I know the prevailing wisdom on BPL seems to be that hiking boots are largely unnecessary, especially when carrying a lighter pack. I am a scout leader and plan to haul some heinous 50-60 pound loads for 50+ miles, probably helping younger scouts from time to time by taking on some of their gear and/or food rations. Accordingly, I'm not sure I can get away with a hiking shoe instead of a boot. In any event, I'm looking for recommendations. Maybe I just have to go with a rigid boot for this particular purpose. But if I could get away with a shoe, I'd love that. My hesitancy with a shoe is ankle support. On hikes with no pack (i.e. squaw peak in Phoenix) wearing running shoes, I felt it in my ankles after an hour, not even getting to the top. Uneven rocky terrain is just hard on the ankles with no support.
