Lightweight shoes for JMT

If your feet aren’t too wide, then I really like my Inov-8’s. Their website will break down their shoes by ideal activity and terrain.

I have the Terroc 330s, Roclite 295s and Roclite 285s. I’ve found the both the 295s and 330s to stick like glue to granite and work really well on dry dusty trail as well. Haven’t tested the 330s on wet granite yet but they worked fine in mud. 295 performed well on a May trip to Yosemite (35 miles hiked) with lots of wet spots, though I did slip once above Vernal Falls at Silver Apron. It was standing water and had become mossy. The 330s with their heavier weight are a bit more robust, but I like the underfoot feel of the 295s uneven ground. By that I mean it’s not a sturdy hiking boot soul where you could be stepping on jagged rocks and not feel them underfoot. You’ll feel the rocks, and I felt like that aided my agility.

Also popular on BPL are the Flyroc 310s and Roclite 315s.

Another one for Inov-8s. I have 315s, 285 and two others. The 315 is great. The 285 is a bit more specialized.

I have been evaluating lightweight mid-height boots as I like the ankle protection. I am packing the same weight range as you are on the JMT. I have hiked the Sierras the last 10 years. The ones high on my list are:

Keen Mid Targhee II boots with eVent (hard to find, Keen has switched to Keen.Dry but I found a pair last Sunday) – 16.5 oz.

Keen Mid Voyager boots (not W/P) but very breathable. 16.5 oz.

Asolo Everland GV boots (18 oz) – has Goretex

Asolo Lander GV boots (20 oz) – water resistant material only (the Goretex version of this boot is the Spyre GV by Asolo and looks the same/weighs the same)

Inov8 370s (13.5 oz) (reviewed on BPL)

The Inov8 and Everland boots have less rigid soles than the Keen/Lander boots.

I have hiked the JMT/HST with the Keen Mid Targhee but not with the others — would like input from those who have.

PS, when others recommend boots, please indicate height of boots (full, mid, low). Thanks!

ps – I have wide feet and appreciate knowing if the boots accomodate wide feet. I should note the Inov8 are narrow and I had to go to size 10 to get a fit. Others are fine for me at size 9.5

Another vote for Inov-8. I've tried the roclite 295, roclite 305, roclite 315, and terroc 330. Of these, the 295s are my favorites. I have used them both on the jmt and off-trail in the Sierra. They work well for me but seem to wear out fairly quickly. I get only about 200 miles per pair. My second choice would be the terroc 330s. The 295s have a little more cushioning but a softer feel. The 330s have less cushioning but a harder sole, giving a little more protection from sharp rocks underfoot. The fit of both is similar. Most of the roclite models have a narrower toe box than the terrocs but the 295s supposedly put the roclite sole on a terroc last.

Before the Inov-8s I used Montrail Hardrocks. However, the design of the Hardrocks has changed significantly for 2009 and they now feel too wide for my foot.

Your profile says you're in Berkeley. Zombierunner in Palo Alto carries a good selection of Inov-8s. Transports in Berkeley had several models last time I was in there, including the 295s and 330s.

Too bad inov doesn't produce shoes in large sizes like 14, 15

I have a pair of US size 14 (euro 48) Roclite 305s. Love 'em. So apparently they do make larger sizes, though not all retailers carry all sizes.

huh… didnt know that… when I look on their website the few shoes I selected only had 12 or 13 as largest size

darn little people!

The JMT can be a bit harder than average (or at least "average good") trail on shoes, but I think the question is independent of location, it's just about "what's a good shoe".

For which there are lots of threads on various forums, and no consensus; I think that finding the right shoe-for-you is the hardest gear selection problem in backpacking. Hands down. As far as I can tell you just have to try out various things and see what works for you.

I went with Golite shoes as I have little-toe bunions and need a toebox that's shaped more like a human foot is, but not an overall wide shoe. There are durability issues, but I found those to be overstated, I'm happy walking in shoes that look pretty ripped up for the last 100 – 200 miles of their lifetime if they work for me otherwise.

Lots of people love new balance shoes; my attempt with one of their models resulted in a pretty quick and nasty back-of-heel blister. YMMV a lot.

I am doing the JMT this August and I am torn between the protection of my Roclite 315's and the cushion of the 305's. Either way Inov8 all the way….