Hey, I need some advice. I want to switch from boots to trail runners for my next trip on the AT and don’t know how to choose. There are so many brands out there – Asics, NewBalance, etc… I’d like shoes with a good amount of cushion to protect the soles of my feet. Also, good traction is desired. Some degree of waterproofing would be good. Any good ideas from you hikers who use these? Thanks!
Woody
I always look for:
comfortable fit, heel that doesn’t slip and extra room in the toe box, feet shapes vary so find the brand that is made like your foot is shaped
an aggressive tread and a sole that protects from small rocks
as lightweight as possible
waterproofing is not necessary; runners get wet but dry quickly and are comfortable (but smelly!) while wet
I wore New Balance for a couple of thrus, changed to Montrails (on the stiff, heavy side)as models changed and now wear Nike Free, the lightest, most comfortable shoe I’ve worn so far.
A recent development in runners is now several companies are making a shoe that doesn’t control foot movement. A “Free” shoe is like going barefoot but with sole protection. I really like this “less is more” feel!
Your packweight shouldn’t be too heavy for the lighter shoes to support.
Happy Hiking!
…GottaWalk
Marcia
Great decision!! Salomon’s XA Pro 3D have always served my feet well. Comfortable for big mileage days and competitively light among its class (25 ozs.) However, don’t get to hung up on waterproofing. Just about any moisture greater than a dewy meadow is going to wet out your socks and then, thanks to gravity, your feet, gore-tex be damned. The good thing about a light trailrunner though is that they dry out quickly.
Matt