View Full Version : Do I really need hiking boots?
I have always been under the impression that if your pack is light enough (mine is around 25-30 with water & food), you can wear running shoes and have enough support. Although I have never been on any extended hikes (2 days is my max so far), I have never had any ankle/foot troubles. I will be going on an 11 day trek this summer, and my question is, do I really need hiking boots?
bigmac_in
01-19-2009, 12:20
No
Cabin Fever
01-19-2009, 12:42
If you are in snow, yes. Other than that, no.
skinewmexico
01-19-2009, 13:08
Hard to add to what's been said.
Well, how much do you weigh?
And where will you be hiking?
It's easy to get over your head in tennie runners.
Been there done that (hint: Maine AT)!
Blissful
01-21-2009, 23:44
Nope. Get trail runners. I used them in PA, WHites and ME. It can be done! :)
And you're young too. All the more reason...
TwoForty
01-22-2009, 01:57
I hauled 45 pounds in trail runners with no problems. I also carried about 40 in runners and it worked out okay.
Better title might be...
Is it really that hard to hike in hiking boots?
i'll be the contrarian. YES. Boots are for hiking, shoes are for walking on flat even surface. Hiking shoes will not prevent rolled ankles. You need a boot with a deep lug sole and some ankle bracing. The lighest ones that I have seen which are the ones I use are the Timberland Men's Cadion Mid Hiking Boots with Gore-Tex XCR Membrane. about 2 lbs per boot.
Lone Wolf
01-22-2009, 14:53
i'll be the contrarian. YES. Boots are for hiking, shoes are for walking on flat even surface. Hiking shoes will not prevent rolled ankles. You need a boot with a deep lug sole and some ankle bracing. The lighest ones that I have seen which are the ones I use are the Timberland Men's Cadion Mid Hiking Boots with Gore-Tex XCR Membrane. about 2 lbs per boot.
nah. most folks today walk the trail in shoes or trail runners with no problem. hiking boots are or the endangered list
Tipi Walter
01-22-2009, 14:58
I've backpacked using all types of footgear, jungle boots, birkenstocks(these babies lasted one month), crocs, sneakers, high top Chippewa -40 degree boots(lasted 8 months of hard use), sorel packboots(great for deep snow), vasque, asolos, Limmers, Sears hunting boots, crappy Walmart pronating "hiking" boots, goodwill store clunky low-quarters, Air Force chukka boots, the works.
Everything except barefoot.
None of it matters, get what you can and start backpacking.
Thats fine. If you are sure footed than take your chances. However, do not assume that trail shoes give you sufficient ankle support for hiking. If you step wrong you are rolling that ankle and being in the woods with a sprained ankle is no fun. A light pack means light boots in my opinion not no boots. You are going to be in rocky rooty terrain where you may step funny so be wise.
Johnny Thunder
01-22-2009, 15:04
I've seen broken and sprained ankles in Ski Boots. There's nothing stronger than a properly conditioned ankle to keep you from injury. A few pieces of leather changes nothing. But, you're right about the sole being important. Trail runners and hiking shoes solve that.
Suprisingly it isn't the leather on the ankle that gives you your ankle support. It comes from the stiffness of the sole. If you grab your shoes/boots from the bottom with your pumps across the sole and twist them like you are wringing out a wet towel you will see that sneakers twist easily hence no ankle support and boots do not twist hence ankle support. The leather on the side is just their to better strap your foot down to the supportive sole. Now im not saying it cant be done in sneakers....but like i said before boots are better for support and a sprained ankle in the woods is no fun.
Tipi Walter
01-22-2009, 15:19
I've seen broken and sprained ankles in Ski Boots. There's nothing stronger than a properly conditioned ankle to keep you from injury. A few pieces of leather changes nothing. But, you're right about the sole being important. Trail runners and hiking shoes solve that.
"There's nothing stronger than a properly conditioned ankle to keep you from injury." Bears repeating. And it takes time in all conditions. With it, you can wear anything. Even cowboy boots?? I went out backpacking for several trips in cowboy boots and say NEVER AGAIN! They'll slide like slick possum guts and you'll fall every time.
The unfortunate reality of strong ankles being the best way to prevent injury is that for years now you have been wearing sneaker that are padded and have all types of technologies to make walking more comfortable. What this does is makes your walking style sloppy hence a heel strike while wearing shoes and a ball of the foot strike when barefoot or in slippers. Since we have shoddy foot work from over supportive shoes our ankles, muscles in our feet and tendons in our feet and ankles are often weaker than we'd like. This is why boots are my recommendation as opposed to shoes. As a side note. Theirs an interesting mens health article out there somewhere....ill try and find it....that talks about some indian tribe somewhere who are runners and they have no ankle support whatsoever due to their ankles and feet being strong from a lack of artificial support.
http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=motivation&conitem=3b4b1ca01e91c010VgnVCM10000013281eac____&page=1
Lone Wolf
01-22-2009, 15:30
Thats fine. If you are sure footed than take your chances. However, do not assume that trail shoes give you sufficient ankle support for hiking. If you step wrong you are rolling that ankle and being in the woods with a sprained ankle is no fun. A light pack means light boots in my opinion not no boots. You are going to be in rocky rooty terrain where you may step funny so be wise.
have you done much long distance AT walkin'?
The answer to that question is irrelevant because thru- did not specify on what type of terrain he would be hiking. By the way im just trying to give an alternate opinion so chill biscuit.
A light pack means light boots in my opinion not no boots. You are going to be in rocky rooty terrain where you may step funny so be wise.
Hmm. I wish I knew this nugget of advice before my backpacking trips (many of which were off trail) ;)
Seriously, hundreds of LD hikers prove the above statement to be false. That's thousands of miles with millions of footsteps.
Take boots if you want and if it works for you, but please don't try to say it is the correct option for everyone when experience proves otherwise.
Cheers!
Lone Wolf
01-22-2009, 15:45
The answer to that question is irrelevant because thru- did not specify on what type of terrain he would be hiking. By the way im just trying to give an alternate opinion so chill biscuit.
the question is very relevant cuz you seem to know so much about feet and shoes. have you done any long distance backpacking?
chill biscuit :rolleyes:
With some, shoes are a very personal thing.
You should ask yourself, "do I really need this pair of shoes"?
But then, maybe... that is what this thread is all about.
Hmmm... :-?
I didn't say it was right or wrong hence the phrase "my opinion". And no it isn't relevant because this thread isn't about me its about thru- getting a variety of opinions so that he can make an educated decision. These threads are not a venue to argue with oneanother. They are here to help people get their questions answered. Im not fighting with you on my personal experience level. Just accept that you and I do not agree and let the author of thread draw his own conclusions. So i restate... Chill Biscuit
Seriously, it is great to express an opinion. But, when an opinion is expressed dogmatically with questionable experience to back it up... :)
Then again, it is how middle management seems to get promoted to handle a technical group. :D
Lone Wolf
01-22-2009, 16:08
just what i thought. you're not a backpacker. you have no experience :)
forget it. we are ruining this thread
Lone Wolf
01-22-2009, 16:17
I have always been under the impression that if your pack is light enough (mine is around 25-30 with water & food), you can wear running shoes and have enough support. Although I have never been on any extended hikes (2 days is my max so far), I have never had any ankle/foot troubles. I will be going on an 11 day trek this summer, and my question is, do I really need hiking boots?
no you do not need hiking boots
in his opinion of course :)
Also. What kind of terrain will you be hiking in?
Seriously, it is great to express an opinion. But, when an opinion is expressed dogmatically with questionable experience to back it up... :)
Then again, it is how middle management seems to get promoted to handle a technical group. :D
Yeah, well... Whadda you know. :rolleyes:
garlic08
01-22-2009, 16:35
i'll be the contrarian. YES. Boots are for hiking, shoes are for walking on flat even surface. Hiking shoes will not prevent rolled ankles. You need a boot with a deep lug sole and some ankle bracing...about 2 lbs per boot.
Mags, LW, give the guy a break, he's only 24 and still thinks he knows everything. I used to say the same thing, up until I was in my 40s. Then I tried trail runners and was suddenly able to hike long distances.
Yeah, well... Whadda you know. :rolleyes:
Depends on who you ask:
Mom: He's such a good boy. I wish he'd meet a nice girl and settle down...and give me grandchildren!
Ex-girlfriend the Buddhist: He should give up coffee and read more holistic websites. Namaste!
Ex-girlfriend the physicist: Paradoxically, the more he knows the less he understands. (The Heisenberg principle of relationships..natch)
Co-workers: Man..does he BS the customers well. Knows jack "stuff" though...and man can he multitask when he's supposed to be working!
Brother #1: "He does somethin' with computahs..and goes outdoahs a lot" (Puffing on Marlboro and drinkin' a long-neck Bud while saying this...)
Brother #2: .. Cynical, sarcastic bastard..like me.
...and so on.
cravj1988
01-22-2009, 16:56
I hiked from Springer MT to Erwin, TN in Asolo boots, and my feet were hurting every morning and throughout each day. Then I met an experienced thru-hiker who told me that a pound on your foot is equivalent to 5 pounds in your pack. I think the ratio is actually higher.
I changed to running shoes in Erwin and my feet were not a problem again. Remember you are not Mountaineering on the AT, just walking. And forget Gore-tex! The same physical properties that keep the boots “water proof” also prevent them from drying out. And the water will run down your leg into the boot. Running shoes dry out in ˝ a day. Boots take several days to dry.
Recommend me a pair of shoes to try and see what I think.
cravj1988
01-22-2009, 17:57
montrail hardrocks with superfeet inserts, you should get 500 miles a pair.
garlic08
01-22-2009, 19:25
New Balance 811 are my favorite. They come in three different widths. Also 500 to 600 miles a pair. I also like superfeet inserts, but not necessary.
Frick Frack
01-22-2009, 19:51
I wore boots, Asolo Powermatic 400 GV's, and ear plugs to block all the whining and bitching from all the hikers wearing trail runners..... ;)
An ounce on the foot is equivalent to a pound on the back . . . two pounds per foot? How 1970ish! The older I've gotten and the longer I've backpacked, the lighter my footwear has gotten. I started with 2 1/2 lb per foot heavy leather hightop Reichles . . . in the '70s, and today I wear trail runners. Thinking about going to Chaco sandals next! :eek: :)
Those heavy leather old boots gave me over-confidence and I rolled ankles and fell much more than I do with light-weight trail runners, because I know I have to be a little more careful how and where I step. I obey that sense of more care, don't fall or have ankle problems and sure as heck enjoy backpacking a lot more than the old days with those heavy boots. Wouldn't go back for all the ankle support promises in China! :D
kayak karl
01-22-2009, 20:55
i wore trail runners to Fontana Dam. even in snow with Seal-Skins socks it was OK. but the 10* and 6" snow got to me. am starting the Smokies with boots tomorrow. ill be back in the trail runner FIRST chance i get.
sticks&stones
01-22-2009, 20:56
The answer to that question is irrelevant because thru- did not specify on what type of terrain he would be hiking. By the way im just trying to give an alternate opinion so chill biscuit.
Your alternate option seems more presented as hard fact, as I read your post on big bad boots, I have to chuckle, because the first thing that comes to mind is the image of the dozens of folks of every shape and size, as well as age, over thousands of miles, wearing crappy shoes, sandals, and even waldies, heck even barefoot thru hikers, that I have travelled with, happy as clams. I've never seen a good pair of trail runners in a hikerbox, but I sure have seen plenty of big bad shiny boots discarded in them.
Personally I use a pair of lightweight boots but only because I've had them for a couple of years and they're really comfy. When they wear out, which will be soon, then they will be replaced by trail runners.
I used to beleive the boot/ankle support reasoning until I talked to a foot specialist last year. Don't tell anyone but 'IT'S A MYTH', oops did I say that.
Frick Frack
01-22-2009, 23:58
I hiked most of the AT in my trusty Asolo's but have to admit it was overkill after being forced to hike the last 135 miles in Salomon XA Pro's. I had zero problems with the Asolo boots (did not notice the weight) but they finally died before Wesser and the Salomon's were all they had at the outfitter. The Salomon's were OK but did not have the meat in the sole that I need. The bottoms of my feet are extremely tender and I could read the face of a dime with the Salomons. I wish I could find a "trail runner" with a boot sole. I'm going to try some Garmont Flash XCR's for my next hikes. I'm just happy as a clam getting back into my Sidi Dominators for now.....
Johnny Thunder
01-23-2009, 10:45
Anyone looking for professional advice on how to strengthen their feet/ankles should PM Mother's Finest...who, incidentally, hikes in running shoes (not even trail runners).
I wore flexible shoes for a year before my hike...Clark's to work and Nike Freedoms to run. I walked barefoot in the house whenever possible.
4eyedbuzzard
01-23-2009, 11:08
... I wish I could find a "trail runner" with a boot sole...
Sounds a lot like a "hiking shoe". Lots of brands like Merrill, Asolo, LLBean, etc all make them with lightweight boot like lug soles. Basically just a low cut lightweight boot without the ankle portion.
I've been using a pair of cheap $50 ones from LLBean now since last spring and they're pretty good. They're a little beefier and obviously heavier than a trail runner, with more leather in the uppers along with the nylon mesh, and hence don't dry as quickly, but they're still better than a full boot in that respect. The soles are vibram and similar to that of a lightweight boot, and they do well on the rocks and roots here in NH.
SGT Rock
01-23-2009, 11:12
Saw some where I get my duty boots and shoes for work. They look like leather/nylon boots but ankle height. I cannot remember the brand. I have no idea if they would make good hiking shoes though.
phenimore
01-23-2009, 11:28
I have always been under the impression that if your pack is light enough (mine is around 25-30 with water & food), you can wear running shoes and have enough support. Although I have never been on any extended hikes (2 days is my max so far), I have never had any ankle/foot troubles. I will be going on an 11 day trek this summer, and my question is, do I really need hiking boots?
When I was younger I wore hi-top sneakers because they were stylish and I was always rolling my weak ankles. At some point I got a pair of mid top sneakers and suddenly discovered that my ankles became less and less weak. After that point I only wore running shoes and seldom have any ankle problems. I think the flexibilty and ground contact provided by lighter footware is actually better for you ankle strength.
In general trail runners have a more aggressive tread to them, but I think what someone said before about hiking boots becoming obsolete is true. The more hikers I talk to the more common it is to hear them say they have switched to sneakers and will never go back. Running shoes should do you fine, but plan for replacements and if you are like me also for adjustments in shoe sizes.
Also. What kind of terrain will you be hiking in?
I'll be doing Shenandoah.
I run cross country and track so on previous hikes I have just used my running shoes.
Richard Snider
01-23-2009, 18:12
I think the terrain has as much to do with boots vs shoes as pack weight does. If the trail is reasonably smooth and dry I think shoes are fine regardless of pack weight. A lot of the trails I'm on in Central VA have some fairly rocky areas where I think boots are needed. However for the AT in the same area shoes are deffinitely adequate.
SassyWindsor
01-24-2009, 01:20
The greater the pack weight the more pressure on my little feet. I prefer the thick soles of boots for the rock insulation. I also enjoy the added support to my ankles and protection to my toes. Boots are warmer and more water resistant. I also use gaiters.
Trail shoes are wonderful for speed and agility and warm weather hiking, I have several pairs to choose from for day hikes and some backpacking.
I just can't do the same miles and come out with my feet feeling as good as they do with my boots.
On my last backpacking trip I carried a pair to use for camp shoes and to have as spares. Just wish they were lighter.
What ever fits and feels the best at days end is what one should use. This is why I don't think anyone can say one is better than the other. It's an individuals foot thing.
I also believe that boots are cheaper per mile than trail shoes. This is just my current opinion and may change after more hiking in trail shoes.
Camping Dave
01-24-2009, 21:30
I have always been under the impression that if your pack is light enough (mine is around 25-30 with water & food), you can wear running shoes and have enough support. Although I have never been on any extended hikes (2 days is my max so far), I have never had any ankle/foot troubles. I will be going on an 11 day trek this summer, and my question is, do I really need hiking boots?
No.
You summed it up nicely Dave! :D :p
Jonnycat
01-25-2009, 15:36
Do I really need hiking boots?
How long is a piece of string?
traildust
01-25-2009, 15:52
Boots or CROCS, or trail runners. UP to you. Depends on terrain where you will hike your section hike, weight of pack, your weight blah blah blah. Lots of variables to consider. I would suggest that the benefits of hiking boots outweigh the drawbacks. Oh yes I have hiked many miles on the A.T. and many other trails.
traildust