anyone ever hike in a trail running shoe?

[Mike P.]

With mid-weights the argument of whether they prevent injuries or induce a false sense of security might be credible. With heavy boots/plastics if anything, a tib/fib fracture like you might get downhill skiing seems more likely.

With numerous & an unknown number of fractures of ankle & foot bones thoughout 30+ years of BB, VB & Soccer, I'll likely never see a 3k or 4k peak in anything less than backpacking boots. (need to replace insoles in my old Asolo Pinnacles - like 535's) Actually enough dirt on Mitchell in NC that I might consider lighter boots or runners if I return & may bring them to TN this summer

The other thing I've learned to do when I land on someones foot (VB, BB) or hit a rock wrong is to fall right away as controlled as possible, joints may be suspect but bones are strong, I don't bruise easily & excess padding around hips have taken more falls without incident. Heck I was wearing my old Traverses Sunday Night & stepped on one of my daughters snowshoes, in sneakers I probably would have at least twisted the ankle, withteh Traverses, I'm clean for VB tonight.

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by MichaelJ

My REI rebate this year is going to a pair of Merrells or Asolos. Unless I'm going to be on really bad terrain or carrying a lot of weight I'm looking forward to giving them a workout.

I've got a pair of Asolo 520's (the all leather backpacking boot) and I love them a lot!!!

Did you get up to Sunday River? We had a great week.

With regards to this thread...I did start hiking in low cuts, but the bigger boots provide much more support and comfort and I like that!

[pedxing]

On another thread, I decided my philosophy is "wear trail runners (trail shoes) when you can., wear boots when you must."

In warm weather, I do all my day hiking in trail runners and most of my back packing. After more than a week of backpacking in rocky, wet, slippery conditrions I did get tired of my New Balance trail runners and switched to light boots, but on the whole I think trail runners are great.

[Frodo]

I am also one of those hikers who loves their trail runners, when conditions warrent I have done many long distance hikes in my Montrails with no problems whatsoever, and I also have a few friends who do brutal ultra-marathons in the Colorado Rockies going over 14'rs in trail runners with no problems.

The lighter my feet are, the happier my legs are...

[skintowin]

Trail runners are the best. I quit wearing boots years ago, even with a a heavy pack on. I am a lot more comfortable over long distances.
Ray Jardine's theory is that people mostly walk on flat, level surfaces all day and as a result have weak ankles. If you get out on the trail more, you'll strengthen all those little muscles and tendons and soon you won't need the extra support of boots. Check out his books if you get a chance.

[Phreak]

I strictly hike in trail running shoes. Boots are bulky and over time weaken your ankles. I've never had a hiking related injury due to wearing trail shoes. I did the Foothills trail a few weeks ago in 3 days carrying 48 pounds and was fine. I guess it's all about personal preference. If you have strong ankles, I'd recommend trail shoes over boots any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

I say you not confound those with other trully sports wear. As for the trail runners...one advantage they have is if you prefer light, unchallenging hikes, you'll scarcely have to think about changing your shoes each season, or instead choose with new collection of summer blisters

[cbcbd]

Originally Posted by Weary Wanderer

As for the trail runners...one advantage they have is if you prefer light, unchallenging hikes, you'll scarcely have to think about changing your shoes each season, or instead choose with new collection of summer blisters

Define "light, unchallenging hikes?"
I've done plenty of week hikes in tough terrain carrying lots of stuff (and also picking up friend's gear) and my trail runners have lasted me for a long time. Besides, there are plenty of AT thruhikers who opt to go the whole 6 months on trail runners or running shoes. I even met a whole group of thruhikers that were hiking in tevas!
In the end it's all about knowing your body, your limits, and how you take care of your feet in the long run.