Hiking boots hurt, mids and gaitors for winter?

[Bster13]

I am sick of hiking boots. They are heavy, too rigid around the heels, I've never needed the extra stability, and they dig into the outsides of my shins as I'm bowlegged. This was the result of my hike yesterday:


http://i.photosleeve.com/static/resize/C31A56EE-D9C9-11DD-9CD8-319DD212D7CE.jpg
http://i.photosleeve.com/static/resize/C6CFE9F2-D9C9-11DD-B10B-319DD212D7CE.jpg




....This was on both feet after I cut down the top of the boots to relieve the pressure on my bowlegged shins. I guess if it's not one thing, it's another, right? hehe. I've tried moleskin, vasoline around my heels, wearing various boots casually around town for hours b4 I hiked in them etc.

Anyway, I've given up on hiking boots. (No I don't need your suggestion on another hiking boot that works for you or how you break in shoes ;)) For winter trail walking w/ the possibility to go through some stuff around 5 inches...I was thinking of waterproof trailrunners or mid-height hiking shows and gaitors. I've never had trouble with sneaker-esk footwear. I was thinking of gaitors like this:

http://images.ems.com/media/images/products/210/21013/2101318/210131849/210131849_400_v1_m56577569830483206.jpg

I like the way they do the loop under your foot. If it wears away you can easily replace it with another lace.

And....low trailrunners like this:

http://image.sportsmansguide.com/dimage/151373_ts.JPG?cell=320,320&cvt=jpeg

but I'm wondering if most gaitors won't go down far enough on a waterproof sneaker like that or do I need a mid-height boot/show like this:

http://image.sportsmansguide.com/dimage/146715_ts.JPG?cell=320,320&cvt=jpeg

Also...I see a lot of what looks like mesh/synthetic uppers that have goretex membranes...do they actually work or do you need something that is more a leather/non-mesh upper to really be waterproof when you're in 5in of snow all day?

Thanks!

[garlic08]

I hike in trail runners (NB811) all winter, and I don't use gaiters. But I live in a drier climate, usually powder snow. I use SealSkinz socks over Smartwools. I've never had much luck with gaiters keeping out snow, it seems to push up from below. And then the string breaks and you're messing with gear instead of hiking.

[Bearpaw]

I've had good luck in snow with gaiters using a double shock cord understrap. It lasts quite a while and snugs down enough to keep out snow.

Still if you're in wet snow, even with goretex footwear, you're still going to get seepage. Goretex has a lifespan. When it's working it's great, but that lifespan is usually much less than the life time of the shoe.

[Bster13]

I have sealskins...but they seem big and bulky and not really form fitting w/ xtra material if u know what I mean? Perhaps there are other versions/sizes? I bought them awhile ago....I worry about them trapping too much moisture. How have they worked out for you w/ regards to my comments above? Thanks.

[Bster13]

Yeppers, that's what I was thinking. I had cheapo hiking shoes awhile ago. Heavy, but non-mesh and I just coated them w/ 303 fabricguard and I was good to go. I've never tried the wash-in waterproofing stuff or sprays to bring back a membrames wwaterproofing. No clue if they suck or not. :p

thx.


I've had good luck in snow with gaiters using a double shock cord understrap. It lasts quite a while and snugs down enough to keep out snow.

Still if you're in wet snow, even with goretex footwear, you're still going to get seepage. Goretex has a lifespan. When it's working it's great, but that lifespan is usually much less than the life time of the shoe.

[garlic08]

I have sealskins...but they seem big and bulky and not really form fitting w/ xtra material if u know what I mean? Perhaps there are other versions/sizes? I bought them awhile ago....I worry about them trapping too much moisture. How have they worked out for you w/ regards to my comments above? Thanks.

I guess I'm lucky with my SealSkinz, they fit, feel, and work just fine. I'm sure the CO climate has a lot to do with how they work.

Last April, I hiked two days across the Smokies in 8" of wet snow, night temps down to 15F. I didn't have the Sealskinz, just Smartwools. It wasn't really fun, but I kept going and stayed warm. In the mornings, I cut a plastic grocery bag up for a waterproof sock cover, inside the shoe (some call it "Bagtex", I hear) and it worked great for a couple hours when it was really cold. Have you tried a homemade solution like that?

[Alligator]

I have sealskins...but they seem big and bulky and not really form fitting w/ xtra material if u know what I mean? Perhaps there are other versions/sizes? I bought them awhile ago....I worry about them trapping too much moisture. How have they worked out for you w/ regards to my comments above? Thanks. I have winter boots myself, but I have the same issue with my SealskinsTake a look at the gore tex socks (http://www.rei.com/product/688268)available at REI, they come in several shoe sizes. Pricey though at $50, I'm looking to get a pair with my dividend.