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/search.php?searchid=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.

[TNjed]

Go barefoot like the sisters

[CarlZ993]

I have typically hiked in lightweight, GoreTex-free boots. I used one model of Hi-Teks that fit my foot to perfection. Wore several pairs out over the years. Now, they quit making that model. <sigh> I'm going to try trail runners on a series of backpacking hikes before the start of my thru-hike. I'll probably start w/ trail runners and see how that goes.

[colorado_rob]

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. this is exactly what I do. It's kinda like having a different pair of more-comfortable shoes for around camp. Since I started doing this I no longer need to carry sandals of other comfy camp shoes.

With respect to the original topic: I've gone the complete gamut, from heavier boots 15 years ago and earlier, then about 10 years in the "trail runner" mode. When I started doing the really big mile stuff, I started getting sore feet often wearing trail runners, basically I had metatarsal and other foot issues. Orthodics helped a bit. But finally my foot doc recommended low-cut lite hikers with stiff soles. what a difference. Happy feet from then forward! Some might call these "trail runners", kind of a loose term, they don't look like much more of a shoe than trail runners but the main difference is the stiff sole. Relatively stiff soles (stiffer than runners, softer than full-shank boots) are the key for me and foot comfort.

[Tinker]

Go barefoot like the sisters


They wore sandals on the Pa. rocks and boots when the weather got too cold for bare feet. They also carried heavier loads (especially SOBO) than many "lightweight" hiker carry these days.

Quite a feat, either way, but they just enjoyed going barefoot, so it's certainly possible. If speed hiking is your game, barefoot may not be the way to go. The sisters didn't routinely march off long mileage days barefoot.

This does, however, seem to speak loudly to those who feel that ankle support is absolutely necessary for the average hiker.

[waasj]

I choose to use low shoes. Dry fast and they last.

[Trail.BlazR]

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.

I'll echo this one... I was that boot wearer, Clifford speaks of.

Mind you, I had absolutely NO problems with blisters, nor did I feel like the extra couple of pounds were much/if any burden. But, after a day of hiking in leather boots, when you do take them off, my best description would be that I can feel my feet breathe.

I still use my boots for winter hikes, or if I'm hiking with my family and carrying a loaded 70 liter. Other than that, I've tried a couple of trail runners and have become fond of the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2's. Super breathable, super comfy and pretty light. Best of all, I can slip them on/off easy when I set up my hammock for a lunch break/nap :)

[MuddyWaters]

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.

It is fairly common to see people with boots off during the day taking a break, rubbing their feet.
I often wonder what they think about when others smiling comfortably walk by them in shoes and with light packs.

[hikerboy57]

It is fairly common to see people with boots off during the day taking a break, rubbing their feet.
I often wonder what they think about when others smiling comfortably walk by them in shoes and with light packs.
theyre thinking"hey our feet hurt but you are obviously underequipped and will die."

[slowfeet]

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.


based on what I saw, seemed to be about a 50-50 split between trail runners/boot wearers of people who actually finished the trail. So, I don't think footwear is going to determine anything except how comfortable you will be during your hike.


I switched from boots to trail runners after the first 100 miles...... for the most part I liked the trail runners a lot better but at times wish I had my boots.

there are pros and cons to each type of footwear. (feet stay dry, shoes actually dry up, more ventilation, etc etc.... no clear winner unless weight is your only objective.)

the one piece of footwear that I'd completely advise against is the vibram toe shoes.....

[Sunshine Tami Jo]

I want to make the transition to trail runners but I'm fearful. IN 2011 I did about 700 miles of the AT and frequently my feet were in AGONY. I trued many different boots without success. And I'm not talking about blisters...the bottoms of my feet hurt from all the roots and rocks, which is what makes me fearful to switch to trail runners. But maybe the lighter weight would save my feet, I don't know. Anyone experience similar pain and found that trail runners help?

[swamp dawg]

I usually start out in late March on the AT using trail runners and they work well since the most we normally get is rain and light smow. The trail in Georgia is well maintained and not that all rocky. I mail my leather boots to Fontana and forward my trail runners to Hot Springs because I have many times been caught in ice and heavy deep wet snow in the Smokies. The boots seem to give me a extra edge when I run into these conditions. I take along a small plastic bag and store the boots in the foot of my sleeping bag so they will not freeze during the night. Once I hit Hot Springs, I send the boots home and the trail runners serve me well for the rest of the trip. I know this mailing may be overboard but it does not cost that much and it works for me since I have experienced frozen feet and nerve damage hiking in the Smokies. swamp dawg

[Papa D]

I've hiked in significant snow for over 50 miles in just trail shoes - - for 95% of thru-hikes, boots are unnecessary, are heavier, and are more prone to cause blisters. I do suggest hiking boots for trekking in the snow and in very cold weather (very cold, like colder than the AT in a cold spring rain) but thru hikers and long distance hikers should make some sort of hiking SHOE their first choice.

[clowncsc]

Ive worn boots the last twenty years, Infantry Marines. My body is just use to wearing boots so Im going with boots personally. Ive walked 25 plus miles in boots (military lowest bidder manufacturer) and cotton socks, because thats what you have to wear, and literally pulled the skin off my feet after or better yet thought my boots were full of water when in all actuality it was my foot squishing from the blood and popped blisters. But like is said in previous posts its what your body knows is good. I'm going with Asolo 520's Ive been wearing them well over a month now and they feel pretty good, like driving a Cadillac compared to what Im use to. I plan to start in late March after I retire.

[Sunshine Tami Jo]

Wel,l reading about boots filled with blood and blisters doesn't incline me toward boots. Funny you claim loyalty to boots and then relate that. But frankly if I stick with boots it will be my Asolos too. They've served me well with no blisters but they are heavy.

[JAK]

Trail runner can work in winter if they are the right trail runner = light and non water absorbing, and you can wear them over a gortex sock and light medium or thick wool sock, and lace them so the are just right. Also needed are gaiters that don't allow any snow into anywhere the snow can melt and create a thermal break. You gotta test in out in postholing and even walking in meltwater conditions. Somedays neoprene socks may be needed. Upside is less weight on feet and better grip than most alternatives. I still think light leather ankle boots would be as good or better if they could be build lighter and have a soft aggressive rubber tread like a trail runner, that you could retread when worn out.

[clowncsc]

Wel,l reading about boots filled with blood and blisters doesn't incline me toward boots. Funny you claim loyalty to boots and then relate that. But frankly if I stick with boots it will be my Asolos too. They've served me well with no blisters but they are heavy.

I guess the point I was trying to make is one no matter the pain I would always wear boots just because I'm use to them I've worn them everyday for over 20 yrs, military boots are junk but we deal with it. My other point I guess I was trying to make is good boots won't hurt your feet nor will the weight bother someone in a case such as mine, we would walk a 25 mile hike that had to be completed in 7 1/2 hours. Yea it sucked and then take in the junk packs we had to carry too. Boots are great but it's my opinion and so is duct tape I late learned.

[coach lou]

I guess the point I was trying to make is one no matter the pain I would always wear boots just because I'm use to them I've worn them everyday for over 20 yrs, military boots are junk but we deal with it. My other point I guess I was trying to make is good boots won't hurt your feet nor will the weight bother someone in a case such as mine, we would walk a 25 mile hike that had to be completed in 7 1/2 hours. Yea it sucked and then take in the junk packs we had to carry too. Boots are great but it's my opinion and so is duct tape I late learned.

J-ville????? Have we vacationed in the same squadbay?.........Ran the 3mile in 17:00 in those boots!

[RedBeerd]

I started off with boots because I didn't know any better. I kept upgrading to lighter boots until I started hiking in minimalist footwear. That didn't work out on longer trips so now I hike in New Balance trail runners. Hiked the LT in them and won't ever wear boots again. Take a pair of shoes with you and try both. It won't take long before you know what works.

[Papa D]

People are very stubborn about wanting to wear boots until they have actually hiked about 100 miles in a pair - - at that point, assuming normal trail conditions (maybe even some light snow patches in higher elevations), about 80% of the people that think they are dyed in the wool boot wearers, given the choice, transition to some sort of "hiking shoe" the shoe might be termed a "trail runner" or an "approach shoe" or even a "light hiker" - - there are about 20% of the people (who probably have pretty well made boots) that stick with boots. So (remember, I'm a trail runner guy about 85% of the time) but here is my take on quality boots:

For real boot lovers (or people who intend on trekking in deeper snow or alpine conditions) I would suggest the following three boots (and boot makers)

The LaSportiva Karakorums $400 +/-
www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain/karakorum (http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain/karakorum)

Scarpa Mountaineering Wrangell GTX - they are made in Italy $300 +/-
www.gore-tex.com/product/scarpa-wrangell-gtx-boot/1353190384966/ (http://www.gore-tex.com/product/scarpa-wrangell-gtx-boot/1353190384966/)
not as warm as the Karakorums (IMO)

Peter Limmer and Sons - - they make the boot that the 20% of old school backpackers, and former thru-hikers dream of - - they are old-school. They don't make most boots like they used to (unless they are Limmers)
The previous two boots are likely warmer and better insulated but once a hiker breaks in a pair of Limmers (probably a couple of hundred miles) they are said to be very supple and comfortable. As a trail runner, when I see a pair of boots, I'm leery unless they are Limmer's - - if you see someone wearing a pair, they probably know a thing or three. They are all custom (I think) and now run about $750 for a pair - made in New Hampshire
www.limmercustomboot.com (http://www.limmercustomboot.com)

[colorado_rob]

I want to make the transition to trail runners but I'm fearful. IN 2011 I did about 700 miles of the AT and frequently my feet were in AGONY. I trued many different boots without success. And I'm not talking about blisters...the bottoms of my feet hurt from all the roots and rocks, which is what makes me fearful to switch to trail runners. But maybe the lighter weight would save my feet, I don't know. Anyone experience similar pain and found that trail runners help? This sounds a lot like what turned out to be, for me,
metatarsalgia, which I cured by going BACK to stiffer soled, but low cut and lightweight "boots". Basically, my switch to trail runners about 8 years ago was a bad idea... for me. I still use trail runners, for, er, trail running, but I need stiff soles for long hikes these days.

[Astro]

J-ville????? Have we vacationed in the same squadbay?.........Ran the 3mile in 17:00 in those boots!

Wow Coach, 3 miles in 17 minute in military boots. I am impressed! :sun

[clowncsc]

People are very stubborn about wanting to wear boots until they have actually hiked about 100 miles in a pair

I've hiked thousands in boots, from lava rocks in Hawaii to the top of Mt Fuji. Tennis shoes (trail runners or whatever they callem) just will not do it for me, I would hate to downgrade my knees and back further than they already are.

[coach lou]

Wow Coach, 3 miles in 17 minute in military boots. I am impressed! :sun

I was 19.............Staff Sgt Isacs was screaming at me, I was a Marine not a track star:D

[SassyWindsor]

If you're wearing trail runners (and you hike any considerable mileage per year) you'll probably one day be wearing boots after your knees, hips and back get worn out from wearing the trail runners.

[swjohnsey]

Trail runners are easier on your knees than boot.

[StylinLP38]

Trail runners rule and boots drool! issue solved :)

[clowncsc]

Trail runners are easier on your knees than boot.


A military boot...yes, a civilian or commercialized boot no. My Asolo's feel like pillows on my feet compared to my military boots.

[swjohnsey]

My commercial boots are by Danner. Trailrunners are definately more padded.

[brma]

My commercial boots are by Danner. Trailrunners are definately more padded.

Is padding always helpful or is too much actually a problem? I got into hiking last year and almost immediately I started having knee issues, even when using poles. I have very nice commercial boots that are extremely comfortable and very well padded, however recently I've been asking myself if the reason that I've had all my knee issues is because my boots are *too* well padded. My guess is that because they are so well padded it results in me *pounding* them into the ground when headed downhill because my feet don't mind. However after 10 or 20 miles, my knees do. I've been thinking about trying trailrunners because I figure that I might have a more natural gait downhill and I'll be less likely to smash my feet into the ground.

Any thoughts on that?

[StylinLP38]

You know what I think? I think every individual person needs to spend hundreds of dollars and try 4 or 5 pairs of shoes to get it right. Im on my 3rd pair and still not happy with them.

[FarmerChef]

I'm barefoot trail runners now having slimmed down from street trail runners and I love them! Because I can feel the rocks and roots through the shoes I can adjust for them but when I wore the street runners, the extra cushioning meant I tended to plant right down as if it wasn't there. This caused my ankle to roll a lot. When I coupled that with downhills...well, you get the idea.

If I was wearing a 50 pound pack, I definitely wouldn't wear trail runners but I'm only carrying 30-35 pounds on resupply day and generally in the low 20s to upper teens the rest of the time. I also run endurance events in minimalist footwear for what that's worth.

[clowncsc]

I guess to each his own I paid $300 for these boots and Im walkin in them come hell or highwater....and well the devil will get a$$ kicked AND I can swim like a fish.

[simply_light]

I have 2 pairs of Asolo boots that are very comfortable (for me) on the trail. Yes, they may weigh twice as much as trail runners, but they give me stability, comfort and are super durable. Besides, I have already cut down so much of my base weight, that more than compensates for the weight of the boots.

[SassyWindsor]

I have 2 pairs of Asolo boots that are very comfortable (for me) on the trail. Yes, they may weigh twice as much as trail runners, but they give me stability, comfort and are super durable. Besides, I have already cut down so much of my base weight, that more than compensates for the weight of the boots.


...and you'll save money over non-resoleable trail runners

[hikerboy57]

...and you'll save money over non-resoleable trail runners
resoling is way overrated. the rest of the shoe has already broken down

[jeffmeh]

A more rigid insole (e.g., Superfeet Green), can definitely help protect the bottom of one's feet when wearing trail shoes.

This conversation makes me want to get out my custom Limmers from the '80s and play in the snow. At about 5 lbs. for the pair, I certainly would not wear them trying to thru-hike the AT, and I no longer shuttle close to 100 lbs. on my back. It's trail shoes for me at this point. I currently favor Merrell Moab Ventilators, non waterproof, with a goretex sock if warranted.

[hikernutcasey]

I look at the whole boots vs. trailrunners debate the same as regular backpacking vs. ultra light. It all comes down to what you are comfortable with. If you can shed some serious weight by switching to trailrunners and it doesn't seem to bother you (knees, feet, back etc...) then keep them. If you try them and you feel like you have been hit by a train then go back to the boots. To each his own but personally I prefer something in the middle i.e. low cut Merrill Ventilators. They are still fairly light weight and still have a vibram sole which to me is the best of both worlds!

[Bucho]

One thing I haven't noticed anyone point out in this thread yet (maybe I missed it) is that which option is right for you depends on what you're doing and what you're carrying. The people who are poo-pooing trail runners and talking about how they will destroy your joints are likely carrying two or three times the weight of the pro trail runner crowd.

[Another Kevin]

One thing I haven't noticed anyone point out in this thread yet (maybe I missed it) is that which option is right for you depends on what you're doing and what you're carrying. The people who are poo-pooing trail runners and talking about how they will destroy your joints are likely carrying two or three times the weight of the pro trail runner crowd.

I'd be carrying more weight than a lot of the trail-runner crowd, even stark naked. That isn't going to get fixed unless I get out and hike, so boots for me, thanks.

[Fredt4]

I switched to trailrunners some 12 years ago and wouldn't go back to boots. Thru hiked in 2011 and observe that most using trailrunners were happy with their choice, most hikers with boots were not but had some excuse why they couldn't use trailrunners. I believe that few of any really need boots, and most likely you're not one of them regardless of what you believe it been told. The doctors that advise to use boots most likely have no clue. My advise is to use trailrunners and trekking poles, get rid of excess weight and listen to your body. I had bad knees that would become inflamed partly due to the extra weight from long distance hiking in boots. I'm willing to bet that most twisted ankles occurred to hikers using boots. I saw it met three hikers that twisted their ankles during my thru hike, doubt it was just a coincidence. It be interesting to see a real study on this issue. I'm sure everyone has their own anecdotal experience so only a real study would prove one way or another. Either way you must ask youself, do you really want to carry those heave boots all the way from Georgia to Maine, or would you ratter use trailrunners. I know so may disagree, but unless you experience is that trailrunners won't work for you, boots would be a foolish option.

[clowncsc]

I switched to trailrunners some 12 years ago and wouldn't go back to boots. Thru hiked in 2011 and observe that most using trailrunners were happy with their choice, most hikers with boots were not but had some excuse why they couldn't use trailrunners. I believe that few of any really need boots, and most likely you're not one of them regardless of what you believe it been told. The doctors that advise to use boots most likely have no clue. My advise is to use trailrunners and trekking poles, get rid of excess weight and listen to your body. I had bad knees that would become inflamed partly due to the extra weight from long distance hiking in boots. I'm willing to bet that most twisted ankles occurred to hikers using boots. I saw it met three hikers that twisted their ankles during my thru hike, doubt it was just a coincidence. It be interesting to see a real study on this issue. I'm sure everyone has their own anecdotal experience so only a real study would prove one way or another. Either way you must ask youself, do you really want to carry those heave boots all the way from Georgia to Maine, or would you ratter use trailrunners. I know so may disagree, but unless you experience is that trailrunners won't work for you, boots would be a foolish option.

me personally...body is used to boots (20 yrs military) one pair of boots to last the whole trail $300 vise 3-5 pair trail runners at $90-180 a pop. Pain is weakness leaving the body. LOL

[wicca witch]

I have always hiked in boots. I get mine from soldier city.com Armed service combat boots. Also i have had no problems with them
Tactical Research boots. Hope this helps out

[RCBear]

Whatever works for you is the right choice. Just make sure they are top notch quality. My feeling is that anything that comes between me and the ground has to be the best FOR ME regardless of price. Shoes and tires I never scimp on. If I found the perfect Footwear that GUARENTEED I would never suffer a blister, hot spot or twisted ankle, I would be happy to spend 1000 dollars on them.

If anyone finds that pair, please pm me :)

[clowncsc]

Whatever works for you is the right choice. Just make sure they are top notch quality. My feeling is that anything that comes between me and the ground has to be the best FOR ME regardless of price. Shoes and tires I never scimp on. If I found the perfect Footwear that GUARENTEED I would never suffer a blister, hot spot or twisted ankle, I would be happy to spend 1000 dollars on them.

If anyone finds that pair, please pm me :)

i agree! I ended up with asolo tps 520 and love them so far.

[Roll Tide]

As a retired Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service I wore Rocky shoes for years. I walked 9 miles a day 5 days a week on pavement, up and down hills and thru woods. I usually got 2 years out of each pair then I would wear them for a couple of more doing yardwork and such. Go to the Rocky website and check them out. Some larger cities have Uniform stores that sell Postal uniforms. If you can find such a store you can buy them there. Before I retired I purchased several pairs with my uniform allowance. I still wear them everyday.

[peakbagger]

I used to use boots for years and burned up the soles on a set of custom Limmers in three years of weekend hiking. I would get occasional anke sprains with boots and when I did they were severe. After doing a couple of week long section hikes and having boots issues I switched to trailrunners and never looked back for summer and fall hiking. I did about half the AT with trail runners and am hiking in the whites most weekends with them.

[Hot Flash]

I wear trail runners, because in boots it's way too hard to "feel" the terrain. When I first started out backpacking and wore the boots that everyone kept recommending were de rigueur, I would trip or twist an ankle almost every time I was out. Switched to trail runners when they became available, and haven't had a problem since. Then again, I only weigh about 130# and never carry more than a 30 pound pack -- usually more in the realm of 22-24 pounds.

[colorado_rob]

Well, as I said earlier, I did go the trail-runner route for many years, even before it was popular. I think it was a mistake for myself for the longer term. I'm only talking ME here.

It might be because I have so many miles on my feet; I estimate somewhere above 15,000 trail hiking miles (I keep logs), plus I was a competitive long-distance runner for 20 years or so (yikes! a low estimate of 25 miles/week for 20 years = 26,000 miles).

"Things" do wear out if you use them enough!

The bottom line, at the end of a long day, when I wear trail runners, my feet are sore and my metatarsalgia flares up. If I wear a stiff soled shoe, like the Merrell Chameleons, my feet stay happy, and I can hike day after day w/o any foot pain whatsoever. The difference is amazing.

These Merrells are a nice compromise, for me, between a full boot (which I only wear in winter/snow/high mountain climbs) and trail runners. There are some New Balance trail runners that have fairly stiff soles, but not quite as stiff as the Merrells.

[bubonicplay]

What merrel a are you referring to?

[colorado_rob]

What merrel a are you referring to? The Chameleon 4 (not the "stretch").

[k2basecamp]

The Chameleon 4 (not the "stretch").

I like the stability of boots over trail runners. In New England especially the trail is often rocky, rooty, and generally pretty worn down. My eyesight also isn't the best and I'm not as good at "placing" my feet which is often required with light trail runners. I've used them but have gone back to boots because they work for my hiking style which is just to put my head down and go . I also found that trail runners collect the mud more on the treads and can often be pretty slick going down slabs. Vibram- soled boots always work best for me.

But again I still use an Alpenlite external frame pack and carry an MSR stove - but they too work for me. I tried an internal pack and also an alcohol stove but . . .

That being said, find what works best for you. Don't think you have to have the newest, lightest or most expensive equipment.