Lightweight Shoes for the Big Guy?

I posted a bit earlier, but no takers. If you weigh 200# plus, what do you wear backpacking? Good experience, bad experience…looking for recommendations.
Thanks!
Chris

Mr. Murdock,

I am 6'4" and 220. I own a pair of the Solomon shoes often sold through REI (the brand name eludes me, but it is the popular trail running style Solomon currently is using.)

I do not trail run, nor do I buy my shoe for specific outdoor purposes. I use my Solomons for hiking (overnight, multi-day, and longer) and if I am going out in the snow, I wear my light boots that cover my ankles so that my gaiters protect a little easier.

From what little I know of shoe design, I can tell you that the Solomons (I have had a few pair) hold up well, and I am particularly fond of their relative flatness. Some shoes had pronounced cleats that I find sheer off much too soon, and this breakage might be exacerbated by us bigger guys.

One of our members here, "Jolly Green Giant" blogs about his adventures inside an over-sized husk. He's been a great contributor for years, and one of his older articles discusses Asics Gels.

LINK: http://jolly-green-giant.blogspot.com/2009/08/asics-gel-trabuco-12-gt-x.html

Good luck!

I am 6'5" and 235 now but started last year close to your weight.

I started in boots, because at the time I didnt even know about wearing trail runners for hiking. Late in the fall last year I switched to merrils (trail runners and I cant see a label on them anywhere to tell you the model) and have no regrets.

I think hiking all summer in the boots got my feet and legs strong enough to take the switch without much problem. I can say the first few 20 mile days in the shoes "hurt" as in I felt the strain on my feet, but after that, it was no different than the boots.

I'm 6'6" and currently around 260-265 – Merrell Moab Ventilator in the mid-height light hiking boot has been awesome. I wore the Solomon's prior, but they were too narrow in the toe box for me.

The Moab Ventilator is so comfortable I don't see myself buying anything else, until they're unavailable for some reason. Best thing I've ever worn.