What Do You Wear Hiking?

[riverc0il]

i love the low cut. i have a pair of merrills that are really starting to wear out. will probably invest in another pair either next year or the year after.

[thaller1]

I have a pair of LL Bean high top hiking boots..they are very old, but hardly worn..I got a blister on the back of one of my heels last hike.... any way to prevent this?

[Greg]

Originally Posted by thaller1

but hardly worn..I got a blister on the back of one of my heels last hike.... any way to prevent this?

You more than likely answered your own question. You need to break them in. I usually wear a new pair of hiking boots as street shoes for a few days before hiking with them.

[thaller1]

Originally Posted by Greg

You more than likely answered your own question. You need to break them in. I usually wear a new pair of hiking boots as street shoes for a few days before hiking with them.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh you are probably right! I didn't think about that because I've had them so long! Thanks! I'll put some tape on the back of my heel to prevent further blistering!

[cbcbd]

Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR. New this season. Used them on a long muddy hike in the ADKs this year and they were great (with some gaiters):

[thaller1]

I see a lot of low tops here... I thought high tops were preferred because they protect your ankle?

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by thaller1

I see a lot of low tops here... I thought high tops were preferred because they protect your ankle?

Very true. That's why I use them.

[cbcbd]

It's mostly personal preference.

I started out with high tops and moved to lighter trail runners. As much as I can, especially in preparation for a tough hike, I do balancing and ankle strengthening exercises. That helps stop my ankles from rolling, but they are still more exposed to hitting rocks or roots with low tops. So far I haven't had a problem with that and it will take a lot for me to switch back to heavy boots for the summer.

[YardSaleDad]

For the sunday hiker, boots are probably the better option. They provide ankle support. protect you from snakes, bugs and sundry critters. Mud, snow, and rain are non issues.

For the obsessed day hiker, trail runners rule. Daily miles will build your balance, core strength, and leg muscles so that it compensates for the lack of ankle support. After a few weeks on the trail, you know where all the critters hang out.

For the serious backpacker you are back to boots.

[Greg]

Originally Posted by YardSaleDad

For the sunday hiker, boots are probably the better option. They provide ankle support. protect you from snakes, bugs and sundry critters. Mud, snow, and rain are non issues.

For the obsessed day hiker, trail runners rule. Daily miles will build your balance, core strength, and leg muscles so that it compensates for the lack of ankle support. After a few weeks on the trail, you know where all the critters hang out.

For the serious backpacker you are back to boots.

This is probably an accurate observation. My hiking roots are backpacking/basecamping so I wear boots for all hiking. I enjoy the protection from jagged rock above treeline a boot provides in addition to the additional support. I could not imagine hiking a rugged trail like Caps Ridge in a low-cut trail runner. Ouch!