Latest
Minimalist Footwear and Trail Running Shoes for Hiking and Backpacking

A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources about minimalist footwear (e.g., trail running shoes for hiking and backpacking) - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.

Interview with a Physio Therapist: A Biophysical Perspective on Backpacking Footwear

My interview with a physio-therapist, as well as my personal history with foot injuries, is making me think more carefully about backpacking footwear.

Crossing Rivers and Water Shoes

Crossing rivers "ultralight style" - that's when you simply walk through the water wearing your hiking shoes and keep walking on the trail once you get to the other side.

How to choose backpacking footwear so you can keep hiking until you die

Most advice about minimalist footwear can be rejected outright. Often, the advice is given by hikers who haven't put in the time required to understand the complexity and depth of foot biomechanics and the long-term effects of overuse that is endured by walking for decades. Here are some guiding principles if you want to keep hiking into your sunset years, so you can delay the inevitable onset of overuse conditions like hallux rigidus.

Topo Athletic Terraventure Review (Trail Running Shoes)

This Topo Athletic Terraventure review features shoes that have narrow heels, a wide toebox, and minimal drop.

Xero TerraFlex Review

This Xero Terraflex review features shoes that should interest both trail runners and ultralight hikers looking for a true minimalist shoe option for rugged terrain: super-flexible sole, zero drop, some cushioning, and very good traction.

Minimalist Footwear for Backpacking? (Video)

This vlog features commentary by Backpackinglight.com Founder & Publisher Ryan Jordan about the applicability of minimalist footwear for backpacking.

Join Our Community

Become a Backpacking Light Member


Forum Access

Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads.

Premium Content

Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more.

Community Posts

Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more!

Online Education

Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required).

Pack less. Be more. Become a member today!

Get Started

Loading...