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Trail runners vs Hiking boots
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- This topic has 10 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 9 months ago by Jeffrey Peters.
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Jun 6, 2019 at 6:23 pm #3596551
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 #3596554I 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 #3596555Don’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 #3596578If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!!!!
Jun 6, 2019 at 10:18 pm #3596580The 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 #3596631Yeah, if they worked on those 100s of miles, they should be good to go.
Jun 7, 2019 at 1:34 pm #3596634:) Thanks everyone ! I’m going to stick with what I know.
Jun 7, 2019 at 2:04 pm #3596641+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 #3596643Jun 14, 2019 at 9:54 pm #3597875Philmont 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 #3597970I 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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