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Backpacking Light

Pack less. Be more.

You are here: Home / Archives for minimalist footwear

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

Aug 13, 2019 by Emylene VanderVelden

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

footwear, minimalist footwear, shoes, trail running shoes

Crossing Rivers and Water Shoes

Jul 16, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

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.

footwear, minimalist footwear

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

Jul 14, 2019 by Ryan Jordan

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.

altra, approach shoes, footwear, hoka, la sportiva, minimalist footwear, scarpa, shoes, sole, trail running shoes

Topo Athletic Terraventure Review (Trail Running Shoes)

Jul 13, 2018 by Roger Caffin

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

footwear, minimalist footwear, topo athletic, trail running shoes

Xero TerraFlex Review

Apr 15, 2018 by Kenneth Posner

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.

footwear, minimalist footwear, xero

Minimalist Footwear for Backpacking? (Video)

May 19, 2017 by Ryan Jordan

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

altra, hoka, merrell, minimalist footwear, vibram

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