Shoes

Hi Eins,
having done the GR20 myself wearing AB style boots, I think trail runners should work fine although I’m not sure how they will look like at the end of the trip. BTW, are you still planning on going in May ? Snow and ice could be a more problematic thing on the steep sections.

I like the Vasque Velocity trail runners and they have a Gore-Tex version too: http://www.vasque.com/products/m-velocitygtxxcr.cfm

Really a nice blend of weight/traction/cost, but they are low-tops.

I use a pair of Nike Air Wallowa Mid boots for wetter and colder conditions. 567g/1lb.5oz. per shoe, Gore-Tex, etc. It appears they are no longer made, but there are all kinds of light-weight mid-high Gore-Tex shoes out there. I don’t mind an overnighter with wet feet, but weeks on end is no fun. If I were slogging mud and old snow, something like that would be my choice. They work well with instep crampons too. If you re-supply from some point, you might be able to vary your shoes with the altitude/conditions.

Hi Tom,

Don’t I know you from another forum on the world wide web??? ;). Of niet?

I’m not that woried about how the shoes will look like at the end of the hike. I care more about the performance during the hike. And since most trailrunners are made for rugged terain anyway I think they’ll stand up for the job.

And yeah, I still would like to hike the GR 20 in May, ’cause I think that Corse will be too hot for me in June, as I already stated in that other forum. But I haven’t bought a plane ticket yet and I am still worried about the snow conditions. I have no crampon/icepick experience what-so-ever, so snow can be a real problem. But I could be lucky!

Eins

Hey Eins,
I’m also looking to a pair of trailrunners (waiting for the new Inov-8 Roclite which looks interesting) and I plan to use them for all my trips, being shorter walks in the Ardennes or longer trips in the Alps. I would also use them in Corsica and I have walked the GR20 before so I know how the trail looks like. If your pack is light enough and you can use a pair of poles, there shouldn’t be a problem.

About May as a target date, just try it but be prepared to turn back if things get too risky.

By the way, I know the problem of wet feet and one thing I’m gonna try this weekend is using a pair of sealskinz waterproof socks.