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Post by cweston on Jul 27, 2015 16:16:18 GMT -8
I was car camping at Yellowstone with my wife and son this past week. They are not really hikers, so this was primarily a non-hiking trip. I did not take my usual hiking boots--I have a pair of New Balance trail runners that I took.
I did get out one morning, for a pretty substantial day hike of about 14 miles and +/- 3,000 ft of elevation.
I learned that hiking in trail runners is not for me: YMMV. The support was fine (with only a light day pack), but I didn't like the lack of traction at all, especially descending.
The old-school Vasques that I usually wear for BPing are heavy, but I'll be sticking with the heavy boots plan for the foreseeable future.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 27, 2015 16:18:10 GMT -8
That's the main issue I've had with trail runners, though some have very aggressive treads. I have a pair of low-top trail hikers, though, with a boot sole (and more of a boot stiffness in the sole) that I'm in love with.
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Post by llamero on Jul 27, 2015 19:23:27 GMT -8
I've never gone as light as trail runners, lightweight high top Keens are my limit. They worked well enough for most of one season, but they just didn't hold up to the rocks and water. I keep going back to my heavy Asolos even though I carry only about 10-15 lbs. Hate their weight, love the support. The Keens are pretty good camp shoes though. I'm considering a pair of mid weight Danners.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jul 28, 2015 5:46:33 GMT -8
I always look for a stiff sole, and good lugs, in any shoe I wear hiking. I swapped out from boots to shoes about 5 years ago, mostly wearing Columbia since.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 28, 2015 8:18:11 GMT -8
Shoes are so individual. I don't care about the high top so much, but need a fairly stiff and thick sole. My Eldest is happy with a pair of flimsy running shoes. And my spouse likes light shoes, but wants a higher top because he bangs his ankles on things.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Jul 28, 2015 14:12:44 GMT -8
That's the main issue I've had with trail runners, though some have very aggressive treads. I have a pair of low-top trail hikers, though, with a boot sole (and more of a boot stiffness in the sole) that I'm in love with. Just curious, what model are those? Obviously individual fit is key, but I'm just curious what you use that fits that description. I personally like low-top trail shoes... I don't go full on for the trail runners, because I too like a very aggressive tread and at least the pretense of a bit of durability (as much as you can get in a lightweight shoe, anyway). I currently use a pair of Patagonia trail shoes that do the job okay, but could use another at some point and will look around. - Mike |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jul 28, 2015 16:12:52 GMT -8
GBH, I used something like these when we hiked that loop of the JMT. The sole is Vibram. I also like the Vasque here Only problem is they are GTX, and I don't like that. Sole is good though. Just curious, what model are those?
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 28, 2015 21:39:50 GMT -8
Just curious, what model are those? BB, it's these: www.rei.com/product/747732/merrell-moab-ventilator-hiking-shoes-womensI'm currently using them for every-day and short hikes. I had a few issues on a long training hike with abrasion on the bottom of my foot, so didn't quite dare do the pack trip in them. Haven't had any trouble since, so I'll probably use them on longer hikes this winter (if any. We are back to biking mode, with a possible goal of a killer Century in October). |
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Post by rwtb123 on Jul 29, 2015 0:13:58 GMT -8
I have had a pair of these for years www.amazon.com/Teva-Raith-eVent-Waterproof-Hiking/dp/B0055ATVVE/ref=cts_sh_1_fbt though mostly for use on a road bike when I rode with cages and straps.I originally bought two pair on a price match of a Amazon clearance for less than $2 each and get this one pair was bright orange the other blue.I posted about it on the old hot deals thread at the time.They worked well enough that I replaced them with the better looking current grey color at around $60 Amazon sale which I believe you can still find from time to time.They work well enough in the backcountry and are durable(trail runners always blow out in the toe box too soon for me) but more than I need in Florida for hiking/backpacking. |
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Jul 29, 2015 1:44:18 GMT -8
I currently use a pair of Patagonia trail shoes that do the job okay, but could use another at some point and will look around. If you're still wearing the same ones I am, they're not making them anymore. No shoes at all, in fact. Something to do with their shoe manufacturer, I don't remember what. I like 'em so I bought another pair. Fortunately I can wear almost anything - I don't have any foot issues. I think SmokeyBear was the guy who always had a hard time getting shoes that worked well with his feet. |
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on Jul 29, 2015 7:11:42 GMT -8
When conditions or activity call for it, I wear boots. But for the majority of time I wear trail shoes or trail runners. Carrying a lighter load allows for a much lighter shoe. Finding a shoe with good traction can sometimes be daunting. Just remember walking in boots is different than walking in trail runners, it really is. So there are trade-offs when switching to trail runners. Often we become accustomed to letting the big boots do the work for us. With trail runners, the user must learn to change how they use their shoes.
Rumi
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RumiDude
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Post by RumiDude on Jul 29, 2015 10:05:46 GMT -8
Here are a few fairly nice trail runners which are nice and grippy for the trail. La Sportiva WildcatLa Sportiva Ultra RaptorReviews about Trail RunnersReviews for Hiking ShoesAs I mentioned above, using trail shoes or trail runners requires a bit of change in how one hikes. With boots, I usually ignore almost everything and just le my boot do all the work. I allow the "waffle" soles to grip everything. I allow the stiff sole/last to eat up sharp rocks and uneven terrain. With hiking shoes I have to watch how I walk and foot placement is more important. But the weight savings along with comfort more than makes up for that, in my mind. When I get to camp after 20+ miles, my lower legs are not so tired as they would be if I wore boots. Sometimes the bottoms of my feet have a tender spots if the terrain has been rocky, but mostly that is it. Doing 20+ miles in heavy boots would be exhausting. Doing multiple days of such is almost beyond comprehension. I have found even doing off-trail scrambling is easier with trail shoes or trail runners. Anyway, just thought I would encourage others to try them. Once I did, I have never looked back. Rumi |
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Jul 29, 2015 10:39:20 GMT -8
Hiking around here, my feet are going to get wet. No doubt about it. So I want something that dries quickly. I typically use a lightweight La Sportiva, and have generally been happy with the grip. If the forecast is extra crappy, I just go with a water shoe.
I've spent weeks backpacking and bushwhacking in the CO San Juans. In the past I had used a beefy trail shoe, but the last time I wore nothing but a Merrell minimalist shoe and did just fine... although I did bang my ankles on talus a couple of times.
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