I haven't owned hiking boots in six years. I grew up with the dogma of full leather, silk liner sock, and heavy outer sock. Fortunately, I have very strong ankles and good balance, and soon cast of the tyranny of huge foot wear.
For most of that time I wore heavy trail runners and light hikers. Things like the Montrail Java GTX and Vitesse, LaSportiva Colorado Trails and Exum Rivers, the Montrail CTC, and the Continental Divides and Hardrocks. The pair of Hardrocks sitting in the corner have been faithful servants through lots of miles, but they climbed and scrambled poorly, and the stiff plate in the sole did funny things when put strongly on edge. I decided to shift gears, and got a pair of LaSportiva Fireblades. Loads of my ultrarunning friends like 'em, so why not.
They're a great, and very different, shoe. Very low to the ground, and with a different sort of padding. They cushion just as much as the aforementioned shoes, but in a less rigid way. So long as I use my muscles to place my steps well, my feet have been very comfy on long days. However, the lack of a plate means that clomping down talus is an easy way to bruise your forefoot. In sum, they oblige me to walk the way I should anyway.
The payoffs are substantial. They feel fast and lively from stride the stride, and they scramble and rock hop incredibly well. The minimal tread does well in everything except peanut butter mud.
I've got a 50 miler in six days, and lots of backpacking planned for the rest of the summer. I'll report back, but I'm pretty sure I'm a convert.
