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Takoda
02-05-2010, 12:39
I have always used hiking boots and they have never let me down; however, I want to start lightening the load. Looking back on previous hikes on the AT there were a few places where boots came in handy, but there were also many parts of the trail that I could have walked on with something other than boots. Any feelings one way or another? Please comment! :confused:

garlic08
02-05-2010, 13:13
Go to the "search" function, type in "shoes, boots", hit "go", and you'll be amazed at what you find here. This is a perennial topic.

Blissful
02-05-2010, 13:50
I hiked Harpers Ferry to the end in trail runners and never regretted it once.

paradoxb3
02-05-2010, 13:56
I have always used hiking boots and they have never let me down; however, I want to start lightening the load. Looking back on previous hikes on the AT there were a few places where boots came in handy, but there were also many parts of the trail that I could have walked on with something other than boots. Any feelings one way or another? Please comment! :confused:

boots vs runners
down vs synthetic
tent vs hammock
alcohol vs canister
canoe vs fording

timeless questions, with the responses being about 50/50. ;) its all each hikers preference, and the only real way to answer it is to say try both and see what works.

Mags
02-05-2010, 18:14
canoe vs fording



http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=319643&postcount=276

johnnybgood
02-05-2010, 18:27
Go to a local outfitters and get a personal fitting for a pair of trailrunners .

Phreak
02-05-2010, 18:43
I stopped hiking in boots in '88 and have had no regrets. Trail runners are the only shoes for me.

Tinker
02-05-2010, 21:17
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Product.aspx?baseno=97438&plp=Cloudveil_Crystal_Creek_Gore-Tex_Waders_-_Stockingfoot_For_Men&utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Cloudveil_Crystal_Creek_Gore-Tex_Waders_-_Stockingfoot_For_Men&utm_campaign=PCGOOGLEBASE2KX&codesProcessed=true

All you need is the base layer and a nice Goretex jacket :D ;).
Just kidding. I use as light a shoe as gives me arch support (actually, I use orthotics, so whatever is light, fits, and gives good traction).

Praha4
02-05-2010, 21:19
I switch back and forth between Vasque Breeze GTX boots ...and Vasque Velocity VST-GTX trail runners, and use green Superfeet inserts in both. Love both shoes and the inserts.

for a thru, I'll probably go with the trail runners just to save some ounces

Gunner81
02-05-2010, 21:23
Go with what you're the most comfortable with. Wat works for one person may not work for you. If you find a pair of trail runners that works well for you go with them otherwise stick to your trusted boots.

Summit
02-05-2010, 21:50
Started 36 years ago with what everyone was wearing, big heavy leather boots. The older I've gotten & the more I've hiked, the lighter footwear I've acquired. I hike in trail runners now and would NEVER don a pair of all leathers again!

Rather than suggest a specific brand/model, go to a reputable outfitter and find a quality trail runner shoe that fits and feels good!

Spirit Walker
02-06-2010, 00:03
It really does depend on your feet. I am happy most of the time in trail runners. On really rocky trail, or hiking in snow, I prefer light boots. My husband, OTOH, can't wear trail runners for more than a few miles. They are much more painful for his kind of feet than boots. He has tried numerous brands and in the end he always goes back to his Lowas.

300winmag
02-06-2010, 01:56
Boots, Baby, boots!

300winmag
02-06-2010, 01:57
"We don't need no stinkin' trail runners."

JustaTouron
02-06-2010, 16:47
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=319643&postcount=276


Everyone has been arguing over "Row vs. Wade" since at least the 70s.......

Ender
02-06-2010, 17:09
Everyone has been arguing over "Row vs. Wade" since at least the 70s.......

Ha! That's pretty darn witty. :sun