Minimalist and Backpacking Footwear

[Backpacking Light]

Companion forum thread to: Minimalist and Backpacking Footwear

In this guide, we’ll explore the primary categories of footwear for backpacking and hiking, including minimalist footwear, examining their unique benefits, limitations, and use cases.

[Scott S]

The Xero Mesa II are 7.8 oz per shoe, not what you have listed (it looks like you left out the “per pair”).

In general I would suggest listing the per pair numbers for all shoes for an easier comparison, no reason not to be consistent.

I have been using Vivo Magna Forest ESC but just switched to Mesa II’s to see if they perform as well.  The Magnas have been great all-around hiking shoes but are heavy.

[Sundance Key]

I stumbled across XeroShoes circa 2012 looking for lightweight sandals to wear in camp. When Xero started making shoes, I became a convert. Wearing flexible soles on trail builds stronger, more mobile feet and ankles and gives the feet and ankles the freedom to flex and compensate for rocky, gnarly, uneven trails, which in turn facilitates having healthier, happier knees. Anyway, I’ve hiked and backpacked in four or five XeroShoes models — trail runners, hiking shoes, boots, they’re all great. Plus they’re so comfy, there’s no need for camp shoes.

[David D]

It would be cool to see some recommendations for people with screwed up feet.

Not for this article here, but way too many general recommendations in the interwebs ubiquitously stating lightweight shoes are  a must and training your feet will get you there which is bullocks for those of us with trashed feet and ankles from a lifetime of serious use and abuse.

That is the common advice, and it’s plain dangerous for those of us pedially disadvantaged (which includes A LOT of older hikers).

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