What is your preferred footwear in the Winds?

I was happy in 07 Hardrocks a couple years ago. And I was off trail up in Titcomb Basin, Knapsack Col. Mid July, decent snow year. I did have a couple fords that I would rather not do barefoot. And luckily, it didn't rain on me… much. A couple afternoon thundershowers.

When I read the thread title I thought in terms of trail surface and not of weather. I used trail runners, but I use those everywhere. You will cross some creeks; I recall walking through one creek while a big group was spread out along the bank in process of taking off or putting back on their heavy boots.

But it is some rocky trail in there. I still favor trail runners, but for someone on the fence about footwear, it might be an area where they would incline towards some sort of boot.

My personal experience is that I find trail runners much more stable than boots. However, while I do some off trail hiking, I avoid talus (more concern for my dog than for myself). Low gaiters are a good thing to have to keep gunk out of your shoes, to say nothing of keeping mosquitoes from biting through your sock tops.

It might help to know that Wind River guidebook author Nancy Pallister wears a crampon-compatible low cut shoe, even for climbing. And there are tons of streams and bogs to cross. Per Nancy: "Your feet will get wet in the Winds." Might as well have a fast-drying shoe!

"I still favor trail runners, but for someone on the fence about footwear, it might be an area where they would incline towards some sort of boot."

I botched my original post. I'd rather a low cut shoe but the debate comes in due to weather. Gore Tex seems unnecessary for a low cut shoe because water will just come in from the top. That is why I proposed a mid GTX. If your feet get wet they will obviously get pretty cold and that might not be ideal in the high country. I guess during the summer the temps still stay high enough that you are fine while walking and just need to change into dry socks once you get to camp.

I did the Wind River Crest Trail as described in Backpacker magazine last year in late August in NB trail runners with no problem.

http://andrewskurka.com/2012/minimizing-the-effects-and-aftermath-of-wet-feet/

http://andrewskurka.com/2012/why-waterproof-shoes-will-not-keep-your-feet-dry/

Nice link, thanks.