PCT footwear

You really have to analyze your feet when buying runners for hiking. For instance, I have narrow heels and a normal forefoot on relatively low volume feet. I've tried out dozens of pairs of runners in the past 3 months. Merrell, La Sportiva, Brooks, Innov8, New Balance, Adidas, you name it. I just got a pair of hardrocks as my new sneak of the week to test out. The compromises were usually lateral stability, heel slip or forefoot cushioning, for me. Why do you think the boots work well for you? Try to incorporate this into looking for lighter shoes. You could also analyze your socks and their compatibility with different types of footwear.

Good Luck,
Margaret

Although it's hard to address everyone's feet, I'm not sure why running shoes shouldn't work for everyone. The important thing is finding shoes with a good fit for your feet. I have never worn boots when hiking, even when hiking with loads in the high 30 lb range. I have hiked in various cheapo New Balances, Montrail Hardrocks, and recently Inov-8 Terroc 330s.

If you are getting hot spots and blistes, where are they typically occuring? If they are on the heel, it could be a lacing issue, or perhaps you need different socks. At the start of my AT thru-hike last year I was wearing Montrail's with thin socks. I was getting constant hot spots on my heel, and I couldn't figure out why. I was lacing my shoes up tight to no avail. I finally came to find out that the problem was using socks that were too thin. By switching to thicker socks, all of the extra space in my shoes was taken away, and my heel had nowhere to move. Blisters solved.

Having said all of that, I think you should definitely keep looking into finding a way to use trail runners on the PCT. I would worry that carrying heavy, non-breathable books would wreak havok on your feet in the desert and wet High Sierra. I have fallen in love with the Inov-8 terroc's because of their narrow profile,but roomy toebox. These shoes are very breathable for the desert heat and to drain High Sierra water, have great traction, and fantastic underfoot protection when coupled with Superfeet insoles.