I am hiking south on the LT during the end of August. I am trying to keep my weight down, so I would like to only wear one pair of shoes. Based upon the weather in August, which type of shoes should I wear? Trail running shoes or hiking boots?
Trihiker
I’d say that depends on your pack weight. I wore boots with a stiff shenk when I hiked it but then my pack was way to heavy (35lbs) so i probably needed the boots. If your pack is light the trail runners would work. I’m actually wearing the golite sundragons on the AT this year with a maximum pack weight of 16 pounds.
snail
Depends on your pack weight, i did the trail last yr and wore asolo hiking boots and have been for yrs, but im starting to think about switching to a trail shoe this yr, i guess its all about what is more comfortable, i would try a couple day hikes with your pack on to see if it works for you or not.
good luck
backtrack
I would recommend a short hike with your maximum pack weight wearing trail shoes and seeing how you feel.
I did this and found the trail shoes not to my liking and decided to go with a pair of Lowa Renegades. I hiked over 2500 miles on two pairs with hardly a single blister.
I am considering switching to trail runners for my upcoming section hike though I may bounce my boots ahead of me just in case.
jalanjalan
the eternal question.
some people like boots to support the ankles, but with your pack weight being pretty low, you could get away with low-tops and should be fine.
for a more-rugged shoe you can also get some mid-weight low-tops. i wore Merrell’s on the AT, and they’re more durable than trail runners. but then the terrain in Vermont is a little more forgiving.
if you’re looking to go light, remember that boots can begin to feel pretty heavy as you’re dragging them up the hill step by step. i tried boots on my first AT attempt, and switching to lighter shoes finally felt like i wasn’t dragging a weight on my ankles all the time.
0101
Which do you prefer? Both boots and trail shoes will work on the LT, so it really is up to you. In any shoe or boot you will want to make sure you’ve got plenty of arch support and a sturdy sole, but the height is up to personal preference. I started with boots and found them heavy on my feet and slow to dry out after the rain, so I switched to shoes and was much happier.
Tumblina
I did much better when I switched to trail runners, but it wasn’t a real easy switch at first. You do need to pay more attention to foot placement. You might want to try some shoes out on shorter trips first, and on flatter, easier terrain, to make sure your ankles will be OK. I believe my ankles slowly got stronger after I switched to shoes.
You didn’t mention how light you were going. I probably wouldn’t enjoy hiking in shoes with a pack that weighs more than 30 pounds total. Have a great hike.
Garlic
I am going pretty light. I am under 18 pounds with water and food for four days. I have always hiked in trail runners, but was wondering about the mud and other weather related conditions; if hiking boots would be better. But based on everyone’s responses, I am going with my trail runners. Thanks to everyone!!
Trihiker
If there’s mud, it’ll come up over your boots - might as well wear the shoes and accept defeat! Some people wore trail runners with gators (sp???), just another option.
Tumblina
I hiked the LT once with boots and once with trail runners (New Balance). As far as mud and moisture, its a bit of a trade off. Trail runners soak through very easily, but they also dry more quickly. In moderately wet and muddy conditions, your feet might stay dry in boots and if those conditions persist you’ll wish you had boots. If you get much mud or water in your boots and it takes days and days to dry despite a dry trail you’ll wish you had trail runners. There is no guarantee what you’ll get in August.
PedXing
On the uphills a nice four inch heel comes in handy, but the downhills are murder! That trail just eats shoes, I’d go for the rock kicking, stump tripping boots…
fishngame