Boots, don't tell me I wasted over 200 bucks

[Many Moons]

Alright, I threw away my orange cathole scoop. Now I read I don't need my light weight Lowa boots? April 8th is my first hike and am getting geared up. Read that boots are an over kill? I have a back-up Newbalance ultra light for camp, but should the Lowa's go in trash and pick up some trailrunners? Or can I wear them to Neel's and throw in hiker box and pick up light weight shoes there if the Lowa's don't work out? Ant advice is welcome!!

[Many Moons]

Any not ant!

[rgarling]

Try some walking around the neighborhood in your Lowa's. If they are comfortable on you, you won't mind them in April on the AT.

[Many Moons]

Try some walking around the neighborhood in your Lowa's. If they are comfortable on you, you won't mind them in April on the AT.

They are broke in. Around 50 miles plus. Seem OK, but live in a folat area.

[Many Moons]

They are broke in. Around 50 miles plus. Seem OK, but live in a folat area.

Did it again. Flat not folat. Sorry!

[Juice]

Just use em'

[About_Time]

I did a flip-flop last year. I was told that when I got to southern Vermont (SOBO), I should change to trail runners as I'd be able to go much faster given how flat it was the rest of the way back to Virgnia. I wore the trail runners for 300 miles as that was how long it took to special order some replacement boots and get them shipped to where I could connect with them.
I learned two things from the advice I was given. The first was that the trail isn't really flat anywhere and that trail runners didn't work for me.
The bottom line is that it's your hike and you need to do what you're comfortable with. If you've got boots, have broken them in and are comfortable with them, then go with them. If along the way it isn't working, then give the trail runners a try. There are outfitters along the trail that can help you out.

[JAK]

At least they aren't like a 7 pound pack. They will eventually wear out.
If they are too heavy for the trail, use them around town or on day hikes.
How heavy are these "light" boots?

I have size 12 leather ankle boots that weigh 15oz each. Resoled them twice so far.

[lemon b]

Everybody is different. Hold off on tossing.

[jdg]

run what ya brung, aka just use what you have, if it gets to bad, switch

[Slo-go'en]

Personally, I would never wear trail runners. I've worn boots all my life and I'm too old the change now! At least I don't wear 6 pounds of leather Limmer boots anymore

[max patch]

Nothing wrong with a pair of liteweight boots. I'd be wearing them every day til you start to make sure they are good and broken in.

[patman25]

I'm wearing mid high boots, heavier than trail runners, but I feel more confident in them with my pack on.

[jeffmeh]

Personally, I would never wear trail runners. I've worn boots all my life and I'm too old the change now! At least I don't wear 6 pounds of leather Limmer boots anymore

But I loved those Limmers when I was carrying a 75-100 pound pack. Of course, I always had the first night's dinner for 12, so the pack got much lighter after that, lol. Those days are gone, but I still have the Limmers.

[ambroseya]

I have joint issues and I can't imagine not using boots. Really, it's HYOH, but if you like them, you can always mail them home later. If you like them on the flat, then at least mail them home if they cost that much. Trail runners are great for people that never got used to wearing boots anyway, but if you need boots for stability there's no perk to the lightness *just how much easier I can fall on my face*

[SCRUB HIKER]

You can thru-hike in anything. The first 1200 miles I hiked in full-grain leather, heavyweight Asolo boots because that's what I happened to own already and I knew I could trust them to not give me blisters. I also had no trekking poles. That runs contrary to 90% of the advice on this website. Big whoop. I still made it. The advice on here is usually pretty good, but there's no need to act on any of it if whatever you have works for you.

[Heald]

So many variables, but why not wear them bad boys to Neel Gap. I imagine about by then you'll be ready to dump off a few things, and walk out of there with Newbies or what not. Hows your ankles? Mind your pack weight. Shoes can be a real blessing, but not with a heavy ruck. Might be that it will stilll blow cold and snow. A water proof sock isn't stupid.

[ChinMusic]

They are broke in. Around 50 miles plus. Seem OK, but live in a folat area.

If something is "OK", then continue wearing it. "OK" can be a wonderful thing, compared to "not OK".

Seriously, if you are comfortable in something, stick to it.

[rjjones]

Waste of money.Send them here,i'll take care of them

[Heald]

Waste of money.Send them here,i'll take care of them

How much will you take for them?