Help! Afraid of non-traditional hiking boots!

As long as your ankles aren't prone to injury go for it I use under armor trail runners most people here wear trail runners there basically running shoes with a more aggressive tread and generally a rigid bottom also referred to as a "rock plate" find shoes that are comfortable to you have a good tread and if the trails have rocks or roots get shoes with a rock plate or you with bruise your feet I recently made the mistake of doing my 40+ mile run in my ultralight sauconys on a trail of granite and loose rocks my feet hurt for a couple months after I have done the same trail in my underarmors with nothing more then my feet being a little sore my advice go to a local running store tell them your looking for trail runners to backpack/hike in and try every pair that they have until you find one perfect for you

That's funny, I've never used boots and I feel the same way but in reverse. The idea of partly immobilising my ankle while walking sounds crazy and dangerous…

You know how nice it is to take off alpine ski boots and put on shoes; how much easier walking is…

Same thing

Just hike in sneakers you already own some day- see what you think

As easy as 1-2-3:

1. Go to REI (or equivalent) and get a pair of trail runners.
2. Pack your gear.
3. Do a day hike or two nearby.

If it doesn't work out, then you have your definitive answer. If it does work out — then your confidence will build. Simple, eh?

"As long as your ankles aren't prone to injury go for it…"

My experience has been the exact opposite. High-top boots tend to immobilize my ankles, which makes me more, not less, susceptible to injury. And it makes sense: my ankle is designed to move in all kinds of directions to conform to the terrain. A boot that hinders it from doing that puts unnatural stresses on ankles, knees, and skin. My heels don't know blisters exist now that I've switched to footwear that doesn't restrict ankle movement. And don't get me started about elevated heels.

Now I DO like to have some protection from rocks and such over the lower half of my ankle bones. So I've settled in on three-quarter top hiking shoes (Vasque Screes at the moment) instead of trail runners, but you'll find even more people who prefer the latter.

Everyone's feet are different, of course.

My direct experience at NOLS goes like this.

Some students share your fears, and simply INSIST that they NEED the big boots.

These folks are then in a team of about 10 or so, and everyone else has running shoes (trail runners, lightweight hikers, sneakers, whatever). The lone individual and they simply can't hike as fast with the clod-hopper boots.

The poor person with the hiking boot ends up doubly MISERABLE because they end up plagued with blisters, trying to keep up with their teammates with the spritely little footwear.

Presently, the NOLS gear list says BIG LEATHER HIKING BOOTS ARE NOT ALLOWED! And that came because the pattern was so consistent.

My advice, get a pair of lightweight hikers and put your big clompy boots away in the back of your closet!

Jeff's comment is excellent. If you already own a pair of running shoes use them on a hike and see how it feels. It costs you nothing and you are using something already broken in. If you like the feel of lighter shoes, then look into buying a pair of trail runners of which there are many.

I never heard of INOV-8 before I came to this forum. I think they make excellent shoes. In the end, because our feet are unique, you should try out as many shoes by as many manufacturers as possible. Some people find a line of shoes that just fit them well. If you do, then stay with it.

I've been wearing my Redwings for 11 years now, cheapo Carolina's before that. I thru hiked the AT in the Carolina's as well. Been hiking over three decades and have worn everything from 8" all leather boots to flip flops while hiking. Even hiked one day barefoot just to see what it was like. (Not recommended in Pa)

I have never gotten a blister from a boot. It seem like hiking speed would be much more dependent on fitness, packload, and experience than an extra pound of shoe. Your anecdotal data seems somewhat suspect."

I still have mixed feeling about trail runners. They do feel somewhat better, especially at first. But my feet seem to be wet much more often, and I've carelessly kicked rocks and roots hard enough to bruise toes.

The main thing though is that I hate owning disposable gear. Most lightweight shoes are only good for 500 miles or less and have to be replaced. My old Carolina's are still useable 30 years, 5000 miles and many repairs later. And they feel like tennis shoes on my feet.

I've got an open mind, and am reading this discussion with great interest. Not ready to give up the hiking boots yet. Seems like it's worth having both arrows in the quiver. Boots for bushwhacks and expeditions involving lots of mud and shallow creek crossings. Trail runners for wide, well used trails and suburban hikes.

Az

Yeah, Go For It!
I use a mid height trail shoe. Some will call them a boot. They are fairly light, but not as light as some. Whatever you call them, they work for me.

That said, this is not my primary selection critera for footwear. FIT is. Regardless of the type of shoe you wear, FIT is always your primary goal. Withing 6-8 ounces, do not worry so much about the weight. FIT, FIT and, of course, FIT.

I have used a lot of shoes in 40 years of hiking. Trail runners, hiking boots, hiking shoes, sneakers, boots…whatever you want to call your footwear, fit defines your comfort. Protection against ankle abraision, scree, sticks and other things weighs about even with the actual weight of the shoe. They will NOT prevent sprained ankles. More of a warning for the hiking shoes.

So,

For the past couple (few) years, I have been hiking and backpacking in La Sportiva Evo S boots. Not heavy, but decidedly not light. I have always poo pooed the trail runner or lite hiker for use in backpacking situations, but always been comfortable in them when using them as an approach shoe. Oddly enough, my climbing pack weighs more than my backpacking rig… so this got me thinking.

I found the TrekSta Evolution Mid to be a fair compromise – and I may indeed end up wearing trail runners on the JMT this summer.

I agree that often higher boots lend themselves to more injury – be it from hubris or immobilization. I simply find myself more aware of where my feet are with more sensitive shoes. Why did I not learn this lesson before? I have no idea.

A preliminary review of my TrekSta Evolutions can be found here: http://mildbunchjmt.blogspot.com/2011/04/gear-review-treksta-evolution-mid-gtx.html

Now – are heavy duty boots the solution for some? Absolutely. Others can yo yo the PCT in Chacos. What is right for you? No one other than you can make that call. As someone above said – go to REI, pick up a pair of trail runner that FIT YOUR FEET (make sure you get a good fitting!) and try them out. The return policy at REI gives you a safety net. Indeed, Rent Every Item will allow you to try out numerous iterations of hiking shoes before they 'send you the letter'.

Dunno if that helps at all – just my two bits….

Just cause people say trail runners doesn't mean you have to go to trail runners. The Merrell Moab (?) is the default 'outdoor shoe' IMO based on the freakin number of them I've seen in the last few years.

Maybe try an 'outdoor shoe' as opposed to a trail runner. Low cut, ventilated, lighter, but not so low profile that you feel the ground.

I've tried trail runners and went back to a regular outdoor shoe due to pain from stepping on sharp rocks and such. I guess by outdoor shoe I mean low cut boots, but 'boots' just sounds wrong.

I like something in the middle of trail runners and light boots.

Garmont Momentum (I am a Garmont Whore)

As others have said Fit Fit Fit

Make the switch. Soon as your ankles gain a little strength you'll be very pleased with the results. Light weight shoes give you a much better feel for the terrain. You'll move faster, more comfortably, and with greater control.

We see this question all the time. It's a mind-set thing, promoted by the vendors of big, heavy and EXPENSIVE boots. It has no basis in real need.

Be comforted by the knowledge that so many of your peers have made the transition to UL footwear and won't look back.

Cheers

Presently, the NOLS gear list says BIG LEATHER HIKING BOOTS ARE NOT ALLOWED! And that came because the pattern was so consistent.

Sadly not on the NOLS New Zealand gear list I am afraid. Scarpa: Delta M3, SLM3, Manta, M4 are given as examples of suitable books.

As an aside the letter of the month in New Zealand Wilderness magazine a couple of months back was a response to a small article on light weight tramping the previous month. It included comments about broken ankles and being found dead in your bivy bag. Rather ironically, I thought, the letter writer received a pair of hiking polls in return for his polemic.

Even Inov-8 on their New Zealand website http://www.inov-8.co.nz/tramp-smarter.html talk about built-in ankle protection to minimise the stress placed on trampers ankles.

I do get some funny looks when I walk by in my Flyroc 310s. However, I have found them very suitable to date for the tramping I do in New Zealand.

I also recently found this sad and strange story about US hiker Ed Reynolds who went missing in the Nelson Lakes National Park and I wondered if he had ever posted here or if anyone in our little community knew him. http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/features/weekend/3805646/The-missing-but-not-the-forgotten.

Long been a fan of my New Balance 876's. I'd say find a good running store and try as many shoes as you can to find what fits you best and get the custom insoles if they have them, they make a world of difference. Once I gave up my boots and got shoes that fit me blisters have been a thing of the past. The lighter shoes allow me to manage more difficult areas without twisting an ankle since I can move more naturally. If you are afraid that you might trip use trekking poles and you will never pull the boots out of the closet again.

I still don't quite understand why people think walking requires strapping on boots- make the switch, it's all in your head.

I started a similar thread a few weeks ago. And decided to go with Salomon XA Comp 5s. I've worn them a few times but not on a trail yet. Will hike with them this week. They seem quite supportive and are half the weight of the lw boots they replaced. I think that you have been provided allot of good feed back above. So, try an existing set of sneakers or sport shoes on a day hike. If that's not an option, go out and try some different trail shoes and find some that fit you good and make your choice. Take the sock you plan to wear with you. -FWIW, I'm pretty sure already that I'm not going back to boots. I love the lightness and breathability of trail runners for sure.

See this thread for further discussion: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=44971&skip_to_post=388314#388314

And, don't forget that the journey is half the fun. I don't know that the XA Comp 5s are the endall for me, but they are a great first step.

Do try trail runners and start with a day hike. I personally like light mids, but they are nothing like the heavy leather clod-hoppers we wore years ago.

You know how you take your heavy boots off at the end of the day and you take a step and your feet feel freaky light without them? You don't get that feeling with light shoes and I think it shows how much energy you expend with the heavy boots.

Don't be afraid to try some upgraded insoles. Some otherwise decent lightweight shoes come with weenie insoles– I had one pair curl up inside the shoe and hurt like $%^&*! You only need one pair and can trade them around easily.

are ok on trails, but really, on sidehills the sole is LESS secure when it sits parallel to the slope , its just like laying yourself flat on a steep slope vs standing up, you learn that in a hurry sometimes!

Try a pair of Merrell Moab Mid boots. I prefer the Gore-Tex version. These mids are a low as you can get and still have ankle protection from rocks.

If you like those get a pair of Moab low cut shoes for day hikes. I have both pair.

For both I sometimes use Integral Designs eVent low gaiters (modified with Velcro opening/closing in the heel area).

Here's something to think about…when running in trail runners, one needs to negotiate rocks, ruts, hills and generally uneven terrain pretty quickly. Backpacking in them should be easier but try them before you commit yourself to a long trip.

I used to wear Solomon shoes but later found they were too narrow for my feet. Merrells fit me much better. I have used the low and mid cut moabs and like them both. I also have the goretex mid which worked very well for me in the rain and mud several weeks ago. I only used my Asics trail runners on an overnight trip with some stream crossings and I didnt bother to take them off. They dried pretty quickly.

M

Not too long ago I was in the same dilemma. Big clunky heavy boots just seemed safer and better. I have a right ankle that acts up and thought the boots would keep me safe. Over time those old heavy boots (4lb per pair) pulled so much on my knees with every step that I was in pain after about 5 miles. Rolled my ankles more with them to. When they get wet they stay wet. But, mine are a comfortable fit and I have never had a blister yet with them. I'll have to keep them around because in some situations I will still have to haul a heavy pack.

Recently I got a pair of light trail shoes and did a day hike. It was like night and day. I walked faster, was more comfortable, didn't care about the 4" of mud and water I was hiking through in spots because they dried so quick, and so far no blisters. Also been trying out trekking poles and am completely sold there as well. Get some light hiking shoes and light poles. It really is the way to go. I should have done it to begin with.

…is like fear of the dark. Really. I'm afraid of the dark. Sorry, I digress again.

I'm not an experienced hiker, probably less than 200 miles in the last 3 years, but have spent quite a bit of time off trail, in crappy brush, since I was a kid. In my experience, the light weight hiking shoes work well even on trails with stretches of slippery roots and holes, craggy rocks, mud, and water. I did roll my ankles plenty of times from not paying attention, but no injury. My pack weight has been 35 – 45 lbs, and we hike 10-19 miles a day. (I used to sprain my ankles riding snowmobiles every winter, and in sports, so I don't have strong ankles) I wonder if the ability to roll and flex prevented an injury on the trail.

In the really wet, muddy, sloppy low trails everyones feet were wet, wether they had waterproof boots or not. My Sealskin socks came through great – just mildly damp feet, and I just turned them inside out at camp to air out.

Fit is more important, IMO – my toes were abused from sliding forward.

When off trail, in rough brush, I like the stick and junk protection around my ankle that a low boot provides, and that stuff would go under my gaiters the one time I tried them. (I hate stickers and sticks on my socks and in my shoes) I just purchased a pair of Golite boots, but expect to lace them so the tops are very loose and not providing any support on hikes.

YMMV

G'day all, I walk in a pair of HiTech boots and they are my normal hiking kit. They are waterproof which really helps when sploshing through mud but you must remember to wear gators. They are a high cut but I would say medium weight boot, a lot lighter then my SCARPA leather boots I retired last year after 20 years and 3 resoles!

Lately I have been taking some shorter overnights with light gear and decided to throw on my ASIC trail runners, which i wear daily as I like the comfort of joggers but not the look! Well suffice to say in a non rocky environment I would wear them always but in a rocky or muddy area and a few pounds on my back my boots are the go to solution.

I like the sound of trail shoes with the rock guard, these might be next shoes when the joggers wear out.