Lightweight Mid-Height Trail Shoes State of the Market Report 2011

First, thanks for a good article. It definitely has me thinking about "ankle support" in different ways. I used to be a full grain leather boot wearing, 40lbs pack toting, weekend tripper. That changed years ago for a lightweight setup, but there's still a place in my heart where I secretly miss my big ol' chunks of leather. But at least now I won't miss them because of their ankle support.

This is a total nit pick but I spend a lot of time in my F1s and they absolutely flex at the ankle, by design. In fact, because of long tours and races, my wife has switched to them as well because of how efficient they are in tour mode with a flexible ankle and toe bellows.

Am I the only person concerned about toe protection? In my experience, some shoes/boots have a hard shell over the toe, some just an extra layer of fabric and some not even that. I'd appreciate knowing what toe protection these shoes have, but there's nary a word about toe protection.

I'd also like to know which shoe's sole/footbed combination has the most cushioning. Not a lot on that here either.

The most discomfort I've experienced on hikes is toenail pain from bashing my toes on rocks with shoes that had anemic toe protection. A close second is pain due to inadequate sole cushioning.

Am I the only person with these problems? That's the impression I get from this article.

I'm adding some words about "ankle support":

It has always been my understanding that this support is intended to keep the ankle from flexing beyond it's limits. Not to prevent ALL flexing. I find that high top boots do this for me fairly well and protect me from sprains. That said, the other way to limit over flexing is by limiting the weight on the ankle, something that trekking poles do quite nicely and they also make nice tent poles.

Nice article to read while having my morning coffee….But to what end? Useless info IMHO

Please, would you do an article on the availability, regardless of style and height, of these shoes. I cannot, as an individual, shop everything. I have tried and cannot find any consistency in the the sizing.

My right foot is somewhat larger than the left. I have, heretofore, dealt with this by using different lacing techniques for the right foot than the left.

I have gone thru hundreds of $$, trying to get to the perfect boot(shoe) to no avail.

Please consider this for future editorials.

"For chronically weak ankles (i.e repeatedly sprained) or newly sprained ankles use adhesive tape in a stirrup fashion from one side of the ankle, under the foot and up the other side of the ankle. After each underfoot wrap apply a lateral strip around the heel to each side of the foot. Use 3 to 4 wraps in each direction.

Alternate horizontal and vertical taping to create an "interwoven" appearance where the tapes cross. Done properly this will absolutely support the ankle from flexing left or right and permit only forward and rearward flexion."

+1 Tried and true.

Hi Dale

> I've been surprised that someone hasn't jumped outside the box and gone to a tough
> but fast drying all synthetic hiking shoe using many of the features found in water
> shoes— something with enough mesh to keep the rocks out, no leather, etc.
That's a fair description of most of the New Balance shoes I have been reviewing recently. I took 814s to Europe: they lasted. No need to take them off in the evening.

Cheers

Hi keith

> I'd appreciate knowing what toe protection these shoes have,
Yeah, all of them had good toe protection.
In fact, I don't think any of us bother testing footwear that does not have good toe protection. I guess we sort of assume that.

Cheers

"I'd also like to know which shoe's sole/footbed combination has the most cushioning. Not a lot on that here either. "

Another good point here also. The midsole is the part of the shoe that does most of the underfoot cushioning. In lighter weight shoes and boots the midsole will be EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate). It is used because of it's light weight but it breaks down quickly. A better midsole material is polyurethane. It provides better cushioning and last much longer but is usually (not always) heavier. It is seldom found in lighter boots.

Another point that I find interesting is related to the durability question. I'm not particularly interested in buying a new pair of shoes/boots each year just because they can't hack it in the real world and fall apart pretty fast. Anyone else feel this way?

Also, I know that the 16 oz/shoe is an arbitrary limit but I wonder what we would find if we went up let's say 2 oz per shoe. Would the range open up considerably.

WV…sorry to jump in here, but I'm in the midst of a search as well. The Lowa Renegades look promising to me, but I'm wondering if Roleigh has spent any time in them yet? I read a review on Amazon where the guy was saying they were good for rough terrain, but not good for backpacking. That was a bit disappointing to read b/c I'm looking for something that would be good in the mountains with 25-30 lbs on my back. The lowa site talks about these boots fitting tightly and being relatively stiff, so I'm not sure why this reviewer said they weren't good for backpacking.

Roleigh, any thoughts?

Just saw another review that made me think to add a little more flavor here…I'm 6'5", 215 lbs, so a 30 lb pack would take the total weight to 245 (call it 250 w/ all the junk in my pockets). I know that's a lot of weight for any shoe, but you would think the bigger the size, the stiffer the shank since a taller person is generally going to weigh more than shorter person…

Just got a pair that they fit very well. I recently had foot surgery and now use a custom footbed and need wide shoes. I really like that the Last is more like a human foot. I also have not complaints on the arch support. I don't think I will need the custom footbeds they provide plenty of support.

-Patrick.

"Sports team trainers are taping experts when it come to using tape to give support where it's needed.

For chronically weak ankles (i.e repeatedly sprained) or newly sprained ankles use adhesive tape in a stirrup fashion from one side of the ankle, under the foot and up the other side of the ankle. After each underfoot wrap apply a lateral strip around the heel to each side of the foot. Use 3 to 4 wraps in each direction.

Alternate horizontal and vertical taping to create an "interwoven" appearance where the tapes cross. Done properly this will absolutely support the ankle from flexing left or right and permit only forward and rearward flexion. Also it can help keep swelling of an injured ankle down somewhat. An ACE bandage can be applied over the taping if the boot will accomodate it or at night if desired, to reduce swelling. ACE bancages will flex so it's best to use adhesive tape for "splinting" ankles if it's available.

Change dressing every 2 to 4 days. Clean with alcohol/hand sanitizer before applying new dressing."

As an Certified Athletic Trainer (proper term) I can tell you that a properly done ankle tape done with normal athletic tape is basically for show 30-60minutes after it goes on. The tape stretches out and it gets wet with sweat and becomes junk. Luckily most sport games don't last much longer than that and it gets the job done.

for a fresh sprain.. go for it. it will help for a while and maybe keep some swelling down. Ice or a cold stream for 15 minutes as soon as possible would be even better.

for chronic bad ankles rehab exercises with Therabands (google the exercises) are best so that you can strengthen and not need extra stuff. Until then we have athletes get the ASO brace. it has lace up and straps for good support.

Posted 08/31/2011 21:20:33 MDT by Eric Blumensaadt (Danepacker)
I didn't see a lot of familiar brands included – brands like Merrill, Danner, Cabelas', LL Bean, Vasque etc.

Let's have a REAL survey next time. Personally I like my Merrill Mid GTX hikers for trails with a lot of scree. They keep most of it out of my shoes. I'm in the Will Reitveld camp here. Other times on moderate trails I use Merrill Ventilator low cut trail shoes.

BTW, "State Of The Market" means what the true market of that genre looks like. It should be fairly inclusive, like Will Reitveld's comprehensive report on light down jackets.
Back to work guys.

Edited by Danepacker on 08/31/2011 21:25:12 MDT.