Footwear for Cactus Country?

Trail runners with a titanium inner sole.

–B.G.–

The sole isn't the issue.

It's the abundance of mesh just above the sole that is the problem. One miss-step can mean a lot of time picking out the major and minor spines so they don't work their way in. If they get below the first layer of mesh it is really hard to find them. But your feet Know they are there.

Not much fun.

I've only worn trail runners in the Chihuahuan desert and did fine, with much of it cross country. You have to watch your step. I have had a rare spine get through the mesh and one lechuguilla spine go through the bottom of my shoe where I felt it in my heel, but it had not penetrated the skin. Your legs will take much more of a beating (scratches) than your feet. If you don't like watching your step as one of my friends doesn't (always bleeding through pants by trips end), then boots would be your choice.

John,
Glad they work for you.
They don't work for me.
Been there, done that, don't want to go back.

How about some leather tennies?

I'd love some leather tennies –

Keen has something like that, but they have a "magic insole" and weight 15 ounces per shoe!

deleted

http://www.zappos.com/reebok-lifestyle-classic-ace-white-navy

Reebok makes quite a few with leather uppers.

Rog –
Five Ten it is. The "Guide".
REI, on sale, free shipping.

Done.

Thanks All.

Nooooooooooooooooo. The soles are going to be gone after 50 miles. It's a thin, sticky (read not durable at all) dot rubber sole. I own a pair that I only use when it's a short approach or when I know I will be doing some technical scrambling. They also don't have very good cushioning at all. And wearing them in the desert, be prepared for some serious foot funk.

Go with the Boulder X's instead.

Greg,

I know you said NO trail runners… but perhaps you might want to reconsider. I did this about 3 years ago and it has worked out well. Here is some typical terrain for me:

These shoes (Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra Trail Running Shoes) have been great. When I have get into a ton of lose sand, I sometimes wear XA Comp 4 GTX which keep the sand out with no other problems.

Other than that you might look at something like the Merril line, they have models with leather/mesh. I have no experience there.

For leather, I think Danner still makes the Mountain Light (right), and I have a pair that I wore for 20 years. Not light. Also, the best leather boot I have ever owned are Lowa Banff's (on the left). Gosh, digging up this picture makes me miss both those boots, but not the weight!!

Nick, is that the Chihauhuan desert?

I'd say no, and will take Mojave for $25.

I'm thinking Anza Borrego. Where is it Nick?

Nick,
Glad they work for you.

Been there—
—Soloman XA Pros
—New Balance 875 – 16 days in Southeast Utah – ouch, ouch, sh*t, ouch, etc…
They don't work for me. Done that, don't want to go back.

And based on RS's somewhat distressed call, Boulder Xs will be added to the mix.

Any other "nearly all leather" suggestions?

I had a pair of these Merrells a few years ago. Looks like you might be able to find some on ebay (searching Merrell traveler). I think they did have goretex, but they were very comfortable, required no break in and would be better than a boot if you can find them. http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/men-merrell-chameleon-wrap-traveler-gore-tex-xcr-shoe-reviews

Yucca, cholla, ocotillo, sage… That wierd "plated" rock… I'm guessing Nick was tromping somewhere in the Palm Canyon area.
Sorry for the thread hijack.

Not to hijack the thread. I will post a trip report.