Anyone use hiking shoes instead of boots?

Do you miss the ankle support?

Anyone use hiking shoes instead of boots?
I switched to trail runners about 5 years ago, after doing hundreds of miles in boots, and just getting sore. Alot of what you wear depends on your style of backpacking/hiking. If you're not carrying much, and are going at a quicker pace, a lighter shoe is going to allow you to go longer distances quicker, and with less break in period/time on the trail. However, if you are prone to ankle/knee problems and are more comfortable wearing a boot to help with the weight, they are viable as well.





Personally, I don't miss the ankle support, I found that the speed/light weight more than compensated for the little bit of ankle support, especially since I was able to better control where my feet would land with trail runners, rather than boots.
Reply:no boots for me! however, i pack very light - all of my gear together adds up to about 12 pounds, then i add however much food %26amp; water i'll need for the trip i'm going on. if you are carrying heavy loads, 35 to 40 pounds or more, boots are a better choice. for day-hiking I don't see the point in wearing boots. i've found that i actually roll my ankle less often now that i have stopped wearing boots. my theory is that i have strengthened my lower leg, and that plus my lighter load has increased my agility. on trips with trickier terrain i'll sometimes carry a hiking pole as well.
Reply:nope



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