About 12 years or so ago I bumped into an older middle-aged couple on the John Muir Trail whose amazing, crazy-strong legs changed how I viewed backcountry footwear. I met them as we crossed a creek in opposite directions. I motioned for them to step across the log bridge first and as they did I couldn’t help but stare at their phenomenal legs: tan, rope-muscled, veiny—pretty much perfect. These people had to be in their late 60s, but jeez, those stems.
While staring I noticed they were wearing running shoes. Not even burly trail runners, but regular old—and I do mean old—Asics Gel runners. We started chatting and they informed me they were on their way to Mt. Whitney, finishing the last section of the JMT they’d yet to cross off their list. I expressed surprise that they’d chosen those shoes to wear on a fairly serious trek. They countered with equal surprise at my question: Why wouldn’t they wear the most comfortable shoes they could on long hike?
The sharp rocks, I pointed out. The slippery granite, the ankle-busting tree roots, I went on and on.
No blisters, they responded. Quick drying and light as feather, they said.
Then they cheerily walked away down the trail, magnificent calves flexing, perfectly comfortable running shoes padding silently along.
Years later, when I started taking backpacking seriously, I was inspired by this running shoe-wearing couple and I decided to ditch my hiking boots. I went out and bought a pair of trail-runners—a pair of since-discontinued Merrells. I was gradually switching to lightweight and ultralight gear anyway, so saving a pound or two on my feet made perfect sense. I’d read the quip numerous times about how a pound on your feet is like six pounds on your back. Or eight pounds maybe, I forget how it goes. Anyway, those Merrells worked so well, I went even lighter on my next couple pairs until finally I was wearing mesh running shoes on most summertime backcountry trips.
And yeah, they were very comfortable, they dried quickly, and sure, they were very light.
But as my pack weight lightened over the seasons, I started to care less about how much weight my feet were carrying. And, as I began to discover my own personal preferences as a backpacker, I started to miss the security and comfort of a well-fitting boot. More important, I finally realized that just because magazines and ultralight hiking experts proclaimed that trail-runners were the only choice for three-season backpacking, I didn’t actually have to agree.
So this year, I’m switching full-time back to boots. Sure, trail-runners are lighter than boots and absolutely work for long-distance backcountry treks, but for me, there’s something about lacing up an ankle-high boot that inspires confidence. I like tromping through low streams without my feet getting wet. I like seeing a gnarled, rocky section of trail and knowing that I won’t feel each and every rock and pebble through the feet, like I did with my lightweight trail-runners. Plus, hiking boots have become so incredibly light themselves that there’s much less of a weight penalty than there once was.
But even more importantly: I love knowing that the right pair of boots can stick with me for half a dozen years of expeditions, if not a decade. Or more. I’ve still got the first pair of decent hiking boots I bought over 12 years ago. They’re heavy, but functional. I’m having them re-soled in fact as I write this. In the years since I set them aside, I couldn’t tell you how many pairs of lightweight trail-runners I’ve chewed through. While they’ve been comfortable, they haven’t inspired the sort of connection with me that a well-worn pair of boots has.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to work on pumping up my calves.
Some of our favorite full-sized hiking boots
For an unfussy, lightweight boot offering plenty of support and foot protection, while remaining cool and breathable, you can’t really beat the Vasque Breeze III. $150 • BUY
We recently reviewed the Arc’teryx Bora Mids GTX, a cleverly-designed hiker that offers the burly power of a heavy boot, but at a lightweight 2 pounds, 2 ounces. $280 • BUY
Danner’s supremely comfortable Mountain 600 boots will have you forgetting that trail-running shoes ever existed. $180 • BUY
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I’m a lightweight convert. But I know what you mean. Over a decade ago I hiked 350km/1 month across the Swiss Alps wearing traditional Meindl Borneo leather boots. It wasn’t until after the trek I realised ‘Hey, wait a minute. No blisters, no overheating and only wet feet once!”. I hadn’t even really thought about my feet through the whole trek. I’ll be wearing them again later this year across 570km of mixed terrain of lava fields, sand dunes, forests and rocks. They’re just ‘fit and forget’ boots. That’s what good footwear should be! I won’t be chucking out my Inov8 shoes yet though.
Sure, lightweight is good if you see trails as a track, but what about when you decide to scramble that peak? Or when those storm clouds that were hidden by the ridge line pop out and now instead of lightly floating down those boulders, you’ve got a treacherously slick 2 hours ahead of you?
Versatility often comes at the price of weight, but it’s well worth it.
I hear ya. Last year I made the switch back to boots. They have come such a long way that they are actually comfy as well. The Rocky sections of the AT are enough to beat the crap outta your feet to make me jump into my boots.
I also really like the ability to change my lacing setup for different areas or extremes
Love the photo of the beat up Zamberlans! Over the years, I’ve owned 4 pairs for the support and protection these boots provide when I’m on rocky, abrasive, or dicey footing. Glad to know that some hikers may be re-embracing durable and rugged boots (but also glad that I can use my lightweight footwear when I want to invest less effort for double digit mileage days on the trail).
I dunno, I made the switch from my trusty Vasque hikers to Salomon Speedcross trail runners and am super-impressed. Better traction, mobility and comfort at a fraction of the weight. On and off trail. But these days I run much of my hikes so maybe that’s a major reason why I prefer them. There are winter models too (Snowcross or Speedcross M+S ClimaSheild) so make that FOUR seasons.
I’m in full agreement with you. I am on my second pair of Zamerlan backpacking boots in the last 14 years. I also own a pair of Danner Mountain Lights I wear occasionally, a pair of Patagonia light Gore-Tex hiking boots or short romps and a pair of Merrell Moab’s for hot dry enviroments. But I always where the Zamerlans for serious hikes especially with a full 60+ litre pack.
Day hiking in the mountains of Tucson AZ, i’m pressed to get 12 months on boots before soles get smooth and loose grip: Lowa, Vasque models from $150-250 which are non resoleable. Trails are rocky, gritty, and at altitude, pine needle/rock/soil. Any suggestions to make this investment last longer? Stores are no help and mfrs deem it normal wear!
I wear boots and runners. Love boots. Make the legs stronger for those times when I wear tennies. BUT, I have never had a pair of boots last a full season in the mountains, or any runners. My Danners ($300) lasted about 15 miles before they started to fall apart. My expensive shoes rarely last longer than somethin’ cheaper. If they fit, there’s no difference in comfort for me between boots and runners. I don’t live in the humid hot south, though. For mtn travel to summits boots provide lots of protection and they also look very sexy in a unhip way on mtn girls.
So your point is not rational. Ok )
To each his/her own; but I’ll stick to my Vibrams.
I like to feel the earth/rocks/creeks etc beneath my feet. The more-so, as it becomes gnarlier.
Never owned the Vasque Breeze III. Been using the Vasque Breeze 2.0 for about 7 years now. The 2.0 are still out there on the market for maybe $70 or so. That’s $100 off list. I trust my life to these boots! You can get the III next year.
I use my 10 year old pair of Breezes. The sole has some chips but they still work. Only beef? They are ugly!
I switched from boots to runners. I worked in the backcountry on and off trail for five months over the last six years and the runners were much better for me by the end. I had to be more aware of where I was walking, but others in the crew with big heavy boots were stumbling and tripping over rocks a lot more than me after I switched! When in boots, the ankle support actually would cause my ankle to hurt, whereas without, my foot would conform to the slope better and my ankle would not hurt. And at the end of long backpacks, others complained about aching feet while I felt like dancing around! I did place a gel insert in there for a little more comfort.
I really appreciate this post. I had a knee injury from running (a sport which I hated anyway). Although I recognize the joys of running, I was really just doing it to try to stay in shape, not because I liked it. I’m glad you’re highlighting different options we have!
as long as you are out there the footware is secondary. you can have the best trail runners or hiking boots around, sitting in your closet all year…looking good….getting awesome reviews on website. 🙂
Belleville 350DES hot weather boots for this guy all the way, particularly for heavy loads and rough terrain. I went lightweight for a while and just aggravated old ankle sprains/breaks. Different strokes for different folks who are going out there and doing different things, with different loads, on different terrain, with different bodies. Gonna need different kicks!
I love them both. I did 4 years of hot canyon hiking on slippery scree in Utah’s hot July months with some heavy leather Vasques tied to my feet. Sure, I never had to think about water, little stones getting inside, snake bites or sharp rocks, but man they were hot. A few years later, I grabbed a pair of Solomon Gore trail runners. For the wet and slick North Vancouver slopes, the ContraGrip is OK, but the the best feature is the lightweight nature of the show. Now, I’m taking my kids up the creek, I don my Merrell approach boots with Vibram soles for those mossy rocks. Diversity is the key to survival!
Last year i.did my first trail race.it happened to be the half marathon trail race in Kentucky called the rugged red.i used a pair of Salomon lt with m and s contrario
I’m forty five and was able to finish before my age group time.was a blast and the shoes where perfect.
SMH… just the mere thought of bulky, heavy, hot hiking boots makes me not even want to get out on the trails.
Trail Runners for me, for sure!
I could say… mid trailrunners or vibram fivefingers for spring-summer-fall and technical lightweight boots or mid trailrunners for snow on winter, but i’m not so experienced so maybe i’ll change my opinion someday.