Boots or Shoes?

[ChefATLTCT]

boot guy, on my GA to ME hike I went thru three pairs of Vasque Clarion boots, later switched to Vasque wasatch for ten years, great boot for me, I now wear Vasque St Johns? hiked about 100 miles in them so far, very happy with them

[Another Kevin]

Yes, this winter, snow about two inches, and a icy puddle through a swampy area had me wishing (flooded my shoe and froze ma toes).

You too? Let me guess -- Beechy Bottom, where we discovered that the snow was lying on top of a quarter inch of ice on top of sucking mud?

Anyway, as I said on another thread, "hiking boots" don't usually do it for me. By the time conditions are bad enough that I'm no longer in trail runners, I want the protection of full leather boots, not to mention a stable platform to anchor traction gear. And I hike in what most people around here would call pretty extreme conditions. (I'm slow, and can't do big miles, but I go practically anywhere.)

[rocketsocks]

You too? Let me guess -- Beechy Bottom, where we discovered that the snow was lying on top of a quarter inch of ice on top of sucking mud?

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

where we discovered that the snow was lying on top of a quarter inch of ice on top of sucking mud? Yes, and that your car was about a ten minute walk down a lovely bridle path

[rocketsocks]

...funny how even when it's 18 degrees out, one can still be smoked.

[rocketsocks]

Yes, this winter, snow about two inches, and a icy puddle through a swampy area had me wishing (flooded my shoe and froze ma toes)...and the PA rocks I think I'd have enjoyed more with a little more support, cause I certainly wasn't concerned with making time, so a slow stroll a little more sure footed may have kept me from one, a face plant, and two driven into the ground on my knee with the weight of the pack laughin' at me all the while. All this said, in the summer when it's real hot, I'm liking my Brooks cicadas, there an earlier generation, forget which just now, maybe 6's, but they vent well, are quick to dry, and have a rock plate in the forefoot which helps to spare the metatarsals a bit. I'm not a big hiker like many here, just learned from askin' and watchin' and tryin' different things...still tryin to figure it all out.

You too? Let me guess -- Beechy Bottom, where we discovered that the snow was lying on top of a quarter inch of ice on top of sucking mud?

Anyway, as I said on another thread, "hiking boots" don't usually do it for me. By the time conditions are bad enough that I'm no longer in trail runners, I want the protection of full leather boots, not to mention a stable platform to anchor traction gear. And I hike in what most people around here would call pretty extreme conditions. (I'm slow, and can't do big miles, but I go practically anywhere.)

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

where we discovered that the snow was lying on top of a quarter inch of ice on top of sucking mud? Yes, and that your car was about a ten minute walk down a lovely bridle path

location of offending puddle, hikers beware.

[Damn Yankee]

Humans feet were not meant to wear shoes as they push your toes together throwing out your natural gate. Boots are worse as they tend to make ankles week because of the extra support. Buying a cross-over pair of hiking shoes(between boots and minimal footwear)will help strengthen your stabilization muscles in your ankle along with strengthening exercises, slowly working your way to minimal footwear. Another important thing to look for is a zero drop sole and good arch support.

[rocketsocks]

Humans feet were not meant to wear shoes as they push your toes together throwing out your natural gate. Boots are worse as they tend to make ankles week because of the extra support. Buying a cross-over pair of hiking shoes(between boots and minimal footwear)will help strengthen your stabilization muscles in your ankle along with strengthening exercises, slowly working your way to minimal footwear. Another important thing to look for is a zero drop sole and good arch support.

Why zero drop?

[OCDave]

Humans feet were not meant to wear shoes as they push your toes together throwing out your natural gate. Boots are worse as they tend to make ankles week because of the extra support. Buying a cross-over pair of hiking shoes(between boots and minimal footwear)will help strengthen your stabilization muscles in your ankle along with strengthening exercises, slowly working your way to minimal footwear. Another important thing to look for is a zero drop sole and good arch support.

Humans live longer today than ever before. Is it because we have developed technologies, boots for example, to reduce the cumulative burden on our bodies?

Is minimal footwear still advantageous once you've added 30, 40 or 50lbs it the form of a backpack?

Aren't minimal or zero drop footwear and good arch support mutually exclusive?

I am not trying to be argumentative. Just trying to find answers. If I hike long, rocky, hilly terrain for week will I regret taking my boots or leaving them behind? Are running shoes adequate if my pack weight is a bit heavier than Ultralight?

I have Luna Oso sandals and Asolo TPS 520 boots so I am prepared for either extreme. I leave for the Minong Ridge trail , Isle Royale NP in 4 days.

[rocketsocks]

Humans live longer today than ever before. Is it because we have developed technologies, boots for example, to reduce the cumulative burden on our bodies?

Is minimal footwear still advantageous once you've added 30, 40 or 50lbs it the form of a backpack?

Aren't minimal or zero drop footwear and good arch support mutually exclusive?

I am not trying to be argumentative. Just trying to find answers. If I hike long, rocky, hilly terrain for week will I regret taking my boots or leaving them behind? Are running shoes adequate if my pack weight is a bit heavier than Ultralight?

I have Luna Oso sandals and Asolo TPS 520 boots so I am prepared for either extreme. I leave for the Minong Ridge trail , Isle Royale NP in 4 days.

ah, I understand now where your coming from...I've heard some say here, and I'll paraphrase it. Is it not better to wear trail runners for 80% of the trip than to bring boots for the 20% there actually needed because of the conditions...er something like that. Hey good luck on your trip Dave, whatever you decide have a great hike.