I have embraced the tactic of using highly breathable, non-GoreTex trail runners for fast hiking. It is working out fine in terms of moisture management and general performance, except for one issue.
I am finding that low-cut shoes are giving me blisters on the back of my heels when I'm going up steep hills. Three different low-cut shoes have done this, yet I've never had this problem with mid-height boots of many types (though they were Gore-Tex). Socks don't seem to be a factor.
I have very high arches, and I'm thinking that it is harder to lock down my heels in low-cut shoes than in mid-height ones. I suspect I need that bit of lacing area above the ankle not for ankle support, but to lock down the foot.
Problem is, I can't find any good mid-height footwear that meets the criteria I need: non-GoreTex, all synthetic, highly breathable, and fast drying. The Salomon Pro 3D Mid would be perfect, except it is Gore-Tex which is an absolute dealbreaker.
Any ideas? Maybe I don't need hi tops and I'm just doing something wrong with the low tops, but I can't keep spending $100+ per pair for each attempt to fix the problem.
