Trail runners or hiking boots? Appalachian trail

[greengirllover]

I am going to be that person who raves in the comments - I am SO HAPPY you posted this video! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! I just recently got in to hiking and I need to buy a shoe soon, and really didn't want boots because they're heavy, hurt my knees and are unflattering lol, and I was considering trail runners, and thanks so much! Are there other brands worth review too?? Someone let me know :)

[drew2685]

Interesting thoughts. Check out the hikinginrunners website.

[Matitzarichie]

Agree with you Andy.

My boots now adorn the cupboard top in the study, a reminder of what was.

Experimented with trainers but at the mo use waterproof nordic walking shoes from TKMaxx, a bargain at 19.99. A tad heavy at 400g per shoe, but very protective and robust for winter walking. Next pair will be Innov8s.

I have been trying to make some gaiters that fit onto shoes in the same way my old ones slip into the slot along my boots. Any ideas, and what socks have you had success with?

Cheers

[slodeth5]

Great advice, Andy. I use all types of shoes. Boots, low-hiking shoes, aka trail runners, (or trail walker would be a better name for them), and running shoes. All seem to have their uses depending on your hike. I have found that thee most important factor for my feet/leg comfort when hiking is having a shoe/boot that flexes very easily at the ball joint of your foot. That makes all the difference comfort wise in my world. Your estimates of mileage you get from your shoes is right on the money.

[mrsparex]

Love trail runners but have weak ankles

[ukguy]

ive got some goretex north face hedgehogs and hiked over 1000 miles, brecon beacons etc and still going strong, they dry really quick aswel

[skillzdatkillz900]

i find the best idea is a good leather compromise, like the timberland trekk chukka (i think it's called). leather, waterproof, good ankle support, but not too heavy and uncomfortable

[RaulPerez1]

My feet have a tendency of getting athelete's foot when they become wet within shoes or boots. And when I say tendency I mean almost everytime they get wet. I guess I'm predisposed to the fungus. Therefore water proof boots are my only option when hiking. Glad you have success with them.

[slodeth5]

@RaulPerez1 Raul, you may try wiping your feet down with rubbing alcohol twice a day, changing into clean socks at that time, as well as cleaning the inner part of your shoes at the endo of each day with the alcohol. Sleep in thick dry socks, and change your socks, twice a day. Wash your hiking socks every night and hang 'em out to dry. That may help. No matter what you do, your feet are goint to get wet from outside sources or your own sweat, so pamper 'em.

[alanstarkie2001]

About 6 weeks ago I bought some Miendl Burma Pro boots. They keep the feet dry and are really comfortable BUT I'm finding real stability problems. I just don't feel confident on rocky areas and the soles feel so 'clumpy' and rigid, I keep tripping. I'm wondering if such boots, as good as they are are right for me.

[iceaxe56]

when you hit those rocks--your ankle turns like hell--use those running shoes to walk around camp-get some hiking boots with ankle support or you will be on a short trip

[andyactive]

Latest - I had real problems hiking in North Washington in the fall with runners due to the very wet weather. Two weeks of wet feet nearly put an end to my hike. In hindsight boots could have been better.

[PrinceMyshkin82]

This is an excellent video. I love Asics. I have wide feet, and they're usually wide and comfortable. Just happened to get the New Balance in the thrift store but probably would have chosen Asics. Those NB's, used, took me all the way to NY from Georgia, and would have gone all the way (2,150 miles) but was given a pair of Adidas in NY. I got by without gaiters, perhaps they would have helped? But lightweight running shoes rule on AT, they're so much better than heavy, expensive boots.

[andyactive]

thanks for comments

I will add some more vids soon

happy trails

[PrinceMyshkin82]

I thru-hiked Appalachian Trail Georgia-Maine. Began February 4, 2001. Wore New Balance running shoes I'd bought in a thrift store in Asheville, NC. Went through knee deep snow, water, everything. Frozen solid some mornings, a block of ice. Had to force foot in, they warm up with walking. Used gauze bandages on ankles for ankle support, otherwise tendinitis is risked.

[PrinceMyshkin82]

One more comment...I should probably emphasize how helpful it was to use gauze wrap on ankles. On a 500 mile section hike a year or so preceding thru-hike, developed tendinitis in ankle--it swelled up pretty bad, painful. With running shoes some people might need that extra ankle support. $3-4 dollars X 2 for gauze wrap, a slight nuisance at first wrapping your feet/ankles each morning with those stinky, filthy things but it becomes habit and sure beats heavy hiking boots.

[PrinceMyshkin82]

Ooops...not gauze bandages, but ACE bandages--the wrap around kind. And on second thought, those gaiters might have helped keep the dirt out and prevent the ACE bandages from getting so filthy.

[BrerRabbitBDA]

Your remarks about trail shoes and gaiters are a bit misleading , you go from talking about streams straight into talking about gaiters. You should clarify that giaters + shoes arent going to solve your shoe in water problem.

Also, a good mid weight boot will always serve you getter on snow.

The whole trails shoe over boot thing depends a many factors - where the trip is, how long, what terrain, weather, weight of pack, etc etc.

ive been backpacking for 20 years, boots are still the best bet

[andyactive]

hi

good points.....I was trying to keep this video brief....I will try to redo it....

I am still using trail runners.....but accept boots can be great in very wet conditions

happy trails

[expressoulfree]

Thank you for the info. I thought tis would be a good idea vs. the boot I plan to head for PCT this coming April.

Peace

[hikerdude66]

nice one mate!