and it was pretty hard to find something that worked. Everyone recommends Salomons but to me they are one of the most uncomfortable shoes I've worn. Do some research and find what works best for you.
cneill13
09-23-2015, 11:23
I use a pair of Saucony running shoes on my hikes.
Pros - Quick drying, light, very comfortable, zero blisters
Cons - No protection for your toes against accidentally kicking roots or rocks, no ankle support, soles can wear down fairly quickly.
I am most concerned about blisters as I have read they can make hiking quite miserable. I have never once had a blister while wearing my Saucony shoes and Smartwool socks over hundreds of miles. And once wet, my shoes and socks will completely dry out in just an hour or two if I continue hiking.
I understand the argument for wearing boots. But between blisters, the added weight, and the length of time it takes for boots to dry out once wet, I think the advantage goes to shoes.
White Shimmer
09-23-2015, 12:38
I have recently tried my Brooks runners on rocky trail running and find that my feet feel EVERYTHING and it is uncomfortable enough to cease running.
I find that my North Face high boots are too heavy/clumsy for running. I looked for some melding of characteristics of light weight and sole rigidity.
I just bought these Adidas KA-TR's off that auction site and am anxious to take 'em for a spin. I should have them Friday.
32088
FlyPaper
09-23-2015, 13:07
I've done about a dozen sections on the southern AT so far over that last several years.
I alway wear boots, and on each hike I almost always have an "incident" on the trail where I nearly roll my ankle, and the boot saves me from a sprained ankle injury.
I will always wear boots.
I had the same experience with boots. Each trip I'd be saved from rolling an ankle by boots. But then I tried shoes and have done several hikes totaling 300+ miles and not sprained an ankle yet. I think my ankles would just get accustomed to not moving and relaxed a bit too much.
My first trip with shoes instead of boots I was amazed at the good feeling of being able to use my ankle joint. Felt great. However, my ankles get sore hiking in shoes. But it is a "good sore" that I recognize as using muscles that I've not been using much. Not a "bad sore" that comes from straining or injuring something. I would expect that soreness to go away if I did longer trips.
Odd Man Out
09-23-2015, 14:13
I have always worn ventilated (not WP) trail shoes (not quite running shoes but not boots) such as Merrel Moab, Keen Voyager, and Oboz Sawtooth. Wondering how much of a difference there is between this category and genuine trail runners. I have considered trying trail runners to see if there is that much difference. As far as weight goes, my current Oboz are 15.6 oz. That is a lot less than old fashioned boots but not as light as true trail runners.
Two I have considered (based on reviews) are Altra Lone Peak and New Balance 1210 Leadville. Unfortunately I have not been able to try these on at local shops. I have tried on the NB 1210 but it was a 1/2 size too small so it was hard to tell if I was going to love it. I was able to find the Altra Olympus which is like the Lone Peak but with more cushioning. It felt quite different. Not sure if the Lone Peak would be similar. Perhaps it is the zero drop style I'm not used to. Again, hard to tell if I would love it from shopping. I hate to drop $130 on a pair until I have been convinced they are the right shoes.
A couple of difference I didn't see mentioned yet.
1. The higher the shoe/boot, the less debris that will get inside. This is more of an issue of gravel and sand than on smooth or maintained trails.
2. If hiking in and out of wet areas that feel like they are sucking the footwear right off your feet, more laces higher up will help retain the footwear. Again, only an issue if you hike in these conditions. I've lost footwear to a sucking trail, never to be seen again.
Both situations are pretty common on the Florida Trail. I find 5-6 inch high boots, sometimes called 'mid' height, work best for me as I often hike in the above mentioned conditions.
If I anticipate wet conditions but not submersed, such as a well maintained trail after a rain, I like waterproof. Keep in mind waterproof shoes are only waterproof up to the top of the shoe. After that they are poorly draining buckets.
If I anticipate hiking in and out of knee deep water I prefer shoes designed for better draining.
I have recently discovered a discontinued model, the New Balance 701MCO. I like it. There are similar other models mostly designed for special ops military but they can get pricey. Many are made or at least assembled in USA, another feature I prefer.
Nothing substitutes for a proper fit and a good footbed. I use aftermarket heat moldable inserts (SOLE EV (http://www.amazon.com/Viesturs-Signature-Edition-11-5-12-13-5-14/dp/B0013IHOTI)) by yoursole.com
peakbagger
09-24-2015, 07:11
I am really curious how a trail shoe will perform in the Pennsylvania rocks. Is it a "you really shouldn't" or an absolute thou shalt not? My plan is a 25lb pack and can't imagine not using trail shoes. To further pick your brain....regarding the Whites and Mt.Washington et al....how taboo would a trail shoe be heading up and around Mt.George W.?
I live about 3 miles from Mt Madison in the whites. I hike almost every weekend in the whites. I usually do a 21 mile presidential traverse hiking the AT from Madison to Crawford Notch in a day every other year or so. I also usually do a Bonds traverse every year which is also around 21 miles. Both of these are a lot of above treeline and rocky. I also recently did 5 days of dayhiking and backpacking up in Baxter State Park which is also quite rocky. I use trailrunners as long as there isn't snow on the ground.
I used to use custom built Limmer hiking boots and foot problems were always something I had to deal with. Once I switch to trail runners my foot issues went to almost non existent. There are a three limitations to trail runners
They wear out quicker I get about one hiking season on a pair. I keep an eye on sales and usually pick up my size New Balances for around 70 bucks
They are not waterproof or resistant. Some folk use gaiters but if you step in puddle you feet will get wet. They are designed to dry out rapidly
Someone switching to runners from standard boots have to take it easy initially on rocks. A hiker uses different muscles and other structure in the ankle when using trail runners that got somewhat atrophied with conventional boots (sort of what happens after someone with a cast has it removed), it takes a few hikes to build those unused muscles back.
Tundracamper
09-28-2015, 07:07
Any suggestions for trail runners that would work for winter hiking the AT in lower NC?
I've been using hiking shoes, not boots, and all this talk has me wanting to try a pair of trail runners. Do I just double up on socks to keep warm - though my current shoes are not that thick?
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Wet Foot
09-28-2015, 08:52
I've had to end two hikes because I was wearing lightweight shoes (like trail runners) and banged my big toe badly enough on a rock that I could not continue. Both times my toenail went black & blue and later fell off. Both times it was another week or so before I could walk comfortably. I suspect that one of those incidents was an undiagnosed toe fracture. I've come to the conclusion that there are so damn many rocks on the AT that I need real hiking boots with a good toe box. Another consideration is ankle knocks. I'm slightly pigeon-toed and so I tend to knock the outside of my ankles on rocks and roots. 3/4 length boots prevent that and trail runners or running shoes do not. Another consideration is sturdiness of soles. Lastly, the trail just eats up shoes. Sturdier hiking boots last longer with better grip. But as they say: HYOH!
Tundracamper
09-28-2015, 11:01
That's interesting that you say that. My friend has the tried-and-true hiking boots. He lost two toenails on our last AT trip. I just have plain hiking (general outdoor) shoes and I didn't have any problems.
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I've had to end two hikes because I was wearing lightweight shoes (like trail runners) and banged my big toe badly enough on a rock that I could not continue. Both times my toenail went black & blue and later fell off. Both times it was another week or so before I could walk comfortably. I suspect that one of those incidents was an undiagnosed toe fracture. I've come to the conclusion that there are so damn many rocks on the AT that I need real hiking boots with a good toe box.
If you're banging your toe hitting a rock head- on, that suggests your trail runners are too small. Have you considered that your shoe size should be considerably bigger than your everyday wear shoe size?
For myself, my everyday 10 becomes a 12 when hiking. I've found this to be the secret in preventing blisters as well as banged toes. A caveat is as long as your heel doesn't slip.
White Shimmer
09-28-2015, 17:57
I have recently tried my Brooks runners on rocky trail running and find that my feet feel EVERYTHING and it is uncomfortable enough to cease running.
I find that my North Face high boots are too heavy/clumsy for running. I looked for some melding of characteristics of light weight and sole rigidity.
I just bought these Adidas KA-TR's off that auction site and am anxious to take 'em for a spin. I should have them Friday.
32088
I can say that these are very nice- pliable, very flexible upper, and great insulation from what's underfoot. But in response to the sizing issue (above), I wear 13's in my day job and bought these Adidas at 14 thinking that would be enough. They will work, but 15 would have been ideal.
ZenRabbit
09-28-2015, 18:40
I'm going to pitch my tent in the camp of those who know that cold snowy icy or very steep rocky areas with loose rock or scree conditions could dictate some Goretex boots but summer UL hiking just make trail runners the obvious choice.
I'm currently working on breaking in some Asolo 520 GV boots which are my first "technical" backpacking boot (other than Merrill Moab mids which I find very light and easy to wear out but get say 500 miles with superfeet green insoles ) since 1975 when I was a high school junior and was drawn into hiking and climbing and I acquired a pair of Vasque Hiker II boots. They lasted about 12 years with one resole and were about 2.5 pounds each as I remember. Even when I was younger I would strap the Hiker II's on my pack and walk easier trail on the AT in moccasins or sandals :).
I've got 12 4E feet. I'm limited to certain models and brands, and I often have to pay top dollar for the shoes since less people carry the shoes. For instance the Salomon XA PRO 3D M+ I've worn 2 pair of are great shoes and I hope that the last gets remodeled on the next version since version 2014 became a little tight in the toes.
My latest trail runner is a New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro in 12 4E, yes a real 4E, Thank you New Balance. So far they're really comfortable with a little more pronation built in compared to the Salomons. I've been picking up my running shoes at runningwarehouse.com and are very happy with the service. I got the Asolos from Campsaver for an insanely deep discount and I recommend them as well, just track their coupons and sales which you can sometimes combine.
You have to use what the conditions call for, just like these days when you read about someone miserable with their primary shoe and is hiking in their "camp shoe"
I haven't seen or heard of many who are hiking with water type shoes or sandals as their primary shoe and that's something I'm going to try some time in the summer as well.
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SpoonsMcgoo
10-19-2015, 12:33
This is the "Taste Great-Less Filling" argument of hiking. If you keep your pack weight down, trail runners are fine. I find that the more rocky the trail, the more I need to pay attention to my steps. Kicking a PA Rock is no fun with only mesh to protect you. The one key to keeping comfortable feet is to get your shoes properly fitted. These days, every brand does not fit to any real sizing convention (some have narrow toes, some run small). Width is often overlooked but it is super important. I ended up tossing my NB's into Lehigh Gorge in a full PA AT section hike because my feet were destroyed in the 30+ miles it took me to get there from DWG. I hiked the remaining 200 miles in TEVA sport sandals and had no other foot problems. I got a pair of NB's in a larger width and it has been smooth sailing ever since. I never hike the PA sections thinking that I can step on any terrain. The soles are not made for that. Those conditions take a little more technique
Team Pancho
01-08-2016, 17:53
Trail runners or lighter weight trail shoes like Merril Moab Ventilators are the way to go.
Traveler
01-09-2016, 07:40
Trail runners or lighter weight trail shoes like Merril Moab Ventilators are the way to go.
Subjective opinion, like flavors, theres the right footwear for every taste. Some people can use low shoes or runners without any issues, others need more lateral support or less flexibility in the sole to avoid or accommodate injury. There is no one best footwear solution for everyone, though it would be handy.
shawnlakenorman
01-09-2016, 09:08
I've seen a lot of people on here saying that they chose to wear running shoes instead of hiking boots.
What would you guys recommend and why?
Running shoes
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gravitino
01-09-2016, 13:10
I echo what many have already said. Get thee to a shoe store and try pair after pair until you find THE ONE. That's how I finally found my comfortable shoe (a humble Fila model) and after buying the first pair at the store, I can just go online and order more with confidence. Of course, shoe companies modify, produce, and retire models at the drop of a hat, so the process may have to be repeated.
What seems wonderful to some may not be what's good for you. After reading good review after good review of the Brooks Cascadia, and knowing that ultra-running legend Scott Jurek used them, I bought a pair online and immediately realized that they were too narrow for me, so back to running warehouse they went.