Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next
issue? No, really. Hiking or running shoes are better for most
backpacking trips, at least during late spring, summer and early
fall. Boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet forever. A
pound on your feet is like five on your back (some say six), so
three-pound boots leave you much more tired at the end of the
day.
Hiking Shoes And Ankle Support
You may have heard arguments for the necessity of ankle support,
but throughout history people managed without stiff
ankle-supporting boots. The problem is weak ankles, not a lack
of support. You can solve this by walking a little each week on
uneven ground (not in the mall).
Some may need boots, but be sure your ankle problems are not
just due to a lack of exercise before you settle for backpacking
in hiking boots. You may also need hiking boots if you carry
more than thirty pounds when you backpack. Cut the weight down,
though, and you'll be more comfortable anyhow.
Why Running Or Hiking Shoes?
Feet stay cooler in a good running shoes than in hiking boots.
This means fewer blisters. After switching to running shoes and
lightweight socks years ago, I stopped getting blisters. I don't
mean fewer blisters. I mean haven't had one blister since I
switched. Not even after a 110-mile 7-day trek in the Rockies,
for example.
How To Choose Your Shoes
Try to keep below two pounds per pair, unless you have size 13
feet. If the weights are not shown in a catalog, you'll have to
guess which hiking shoes are lighter based on the description
and photo. Quality shoes have soles stitched to the uppers, so
look under the insoles (a removable insole is another sign of
quality shoes). You can usually find a good pair of running
shoes that weighs less than 28 ounces for under $80, or half of
that on closeouts.
There's nothing quite as liberating as ditching the heavy pack
and heavy boots and hitiing the trail in running shoes. You get
to go more miles, and in comfort. You get to run up a hill just
to see what's there. I have yet to meet a person who has tried
backpacking in hiking shoes or running shoes - and then returned
to boots.
About the author:
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of
ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at
http://www.TheBackpackin
gSite.com
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