First pair of lighthiking shoes – suggestions?

I would consider something from Inov-8. They are the most comfortable shoe/boot I've ever worn (and I have three models) and you can wear them right out of the box.

If you are determined to get a mid-to-higher boot then consider the 370 or 380. Otherwise there are plenty of lower-cut shoes to chose from. Once you go light and low cut you'll never go back. At least not for most of your endeavors.

I have the 318GTX and it is a very comfortable shoe. Plenty of ummf underneath to handle rocks and roots.

There are so many models that it can be confusing. If backpacking I would suggest starting with the "Roclite" series.

http://www.inov-8.com/Products.asp?PG=PG1&L=27

Best of luck.

Wiia

Sorry I meant to say 370 or "390". I've not tried either boot but, from a guy in his mid-50s who has hiked all his life, they might be your answer.

Very light, comfortable and supportive.

You won't get the final answer from me, but here is what I know. It does matter if you are a pronator. I am and it made a world of difference when I got a stability (almost a "motion control") running shoe and put a pair of good insoles (I chose super feet) in them. My advice is the same as given to runners — go to a good running store (not just a sport shoe store) and get their advice. Tell them what you know about your feet, then listen, this has worked well for me. Find a store that employs nothing but serious runners. I find that the shoes I run in also work great for me on the trail.

I am 50, a big time pronator, and have had some knee and ankle issues. I also have some Lowa Tempest "hiking shoes" that are low cut (maybe they are called "Tempest Lo") and are about 4-5 years old. They have served me well and are still going strong, also with insoles. I might well still choose these over my running shoes for a 1 week trip, but I don't know just why.

Oh, and whatever you get, it has gotta fit your foot!! What works for me may not match your foot geometry.
(3 rules to shoes: fit, fit, and fit).

"The reason I'm asking here is I don't have a ton of $ to experiment on buying different pairs of shoes. Have too much other gear to get. What do you wear?"

Well starting at REI is a good start. That way you can experiment and get your money back if it doesn't work. Shoes are a very personal thing since everyone's feet are different. My feet like Vasque Velocity, but if your feet like Chuck Taylors then go with it.

The Inov-8s may be a rather long step for you. Don't know.

Anyhow, first work out what WIDTH shoe you need. No use buying a D fitting if you really need a 4E fitting! The width matters because many shoe companies only make narrow running shoes – D fitting. You won't like it if the shoe is all wrong.

'Cross-training' is often a code word for 'street fashion for teenagers'. That does not make them good for hiking.

Pronation? One of the enduring Nike myths. In fact, most people 'pronate' slightly – it seems to be the NORMAL foot motion, and not an aberration at all. Let your feet be: trying to change how you walk will only damage your ankles.

As far as switching to low-cut joggers – go for it. You will benefit. Sure, the booties will warn you with death and disaster… a boring refrain which has been proven wrong an infinity of times.

Cheers

I recently made the switch from hiking boot to trail runner. I went with the Montrail Hardrocks.

I got a pair of the older (07?) version that seemed to be a favorite among many hikers.

They are very solid, have a great heal cup, and a large toe box. They do have a high arch that sits kind of far back on the foot and was uncomfortable for me.

I took a pair of replacement insoles and cut out the arch section to raise my foot above the arch in the shoe and they have been the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn on the trail.

I have yet to get a hotspot or blister in them something I cannot say for any other footwear I have used on the trail.

I think these make a great transition shoe because they have the stability of a boot in a low cut. They still have a lot of cushion under the foot that is missing in the ultralight inov8. (from reviews I have read, not personal experience YMMV)

-edit: You can find these for $60 or less online.

Larry,

Welcome to these forums. Hope you get some useful info here, I sure did/do.

I went from heavy Vasque hiking boots to the Vasque Velocity trail runner when I switched. I ended up choosing the Velocity because it fit my foot perfectly. I tried on shoes from several manufactures in the trail running shoe category and the Vasques were it. So take care to make sure the what ever shoe you decide on fits well, and consider an insole.

For me, hiking with trekking poles took all the strain off my knees and ankles making a high top shoe unnecessary. So if you use poles, my experience indicates you won't need a shoe with ankle support. There are those that argue that boots or high tops offer little support anyway so you should go with a low cut shoe and save wt. and there is probably some truth to that. Also, if you are carrying a lighter load and using lighter shoes you will be more nimble and better able to avoid injury in theory.

It is amazing how much better your legs and feet feel when you trade that 6 lb pair of boots for the 1 lb (or less) pair of shoes.

Happy Trails,

-Mark

Another recomendation for the Vasque Velocity trail runners.

Highly recommend you heed Roger's comments re Width! If the shoe isn't wide enough, your toes don't stand a chance & you'll rue the day you bought 'em!

IF you have wide feet, check out Merrell. I have 4E feet and a pair of Merrell's that are great.

Remember, feet change shape some as we age. Your last shoe size may not be your next shoe size.

After being on your feet for several hours, go to a good store (like REI, as you mentioned) and have them measure your feet. Go from there. Be ruthless on fit, if they don't feel great, don't put your money down – keep looking!

There are several REI locations in the LA area near you. I would go to one of their stores and try on as many trail runners as I could. Fit is everything.

There are also two running stores that carry Inov-8 shoes … A Runners Circle and Front Runners. The REI in Manhattan Beach is also a dealer and may still carry some Inov-8 models at their store.

I think there is also Adventure 16 in your area that carries a variety of shoes.

Good luck.

Shoes are so personal. Montrail Hardrocks crippled me and sent me home from my PCT trek last year. This year I am returning to finish the trail in some Brooks Cascadia trail runners. They are really comfy for me.

The advice about going to a running store is good. That's what I did. I told them exactly what I needed, including explaining to them how I like my shoes to fit which is way different from how other people like them to fit, and they picked out the shoes that matched. And funny thing too is they actually agreed with me about my strange preference for fitting my shoes. They had never seen someone with small feet whose feet only fit into large shoes.

It has taken a LOT of trial and error to figure out what I need. You have to just go for it and try some shoes. Buy them way wider than you have ever worn before if you can. Wear two or three pairs of socks just so you get them wide enough. The weight on your back and heat of walking will spread your feet.

You have to forget about the expense. Even if you pay $150 for some shoes, if you are on the trail and they hurt, modify them mercilessly with a knife if you have to. Then at first chance, throw them away and get something else. Never compromise your feet.

It's helpful to hear your experiences. =0)

1) The myth of ankle support. I have heard this argument for high top shoes/boots for years, and am pretty much convinced it is pure bunk. If you are training (and you say you are a jogger) and carrying a light load (25 pounds qualifies), then you are entirely eligible for a light shoe. Congratulations!

My last two Sierra backpacks were 1 week affairs. One up and over Taboose Pass (with a 50+ pound pack), the other into the Evolution region via Lamark Col with a 40 pound pack. Never again with such heavy packs – but both these trips were done with the low top Tempest Lo's and no regrets. The experts would surely have told me I needed big boots.

2) The old saying goes "1 pound on your foot is like 5 on your back". I am just parroting this from other sources, but it sounds plausible. I gave up hiking boots 20 years ago in my rock climbing days. We did all kinds of horrific approaches to backcountry routes in sneakers (aka running shoes), and became convinced that the hiking boot people were selling us a bill of goods. Snow, ice and mountaineering of that sort, then you need boots – summer backpacking, I don't think so.

3) You are just gonna have to make the best light shoe choice you can (remember: fit is everything) and then do some day hikes and short backpacks with them to gain confidence. You do to some extent replace armor on your feet with more mental aspects (watching where your put your feet and such like) — a big win.

.

So if I may summarize the comments so far- The most important three things about buying a lighter hiking shoe are:

1. Fit
2. Fit
3. Fit

-Mark