View Full Version : What's your call? Running shoes or boots?
crackeleatlas
06-12-2013, 17:32
I'm a mid-to-late-twenty-something and I'm doing a week on the AT in Central Virginia at the end of June. I have two options for shoes:
1. My trusty running shoes (http://www.saucony.com/store/SiteController/saucony/productdetails?catId=cat10004&subCatId=cat1220399&showDefaultOption=true&stockNumber=20180-2&skuId=***4********20180-2*W105&productId=4-111770&&subCatId=cat1220399&productId=4-111770&stockNumber=20180-2&subCatTabId=&catId=cat10004&productdisplayName=Men%27s+Guide+6&subcatdisplayName=All+Running+Shoes&skuId=***4********20180-2*W105&pageIdentifier=productdetail&catdisplayName=Men&showDefaultOption=true). These fit very well, they're well-broken-in, they're lightweight, and a week of hiking in them would be a great excuse to replace them after the trip. Since I got these shoes my running-related knee problems went away.
2. Gore-Tex boots. (http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/us/en/sc-gear/men-39-s-havoc-mid-gtx-xcr.html) They fit pretty good, but not amazingly well.
I'm leaning toward the running shoes because in dry conditions I will probably be less likely to get blisters. Also, the boots are not insulated, but I purchased them for some field work I was doing in Antarctica, so I'm assuming they'll be too hot and heavy for summer hiking. Part of my confusion here stems from the fact that I now live in Texas, and I don't remember exactly what rain is like or how long it can keep running shoes wet.
Which would you wear?
NO on the Gore-Tex. When they get wet they take a long time to dry out. If you don't carry a too heavy load go with the low tops.
johnnybgood
06-12-2013, 17:46
If the shoe fits then wear it.....:) :D
The running shoes would be fine.
Runners for me. I like Brooks Adrenalins
hikerboy57
06-12-2013, 18:10
running shoes
T.S.Kobzol
06-12-2013, 19:20
Boots
sent from samsonite using tapioca 2
topshelf
06-12-2013, 19:25
since its summer, id say shoes, if its colder, boots
Durtydan
06-12-2013, 19:29
go with what feels most normal to you. it's a total preference call. but as I always say, every ounce on your foot is like a pound on your back
Neither for me, rather a low-cut, trail shoe, not waterproof, like the Merrell Moab Ventilator.
Neither for me, rather a low-cut, trail shoe, not waterproof, like the Merrell Moab Ventilator.
Agree with this, but I have never known how to categorize these. I just call them hiking shoes. Is this a third category?
Neither for me, rather a low-cut, trail shoe, not waterproof, like the Merrell Moab Ventilator.
i agree with this. true trail/ hiking shoe for me. hiking boots if your not comfortable will become a major issue with ion a week. go with the running shoe and then invest in trail/hiking shoe if you are going to spend more time on the trail.
tridavis
06-12-2013, 20:52
Agree with this, but I have never known how to categorize these. I just call them hiking shoes. Is this a third category?
Ditto!! Trail runners are not stiff enough under load and boots are too much. My keens are 16oz. so that is plenty lite for me.
I had a pair of salamons and they were great for my section hike. My hiking buddy talked me out of wearing my mid hikers. In retrospect, the mids would have left me pretty miserable.
Sarcasm the elf
06-12-2013, 22:40
I wear trail runners (sneakers) as long as the expected temperatures are above freezing. I've worn goretex boots while backpacking in the summer and it's miserable. Save your north face boots for winter trips.
wornoutboots
06-12-2013, 22:45
I've hiked in Keens for the @ 5 years but the last year has been in Brooks Cascadia's trail Runners & I won't go back to boots.
MuddyWaters
06-13-2013, 00:07
What the data does show, is that for most people, boots are not necessary for hiking with a moderate weight pack.
After that, personal preference plays a big role.
Some have physiological or even psychological issues that make them lean toward boots too. Thats OK. There is no right or wrong.
I've used both (did Maine and Katahdin in Brooks Cascadias), but now I would only wear boots.
Too easy to get in over your head in tennie runners.
Neither for me, rather a low-cut, trail shoe, not waterproof, like the Merrell Moab Ventilator.
Ugh! I need help here!
I have tried several hiking shoes/boots. My preference is something less restrictive (plus, I have good ankles/knees). However, I still have issues with either my heels or upper foot rubbing. I was sized this last summer by a "better" shoe store, and the clerk told me that I have a very wide toe box with a very narrow heel. I have gone from Keens to Teva's, to Merrills, to whatever I wore last year. I still have problems!
Advise?
Ugh! I need help here!
I have tried several hiking shoes/boots. My preference is something less restrictive (plus, I have good ankles/knees). However, I still have issues with either my heels or upper foot rubbing. I was sized this last summer by a "better" shoe store, and the clerk told me that I have a very wide toe box with a very narrow heel. I have gone from Keens to Teva's, to Merrills, to whatever I wore last year. I still have problems!
Advise?
Forgot to add: While my physical weight is on the high side, my pack weight is moderate (25 with food and water)
Ugh! I need help here!
I have tried several hiking shoes/boots. My preference is something less restrictive (plus, I have good ankles/knees). However, I still have issues with either my heels or upper foot rubbing. I was sized this last summer by a "better" shoe store, and the clerk told me that I have a very wide toe box with a very narrow heel. I have gone from Keens to Teva's, to Merrills, to whatever I wore last year. I still have problems!
Advise?
Perhaps take the ones that fit you best, with the right size toe box, to someone who can make custom insoles. Also, if the top of your foot is rubbing without your heel slipping, you likely have an instep too high for the shoe, or you are cranking the laces so tight to avoid heel slipping that you have effectively made the shoe too tight. If you haven't already, check out different lacing techniques to see what works best for you. http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/locklacing.htm
Drybones
06-13-2013, 09:11
It looks like I always choose the wrong footwear option, last year went against conventional wisdom and used lightweight Goretex shoes during a hot season, they did great the first week but after that they got wet and gave me some nasty blisters, which, after two more weeks healed and were okay. This year I use trail runners and we had very cold weather with deep snow and slush, fortunate not to get frost bite, feet stayed wet in cold conditions. I guess both were the right shoe, just the wrong year.
I will also add that a pair of Goretex socks with non-waterproof trail shoes provides the best of both worlds.
Rain Man
06-13-2013, 09:19
I ditched boots after a couple hundred miles on the AT and switched to hiking shoes (not running shoes) and have been pretty happy ever since. Nothing works perfectly, though! I also ditched Gore-tex and am pretty happy with that choice. Again, every choice is an imperfect balancing act.
Footwear is the most critical choice in backpacking, but it also is very definitely a "hike your own hike" choice, too. Nobody's feet, stature, gait, weight, etc. is just like yours. So, it's not really a question a poll can answer for you.
Fact is, you can do the hike in either, so ... enjoy being on the trail. :)
Rain:sunMan
.
Odd Man Out
06-13-2013, 09:29
It looks like I always choose the wrong footwear option, last year went against conventional wisdom and used lightweight Goretex shoes during a hot season...
I've been to so many shoe stores where the staff always point you toward Goretex models. When I tell them this is a bad idea, they have this "deer in headlights look". I tell them I will come back when they have more ventilated models to choose from.
Kerosene
06-13-2013, 10:49
In Virginia I'd be comfortable wearing running shoes; certainly they should be better over an ill-fitting boot. If I was hiking New England then I'd suggest you find a better fitting, lightweight, low-cut boot.
I now only wear a Gore-tex boot for day hikes. Once they get wet -- and they will over the course of a wet day -- they will take days to dry out. Plus, my feet don't sweat nearly as badly in a non-waterproof boot.
hikerboy57
06-13-2013, 11:30
I've been to so many shoe stores where the staff always point you toward Goretex models. When I tell them this is a bad idea, they have this "deer in headlights look". I tell them I will come back when they have more ventilated models to choose from.
ive seen that look.in both rei and ems.funny.
although goretex is great for walking around town,and i will wear moab goretex mids for day hikes in the rain.otherwise la sportiva raptors
rocketsocks
06-14-2013, 00:41
It looks like I always choose the wrong footwear option, last year went against conventional wisdom and used lightweight Goretex shoes during a hot season, they did great the first week but after that they got wet and gave me some nasty blisters, which, after two more weeks healed and were okay. This year I use trail runners and we had very cold weather with deep snow and slush, fortunate not to get frost bite, feet stayed wet in cold conditions. I guess both were the right shoe, just the wrong year.This is what I've recently come to think to. Went on a hike and got blisters on each foot....I've never gotten blisters in my life. The shoes I was wearing at the time had Gortex (or the like),it was 91 degrees and my feet sweat profusely, that coupled with swollen feet from a rocky hike the week before left me feelin some pain and frustration cause I couldn't finish....no more Gortex in hot weather for me, sticking to my sneaks in summer, and boots/trail runners in the colder months. Wait!..what was this thread about, oh yeah...depends on what you like, and what works for you I guess.
sittin on the fence
What the data does show, is that for most people, boots are not necessary for hiking with a moderate weight pack.
I agree with you philosophically, but would love to read this data you speak of. I am always looking for more ammo ;-)
marti038
06-20-2013, 08:49
I'd find an outfitter that knows how to fit you for hiking shoes and get whatever they tell you to get.
I'd love to wear trail runners, but my long, flat feet need more support than most of them offer so I have a pair of "low top" hiking shoes. If you were looking at them from the bottom you might swear it was a boot, but from the top they look like sneakers with plenty of ventilation.
Here's what I have (pretty good deal if you wear an 8 or 8.5): http://www.extremeoutfitters.us/alias-25000oftheprofitswillgotowoundeddisabledveterans.a spx
Texasgrrl
06-21-2013, 20:49
Here's another vote for running shoes.
brotheral
06-22-2013, 06:40
Neither for me, rather a low-cut, trail shoe, not waterproof, like the Merrell Moab Ventilator.
Moab Ventilators for me too !! :)
Meriadoc
06-22-2013, 11:03
Running shoes. Sandals would be better! :)
litefoot2000
06-22-2013, 11:09
running shoes
Ditto!!!!!
double d
06-22-2013, 12:57
This is a good, age old questions, but it depends on the weather for me. If its raining a lot, I will wear my hiking boots and if its been dry (say like the Colorado Trail is) then I'll wear a good pair of NB cross trainers. All good either way for me, but.............make sure whatever you choose, that they are broken in before you hit the trail.