Looking for Light Weight Hiking Shoes

Hi Ben!

Here is a review of the Montrail Namches, a mid-height, light weight boot, I posted following a long distance hike last summer.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews?forum_thread_id=7951&cat=Footwear%20%2D%20Boots%2C%20Shoes%2C%20Gaiters&cid=53

Have you been at all happy with what you've been wearing to date? Are you looking at trail runners or do you still need the ankle support?

It's been 4-5 years now that I'd discovered how well trail runners work for me. But I've been lucky with strong, flexible ankles and good knees. I'd picked up good deals, twice now, on NorthFace Ultra 100 and then 102 (not necessarily recommending those). I've been waiting to retire the 102's and finally picked up a pair of INOV-8 Terroc 330. I don't hear mention of this, but one of my biggest criteria was that the mid-sole/arch-support not be made of smooth plastic, as some runners are designed, but made from the same rubber material as the rest of the tread. When bouldering and moving across rocks, I transfer weight right into that part of my foot and that plastic mid-sole slips immediately.

The Terrocs shipped for around $70 (see Gear Deals). I haven't yet put the miles on 'em but have been trail running and I'm very impressed. They're responsive to terrain without transferring too much shock. The cleat has really good grip in dirt and on rocks. The lacing makes for a snug fit along the entire length of the foot. I'm considering inserts on these, sizing was odd, and I had to size up by .5, but I'm imagining that good inserts could only help with longer distances.

They look cool too!

Anyway, that's my CO2. Good luck!

-Michael

Ben,

I'm under 20 miles per day with less than 25 lb load, but I'm pleased with the INOV-8 Terroc 330.

I think I could do 20 – 25 daily miles carrying 25 lb. with them.

Planning to actually try this during December depending on my schedule and the weather. If it works out, then I will share my results.

Gentlemen – thanks for your suggestions. I should have mentioned that I prefer low cuts. The INOV-8 Terroc 330 look particularly interesting — although they also seem freakishly light. Yes, please post performance results. Thanks!

I have these and love them. I have been using them for about a year now. They are a little more stiff than the terrocs though

Ben…
I've used Inov-8 Terroc 330's almost exclusively for a year now and found them to be excellent. The Roclite 315's were my previous favorite, but I found I like the wider toe box on the 330's, albeit at a slight loss in traction in loose terrain.

If you haven't previously tried Inov-8's, they will probably feel comfortable almost immediately and are like wearing next to nothing. There is a minimum of both arch support and pronation control, so aren't the shoe of choice for foks really needing it.

I've found that on really rough, rocky trails they wore through a lug or two by the time I reached about 300 miles, but were still quite useable through at least 400 miles. BTW, I've never had a blister when using them on long hikes.

I tried on both of these and found the additional arch support of the Roclite's to be more to my liking. Have used them and absolutely love 'em! All the Innov8's appear to run about one size smaller than "American" shoes.

Early 2008 a new Inov-8 model, the Roclite 295, should become available which is supposed to combine the best features of the Terroc and the Roclite 315. It's certainly on my wish list.

I am currently using the New Balance 607. They a good amount of cushionas well as decent traction. Although I have 2 grips with these shoes. 1) There is no plastic plate to protect from rocks, and doesn't breath as well as I'd like. Im looking at the NB MR873 to replace my current shoes. As for use in winter, add a gore-tex sock and your feet will be warm and happy. Ive also found a Insulated pair from Cabelas with 200g of Thinsulate.

Hi Ben, Ive gone exclusively to Inov-8 for the light weight and flexibility. The 330s run true to size, the 318s run 1/2 size small, and I'm waiting on my 390's. Hopefully the waterproof 390's can replace my 330's which are great, but have no water resistance. I bought all mine at REI so I can return them if sizing was a problem.