Topic

Trail runners vs Hiking boots

This topic has 10 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 5 months ago by Jeffrey Peters.

Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)

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Jun 6, 2019 at 6:23 pm #3596551

robert G
Spectator

@bert68ku

We are headed to Philmont in a few weeks (1st time ever) and I am having a moment of worry. I have been using Altra Lone Peak 4’s for literally hundreds of practice miles but because I like to worry… I am worried I should ditch them and go to my much heavier hiking boots. My feet love the Altras on my practice hikes / walks. Thoughts from people that have been before?

Jun 6, 2019 at 6:46 pm #3596554

Don H
BPL Member

@donh-1
Locale: Midwest

I am preparing for my first Philmont trek this summer. Due to a running injury, my right ankle is weak so I will not be taking my trail runners. I also love Altras and have switched to an Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid and have found them to be light, quite comfortable, good traction, and supportive. Maybe check them out?

https://www.rei.com/product/139084/altra-lone-peak-4-mid-rsm-hiking-shoes-mens

Jun 6, 2019 at 7:10 pm #3596555

David Y
BPL Member

@moonshine
Locale: Mid Tenn

Don’t change now. Whatever you have been training in, stay in. Philmont is stressful enough without changing to new / different footwear.

“Philmont should be enjoyed, not endured.” Moonshine

Jun 6, 2019 at 10:08 pm #3596578

Matt
BPL Member

@mhr
Locale: San Juan Mtns.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!!!!

Jun 6, 2019 at 10:18 pm #3596580

TAG in AZ
BPL Member

@tagiam
Locale: PHX

The trails at Philmont are some of the best groomed trails you will ever hike on. If you have been training in trail runners, don’t switch now. You’ll be fine. In 2017, our entire crew hiked 90+ miles in trail runners. We didn’t have anyone with feet problems. YMMV, but stick with what you are used to. As long as you aren’t carrying a monster pack, you should be fine.

Jun 7, 2019 at 1:18 pm #3596631

Brad P
Spectator

@brawndo

Yeah, if they worked on those 100s of miles, they should be good to go.

Jun 7, 2019 at 1:34 pm #3596634

robert G
Spectator

@bert68ku

:) Thanks everyone ! I’m going to stick with what I know.

Jun 7, 2019 at 2:04 pm #3596641

Matt Dirksen
BPL Member

@namelessway
Locale: Mid Atlantic

+1 to “not changing”.

But do you use trekking poles? I know that those have been a godsend for me over the years – esp. with tending to ankle injuries.

Jun 7, 2019 at 2:32 pm #3596643

robert G
Spectator

@bert68ku

@Matt, yes I use trekking poles, and agree they are life changing :)

Jun 14, 2019 at 9:54 pm #3597875

David Barnes
Spectator

@twindaddy

Philmont 2014/Trek 16. Concur re not “upgrading” to boots and SUPER CONCUR re the value of trekking poles.

Jun 15, 2019 at 11:59 am #3597970

Jeffrey Peters
BPL Member

@petey091

I may be wrong but I cannot find a scientific study that shows that boots provide more ankle support than trail runners. Stick with the trail runners. I think Philmont has the perfect set up to actually do a study on this issue.
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