My threads must be pretty funny if you keep seeing them. Pretty much always say the same thing but about a different piece of gear.
I don't have much experience but am trying to get much lighter. I just traveled around Ecuador in heavy Zamberlin GTX boots and am going to try to use trail runners for my next trip. I'm going to be travlign through Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Doing all the main treks in Patagonia (Fitz Roy, Tierra del Fuego, TDP full circuit), and other treks like Santa Cruz in Peru. I will be doing day hikes with light packs, longest trek is TDP, about 8 days with a pack up to 30 lbs.
In Ecuador, I actually traveled with multiple pairs of shoes. My big Zamberlin boots and Merril Moab waterproof. I think they were both too small, although I did not do any serious damage, I always felt like I was jamming my toes into the front on downhills. I also hadn't sized up 1/2 to account for foot swelling. I used blue superfeet insoles and various pairs of socks depending on my shoes.
Today I tried on some shoes at REI. I did not like the Saloman XA Pro 3D Ultra 2, my heel kept sliding. I sized up 1 so they may have been too big but I felt like I couldn't get a snug fit with the laces without cutting off circulation.
I tried La Sportiva Wildcats, which they only had in 12 and 13, I think I'm going to order 12.5. My toes felt roomy and felt very comfortable in these. But after doing some research it seems that they don't have a rockplate which could lead to bruising. Though I read in another thread that the plastic plate of the superfeet insoles could be enough protection in trail runners without plates.
Tried the Terroc 330's but they felt a bit narrow, tongue of the 315's dug into the front of my foot/ankle.
Any other ideas or should I go with the wildcats because I liked the fit?
I'm also unsure of the sizing because I haven't figured out what socks I would wear. I have smartwool socks in all thicknesses, I also have various sock liners. Do you hike in your trail runners with just sock liners and/or thicker socks? I've seen some people talk about the Smartwool adrenaline socks, but have been unable to find them near me. I'm thinking of trying some waterproof socks, still a bit scared of the wet feet from rain. I was thinking I'd use liners and waterproof socks when I need them, and otherwise hike in lightweight smartwool socks.
