Has anyone hiked using anything other than boots? They sound particularly hot (don’t own a pair yet)and since my feet sweat first, I’d be afraid the smell would kill my husband if I took them off (I’m a country barefoot kind of girl)!! I’ve heard of people wearing sandals or running shoes to acutally hike in and would appreciate some feedback for either or any other alternatives to boots. Thanks, Lisa
Kyle and Lisa
Montrail Vitesse. They’re super-breathable, super-comfy, and super-light… and not too expensive either. They also have some light ankle support. You can pick them up for $60-80 depending on where you shop. I recently made the switch from boots to shoes and it makes all the difference in the world. They weigh the same as Teva sandals do… so I dont see a point to hike in sandals, plus they offer more support. They’re not gore-tex, but you dont need gore anyway. It doesnt breathe well and will cause your feet to sweat more. The shoes drain water really well also. These shoes are becoming a standard among the light and fast crowd. As I hiked a weekend 35 mile trip on the AT a few weeks back, I was flying with these things on.
guru
Kyle and Lisa,
I’ve used New Balance 805 ATs, which are just sturdy running shoes… Not sure what the AT stands for with that model, but I know what it means to me 
I’ve used them on 2 section hikes in Georga and NC, and they had enough support and grip for all those PUDs (Pointless ups and downs). The great thing about New Balance is that they offer a wide range of widths, for which my chubby feet are glad. :tongue
From what I’ve observed on the trail, read in various forums and heard from others, the old heavy hiking boots have been pretty much replaced with trail running shoes, or just running shoes. If your pack is under 40lb (preferably less) and you are using trekking poles for balance, then you probably don’t need the extra ankle support with a full upper.
I am planning on thru-hiking the AT in 2004, and I am seriously considering a visit to a foot specialist to get fit with some custom orthotics. From what I’ve read, it makes quite a difference.
Cobra Commander
Speaking of trashed feet. We just got back from hiking a week in Conn with Hephzibah. I sprained my left, Bramble had trouble with her right foot even with the orthotic. Problem with those is that they tend to be thick and she has a hard time finding a trail runner that has any room for it, thick heel. We both wore our boots this week and it was hot as hell, toasted footies. Heph got some new shoes in Kent but missed on size and padding, blisters in ten miles. Poor kid. The othotics will be great if you can find a shoe that they will work in, CC, but bring them and your loaded pack to the store and walk around for at least an hour in the store to check the fit. Or park ten miles a away and walk to the store to bloat your feet a little, you’ll get a better fit than going in cold. On our thru hike I walked the outfitter in Portsmouth for ever, all smelly and pack on. They guy thought I was nuts and was trying to steal them. I think I walked a few miles in the store just checking fit.
Bushwhack
Cobra, The AT in New Balance 805 AT stands for All Terrain.
Kyle & Lisa - I thru-hiked using Asolo 535 boots almost the whole way. There was a section prior to the whites when I thought I would break in a second pair in case the first blew out (which they never did). The new ones were hard on the feet so I split the days half in boots half in Tevas until the boots were broken in. The latter was bliss (except then the heavy boots were in my pack). I think if I were to do the trail again, I would start in boots until my feet and ankles had toughened up and the spring mud was past. Then I would switch to trail runners such as the NB 805s except in PA where the boots might help protect you from the rocks. The downside of hiking in Trail Runners or Sandals is that you will go through several pairs.
steamboat
About three weeks ago I bought a pair of NB 806, Iv’e used them for a day hike, and they were great. I’m strongly considering using them for all three season hikes. They are listed as trail runners, but they have been a vacation for my feet.
Micah
I never had problems with boots but switched to trailrunners after the Smokies. My husband and I had planned on doing so - we thought we’d need boots in the smokies due to snow. I now think we could’ve started right away in shoes. We used New Balance 805s all the way from there to Maine and had no problems. Other brands of running shoes, plus New Balance 605, 705, 905 shoes were used by people. Plan to replace them every 500 miles or so whether they seem to need it or not. As of last year, though, a lot of outfitters did not carry them. We did use the non-custom Superfeet inserts.
I heard of a couple people last year using sandals, (chacos, maybe?). But I did meet one guy with bloody toes who was giving up on sandals after stubbing his feet too much.
Jitterbug
Hi, K & S,
There are many light weight trail shoes to choose from. I Have worn Montrail, Merrill, Garmont, Tecnica & others. I like a vibram sole for traction and a sturdy feel, especially while rock hopping, and I would not set foot on a trail without a pair of superfeet or Montrail insoles. Outfitters usually carry Superfeet, so you can try them on with your new shoes. Boots are necessary only for winter, but even so, last winter I saw two hikers wearing sneakers.
margie At02(bluevist)
The most important aspect of footwear is the fit. It doesn’t matter what you have on your feet as long they fit well. If you have a problem with your feet (blisters), you will feel it with every step.
I typically wear heavier boots (3-4 lbs) with a vibram sole, and thicker Thorlo socks even in the summer. Blisters are typically caused by rubbing & chafing against the sides of the boot. The best advice I can give is: if your feet start to feel like they are rubbing the wrong way, stop --immediately-- and fix the problem.
30-30
GAME94
GAME04
30-30
I’ve hiked extensively in New Balance 805’s and Chaco Z-1 sandals.
I’m sick of 805’s because they wear out so fast. In particular, they tear out in the heel and the toe peels back. Most people seem to experience these same two problems, though a few-- for some reason-- do not.
I tried Chaco Z-1 sandals in the Greens, Whites, and Sierras this summer (typically with socks). In general, sandals are a pretty interesting alternative: they’re light and hold water much less than even a running shoe. You may have trouble with heels drying and cracking, however.
In any case, don’t buy into stories about “ankle support” and “better traction” with boots. The ankle support from boots is negligible and most footwear has Vibram soles-- boots, running shoes, and sandals. (Tevas are an exception.)
Eric