Shift to Trail runners

Over the past few years we a have seen the market for hiking boots shift from the bulky, high ankle, leather clad, beefy lug soled, 2+ pound each, steel shanked do anything boots to the simple, light, flexible, not so supportive trail runners as the hiking staple.

Before trail runners were so popular and numerous when someone got into hiking/backpacking you needed these large boots to protect your ankles and give you the support for the heavy equipment and long days you would assuredly be facing upon launching into an outdoor adventure.

Now as technology has advanced and lightened our gear we see that the days of the heavy boot is waning. At least for the weekend warrior or simple backpacker. Andrew Skurka showed us that a hiker can spend a great deal of time on the trail covering a great deal of ground with minimalist equipment (although since comfort is subjective to each his own).

I remember my first hard core hiking boot was the Montrail Moraine boot with its “Ankle-high, one-piece folded gusset adjustable tongue Upper: 3.0 mm waterproof full-grain, rough-out leather Lining: Cambrelle forefoot and tongue with leather heel Insole: Stilflex Midsole: Microporous rubber Outsole: Vibram Moraine Lasting Board Full-length molded nylon Toe Counter: Thermoplastic Heel Counter: Thermoplastic Toe Cap: Textured rubber Construction: Rigid board lasted” add to that its crampon compatibility and that was a real hard core hikers boot!! Or so I thought. At the time I lived in Flagstaff and hiked mainly in the deserts and canyons. Trust me the desert is no place for a heavy duty boot like this.

But I was relatively new to the game and these looked like the boots I needed. And so I lugged these beasts around everywhere suffering through the desert heat deep into the canyons and occasionally atop a Colorado 14er. In my nievity I thought this was the boot I needed. I was oh so wrong! Don’t get me wrong these were great boots…just not for what I was doing with them.
Eventually I blew these boots out and had to get another pair and wisely I chose the more versatile
Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots.
These boots I have used for over 10 years and have never looked back. They were great for everything I needed and seemed lighter although they are reportedly a few ounces heavier! I think the reason they seem lighter is that they are less bulky, and more stream-lined than the Moraines.

Well after 3 pairs of the FSN 95’s a buddy recommended I check out the replacements for the 95’s called the
Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots.
These were also a great pair of do anything hikers. And have held up to countless miles on and off trial with varying weights. These are definitely boots I would recommend as a great all around high ankle backpacking boot.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post as technology has lightened our gear dramatically the need for a full ankle rigid soled boot has diminished and most hikers/light backpackers can get away with a simple trail runner.

I in fact have started to switch to Salomon XA Comp 3 GTX Trail-Running Shoes
for everything. My fully loaded winter pack rarely tops over 25lbs and my summer pack is often sub 15lbs. Which makes lighter shoes more practical. Think of the joy I experienced when I laced up a pair of shoes that weighed less than a pound each as opposed to almost two pounds each!! Ahhh the relief.

Now that I am more dedicated to lighter equipment I am realizing that there are still ridiculously high prices for lighter gear, fortunately if you shop around you can find great deals that will not only meet your needs but also keep some cash in the wallet. Get the best deals.

The benefit of lighter gear is amazing. Lighter gear=lighter load=less strain on muscles and joints which means you can cover more ground, more comfortably than ever before. This opening longer trips in the same amount of time. It really seems like a win win.

And fortunately with the advances made in gear often the backpacker does not compromise comfort.

In closing I would say really ask your self what type of hiking you primarily do as well as how much weight you carry on average. Do not lie to yourself as I did in Flagstaff. Be rational and think through the purchase!

There is a time and place for each type of boot get what works for you. I now keep trail runners as my primary and my boots as my heavy duty backups. Although with gore-tex liners and
Black Diamond GTX Frontpoint Gaiters my trail runners have been fine in harsh winter as well!
Definitely do your research on the types of shoes you need and get what will fit your needs. Regardless of what anyone tells you there is no magic all in one shoe. I still need the upper ankle support when I guide a trip because of the extra gear I carry just in case. But I prefer the trail runners for speed and endurance. Also figure out what your hiking/backpacking goals are as well as what you need. If you typically have hot feet a wicking liner and synthetic shoe would probably be best whereas if you have cold feet a thicker warmer boot would suit you best. Itemize your needs and only purchase the shoe that will work for you.

Good Luck!