I’m thinking about starting my northbound thru-hike with New Balance trail runners on my footsies. I know a few folks who completed the trail in Chaco Sandels, so I know it can be done without heavy boots. I’m looking for some experienced-backed opinions on whether wearing NB’s in March is an intelligent choice or not. Thanks.
Slimfast
I think you should be OK. Consider adding some gaiters during March and April. You may still get the occasional snow storm. We got one around the first week of April in '04.
Bear Bag Hanger
I used NBs in 05. Only a couple of times I wished I had something more substantial. Both times Blizzards, one in early April, one the end of April. This year I got a pair of NB 977s (waterproof trail runners) for the cold and wet (June/July in Maine and November/December in the South). If I were going NOBO, I’d use them till VA, then switch to the lighter 800s series. I’ll send the 977s home and use my NB 809s otherwise, then have them mailed back to me at the end of my hike.
Red Hat
I’m a huge fan of NB 810s, and will start my NOBO with them in March. I may carry Sealskinz to start with. I made it through wet Cascade snow in September on the PCT with them, so I’m pretty confident, though I have no experience with them on the AT. Good luck.
Garlic
Trail Runners are always good! We pair them with sock liners only. Hiking generates lots of heat so our feet stay warm in trail runners through snow, rain and water crossings. Trail runners with sock liners dry fast.
We also like New Balance and buy whatever number is currently sold. The agressive tread is one of the main features that we look for when shopping.
Marcia
I would recommend trying out trail runners but don’t feel obligated to go with them just because everyone else is.
I used two pairs of light hiking boots on the AT and didn’t have a single blister or twisted ankle.
Trail runners are light and generally have better breathabilty but they also wear out more quickly and don’t provide ankle support. I also wasnt happy with the arch support on my New Balances and found that my feeet were more tired at the end of the day.
Keep you feet happy!
Jalan Jalan
It really comes down to what works best for you. I’ve thru hiked the AT twice in sandals & have met three other thru-hikers that hiked barefoot. Others hike in heavy duty boots, running shoes, Crocs, etc. - basically whatever floats your boat. I finished in '04 with a guy from CA who wore cheap flip flops the whole way!
Probably the best idea is to be flexible - start out with the running shoes and if they don’t work for you try something else. Happy Trails!
freebird
I started my 05 thruhike in NB 807’s. Maybe it was because I had been a distance runner for years and my feet were not in the best shape. They just did not have enough protection in the forefoot and the rocks were killing me. I switched to Garmont shoes with superfeet and things went much better. The Garmont had a stiffer more protective forefoot, more room for the insert, and vibram soles that really helped on slippery rocks. Just my opinion. Wear whatever works for you. Just do not force a shoe if it does not work for you.
Seady On
Steady On
Thanks for the advice, guys (and gals). Starting Mar 1st, hope to see some of you out there! www.trailjournals/alanwine
Slimfast
It’s funny you bring this topic up, as I spent a considerable amount of time pondering this very question while hiking six miles on the snow-covered AT after work this evening.
When you’ve got more than a dusting of snow on the trail, I think it pays to have something on that can keep your feet dry. I LOVE hiking in New Balance shoes, but put them away when there’s snow on the ground in favor of a lighweight Vasque shoe that has a waterproof membrane and a bit stiffer sole. I find this works best for ME in the snow. Sealskinz are a good bet with with trail-runners; but, again, I personally prefer a bit stiffer sole for walking on snow.
As previously noted, you have to go with what works for you. If you have the chance, go for a walk with your trail-runners in the snow and see what you think. It will obviously be different walking on a snow-covered city street than on the AT, but you’ll still get a pretty good idea whether you want to “risk” starting your hike with trail-runners as your primary footwear. The only way to know what will work best for you is through trial.
Have a great hike, Slimfast!
Ozone
I will forever hike (as long as they are made) in merrell chameleon ventilator highs… not the waterproof ones… with green superfeet insoles!
windex