Hiking in Boots or Trailrunners…which is right for you?
Boots have been the choice of hikers for more than a century.
However, in recent years with the advent of the ultralight movement trailrunners have gained widespread popularity amongst the crowds that are traveling light…but which one is right for you?
Hiking boot
Hiking boots have long been a backpacker favorite.
Sturdy construction, good ankle support, thick toe and heel protection, and a steel or hard plastic shank that runs beneath the arch of the boot are typical qualities of a well made hiking boot. Traditionally made of leather, the boot has always been the favorite of backpackers hitting the trail. There are many reasons for this. The solid construction of a hiking boot, properly fitted, gives added support to a hiker’s arches and ankles. The reinforced heel and toe of a boot keeps toes and heels safe from rocks that might otherwise bruise these parts of the foot. In addition, the solid shank running beneath the arch of the foot allows bootwearers the added versatility of stepping on rocks without painfully bruising their arches. A solid shank also aids in carrying heavy weight that otherwise might cause a person’s arch to fall after days on the trail.
So, what are the drawbacks to wearing boots?
Well, to begin with, boots can often be difficult to size properly. All people’s feet are different, and unless you have several hundred dollars or more to get custom boots made, you will probably head off to your local outfitter to buy one of a number of brands and styles mass produced for today’s hikers. The standard rule of thumb is to buy your hiking footwear one size up from your around town footwear. So, if you usually wear a size 10, you’ll want to go up to size 11. This accounts for the swelling of your feet that a day spent going up and over mountains will bring. In addition, many people do not wear their boots for the proper break-in period. Typically, solid leather boots take longer to break in than composite boots, or completely synthetic boots. Figure at least twenty to thirty miles for composites or synthetics, and 50-100 miles for full leather, although some synthetics are now ready right out of the box. Check to make sure the toe box has enough room for your toes, and that the heel cup is snug. You do not want your heel sliding up and down, or your toes rubbing on the boots. Both of these will bring blisters, and potential problems. Lastly, boots are heavier, and when they get wet, they take forever to dry. There is no such thing as completely waterproof, and any experienced backpacker will attest to this fact.
Thinking you might want to go with a trailrunner?
Twenty years ago most hikers carried in excess of fifty pounds of gear. The miles, the pounding on the feet, and the technology mades boots a must, but today’s hiker has options because of the lighter loads they are carrying. Gear weights amongst experienced hikers often now range between 15 and 40lbs, with the majority hanging in between 20 and 30lbs. This lightening of the load has led to many ditching the heavy boots, in favor of a lighter, more comfortable footwear alternative. While there are midweight boots that stand somewhere between the traditional boot and trailrunner, trailrunners themselves usually resemble a sturdy running shoe. Many have reinforced toe caps, and heels, and many have a skid plate on the bottom to protect the arches of the feet. Most styles of trailrunner are made of synthetic or composite materials, and this makes them far lighter than their heavy leather counterparts. Many trailrunner shoes are often a full pound or two lighter than a traditional boot. Sizing rules for boots also apply to trailrunners, meaning most should move up a full size in whatever footwear they choose to hike in. Trailrunners are also usually ready right out of the box. Just lace them up, and hit the trail.
The drawbacks of trailrunners often reflect the person wearing them.
This means before hopping on the bandwagon you need to ask yourself the following questions:
What season are you hiking in?
If you’re planning a winter expedition in deep snow, boots are probably the wiser of choices. They offer better insulation, and if crampons become necessary for ice, then boots are far easier to fit them to. On the other hand, summertime is ideal for trailrunners. More ventilation, and quicker drying times means that trailrunners can often dry in hours while you hike on.
How much weight are you carrying?
This can be kind of tricky, because weight carried also lends itself to a question of strength. Smaller people, weaker people, and older people sometimes will want the extra support a boot can give. Larger people, stronger people, younger people, and people carrying less weight may choose the lighter more flexible trailrunner.
Do you have any foot, knee, or ankle issues?
The way footwear fits affects your gait. This means the right footwear can help you walk better, and the wrong footwear can hurt the way you walk. If you have weak ankles you will probably benefit from the added support of boots. On the other hand, wide feet, and people with toe issues might benefit from the flexibility that a trailrunner affords.
In my experience I have hiked in both boots and trailrunners, and in the end it was my feet that made the final decision for me.
I have seen and experienced the good, and the bad of both. However, years of hiking in boots led me to a badly scarred ankle that now blisters way too easily, and a joint problem on my left big toe. Both injuries forced me into trying trailrunners in a search for a comfortable alternative. I have lost a toenail or two hiking in trailrunners, but other than one blister I have been blister free for four years, and the flexibility of the trailrunner has helped to ease the pain in my toe joint. Now don’t get the idea trailrunners are perfect. Hiking in the winter requires waterproof socks for insulation, and although there is protection for heel, toe, and arch, the protection is far more minimal than a traditional boot, meaning you will get bruised toes, heels, and arches when a misplaced foot finds a rock.
How to choose?
Begin with a reputable outfitter, and bring your loaded pack. Any good outfitter, will welcome you with loaded pack, because shoes feel different with 40lbs on your back. If your new to this, ask for help selecting footwear. You should be asked where your going, what you’ll be carrying, how far your going, and how many miles a day. You may not be asked all of the above questions, but if none are asked, then you’re dealing with someone who is not an expert. Finally, they should size your foot. If they only ask what size do you want, run, and go to someone who can get you in the right footwear.
Whether you choose boots or trailrunners, the right footwear is a blessing on the trail.
It can increase your speed and distance hiked each day, and make minor leg and foot pain disappear. Once found, hikers can be extremely loyal to their footwear of choice. Packs are important, as are sleeping bags, and tents, but your footwear will be the most important gear you buy, so take the time to get it right, and you will find yourself one very happy backpacker!
July 30, 5:16 PM David Greenstein Altana backpacking examiner
