Transition from traditional boots to either North Face Hedgehog III or Salomon XT Wings 3

bump…

thanks!

I went from boots to the North Face Hedgehogs. Now I'm transitioning to more minimal shoes. It wasn't a bad jump, and I had no issues with it in terms of my feet. The NF shoes were alright (do not get the GORE-TEX–waste of time and money), but in the end I wish I had just gone for a regular pair of trail runners. Their durability was okay–nothing to complain about, but nothing to be excited about either. I'd say they lasted 300-350 miles. Hard to say, though. That's just an educated guess.

In the end, I couldn't wait for them to wear out so that I could go to something more flexible and lighter.

Have you looked at the Inov-8 line? Their performance last is fairly narrow (certainly narrower than the Hedgehogs), and Running Warehouse will give you free shipping both ways, so returns are easy and almost not a hassle.

Hi Clayton,

Thanks for your response. I know that Inov 8 makes narrow shoes. On the basis of what I've seen, I'd be concerned that most Inov 8 performance last shoes are overly minimal. I have no idea what they'd be like in the field. I was hoping instead for a fairly stable "mid weight" trail runner like the XT wings.

Nevertheless, I take your point about wanting to make the direct transition to trail runners.

I went from boots to a trail runners about a year and a half ago. Been every where from the flats to the Sierras and can't ever think of a time I'd want to go back. As a matter of a fact, every time I see my boots in the top of my closet I think I should put them in the box and sell them. And I finally shall do so, probably this winter when I've got less to do.

Rafi, using the Running Warehouse fit guide, you ought to be able to find plenty of options. I just bring up Inov-8 because of their excellent reputation here and because I have been enjoying a new pair of Trailrocs for the last month.

La Sportiva may be another good option.