Approach shoes seem to get overlooked in this discussion. I used to be all about trail runners, but when I moved to Colorado, I needed something a little more sturdy on rocky terrain and found that approach shoes are the perfect balance of sturdy sole and shoe like feel, so I can be nimble on the trail, jumping from rock to rock.
interesting - tried trail runner and just keep wreaking them on stones, rocks etc and getting wet feet all day, i went back to traditional well made leather boots, with ankle support, dry feet, and saving a fortune
Me: watches video to get an idea on some nice shoes or boots to get for a backpacking hammock weekend trip with a fishing friend Him: alright scenario #1) 500 miles Me: oh
For day hikes outside winter anywhere in the UK a pair of non-goretex hiking trainers backed up by goretex socks and gaiters if the weather gets very wet are all you need. Saying that, I still like to have a pair of heavy leather boots for the occasional multi-day trek, winter hike or for bushcraft type activities.
Good advice. I’ve switched to Arcteryx trail runners this year and love them. Can walk for miles with no blisters etc. I’m actually not looking forward to the winter and having to get the heavy boots out again.
Fun stuff. I have an 3 meter shelf in the basement full of footwear all designed for a lot of up. My wife make fun of me. Crack climbing shoes, slab climbing shoes, approach shoes (like a trail running with climbing shoe rubber soles), couple type of hiking shoes, various boots up through double boots for high altitude mountaineering (which are so comfortable I got rid of my old ice climbing boots; I use the high altitude boots for that.). Of course there are ski boots for going down as well. Much of my hiking around here is pretty wet, and not that hot, so mostly for basic hiking and backpacking I like waterproof trail shoes or trail runners. I hate hiking all day is soggy shoes, that might theoretically dry quickly (some other day or some other place when and where it is not wet right now while I am hiking!) so while less breathable I mostly use waterproof footwear. If you have very sweaty feet though they can be problematic. But if you are a beginner and need a video like this, you need all around footwear - that 3 meter shelf of footwear only comes with time and experience. You cannot go too far wrong with a mid-weight, mid-height pair of boots with good support that will also help protect your ankles. With experience you can work down toward ultra light if you choose. Or maybe you will gravitate toward hiking climbing that is so rugged you need real boots.
my main criteria for picking boots is the weight im carryin. 10 pounds? trail runners (any i have at the moment, i try new ones all the time). 20 pounds? approach shoes(lowa renegade low or la sportiva boulder x). 50 pounds or more? mountain semi regid boots for all hike (bestard breithorn pro).
Trail running in the southern California, dry chaparral, coastal desert environment is all about snake jumping. In fact, sometimes it's so bad that I only trail run in the fall, winter, and early spring, and just "carefully" hike in the summer. I can't tell you how many Southern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus helleri) I've surprised and jumped over. (very scary).
I like boots and am a bit of traditionalist in that sense Russel but I've just purchased some ecco trail shoes, which are really comfortable. I'm up for change if it works. Good info there.. All the best. Mark
@@thetrailhunter4469 Yeah more than likely some potential in it. I do however hike over think moorland getting to rivers and what not. Trail shoes wouldn't be much good there. But for a trail - yeah good!
@@WyeExplorer Sure thing yeah, or even some waders hha. For longer, wetter hikes, the NB minimus drain and dry fast. But if it's for a day hike in the wet, stick to the boots. Big topic this in the hiking community so I hope this video helps people avoid trench foot and injury. What boots do you wear?
I guess it's down to personal preference. I wear waterproof hiking boots when I'm in the lake district. I just wondered what you would wear for a day trip up the old man if coniston etc?
I think ankle support is overrated. I've backpacked plenty of times with 50+lbs for 100+ miles per week and never felt the need for ankle support. Boots just limit your calf muscles ability to help you hike, thats what I think.....
As a seasoned hiker who was a trail runner when I was younger, I had a pretty solid understanding of the differences, however not long ago I realized something that pretty much everyone misses. Obviously I missed it too for the longest time. There is a new theory about hiking which favors the lightweight shoe to facilitate speed more than anything. This is a poor choice of footwear for serious hiking, especially in mountain snows, but the key issue as emphasized in this video: what is the GOAL. Not long ago when I read the book Born To Run, it hit me that I (and almost everone else thus far) have been overlooking something almost obvious. The new-style "hikers" have not in any way improved hiking, but instead they have taken the Goal of running, dumbed it down and tacked on hiking to facilitate a RUNNER'S GOAL. If you examine the mentality, these new style "hikers" who focus on miles are not really hikers or wilderness people at heart. They are seeking a type of runner's high, thrill, or experience. Let me be clear: There is nothing unethical about a person who goes out on trail with such a goal. It becomes a problem when the idea gets pushed onto unwitting new hikers who really want to be hikers, not second rate runners. Many such new hikers have horrible experiences as a result. A more gray area is this: Hikers who give themselves "achievement awards" for hiking. It's phony and everyone I have encountered was a bigger fraud than Lance Armstrong. Legitimate competitors enter genuine races, ultra-marathons and such against real competition with real prizes that have to really be earned. On the PCTs I encountered all kinds of hikers. Some with only one arm, one with only one leg and one as blind as a bat. How is it an achievement to hike faster than these genuinely inspirational people? Answer: it's not. That's why most hikers don't want to hear about miles hiked per day. Non-hiker youtube viewers don't know any better (not their fault) so the farce continues. Anyway, if every individual simply does their own thing instead of making a mess with bloated egos, in other words, HYOH, then the runners can go ahead and "run" and the hikers can hike.
Totally agree. Personally Im also more bothered to enjoy the journey than to just 'get there', although moving fast at times is cool too. I've ran down Ben Nevis as much as I've doodled on local moors. All depends on the day. Still, I recognise there is one very practical point of miles per day and linked with the goal. If you have limited time due to holiday or crossing country borders and would like to still complete a long trail. Say, within 90 days... Hence the miles per day can become very important as well as the 0 days planning. Considering that consistency makes for greater confidence, achievement and ultimately enjoyment in the outdoors. Bringing to the conversation the Race to the South Pole and Roald Amundsen's team strategy, of marching 20 miles a day, no matter what. Horses for courses I'd venture. All the best and wishing you good hikes.
What do you feel that you gain from using lighter shoes, energy wise? I understand that the feeling might be that of being lighter, but does it really make you that much more efficient while hiking?
I heard that 1lb extra on your feet equates to 5lbs on your back. So if you can lose 1lb on your shoes you are kind of losing 5lbs from your pack. So maybe that is why it is more energy efficient!?
Great Video, thank you! Why wouldn't you use a waterproof hiking shoe or trail shoe? You never seem to recommend these kinds of shoes, how do you keep your feet dry if you're caught in the British rain?
Hi Josh, thanks for watching and great question. The only footwear that's truly waterproof are wellington boots. So you could try going for a Goretex boot but you get caught in a downpour, dunk your foot in a puddle or a muddy bog and your feet are soaked anyway and they'll take days to dry without starting a messy fire. In the winter I'll use Sealskinz socks to keep my feet dry but only when it's really wet out.
Thanks, not sure I was expecting a reply if I'm honest. Heard your podcast with Abbie Barnes today-- chin up and thanks for all you're doing here. If you're ever down the alps and looking for a hiking buddy give me a shout!
It's not flat true, and very little of it is actually desert. The desert is further east, not very far away, but the two are not alike. There are some low crossing points, like near Cabezon which are essentially desert, but such areas are not extensive, a few days here and there at most to hike through enroute to the higher, cooler (mountain) elevations.
Hi, Russel! Have just watched Your great video on footwear👍👍👍. I am going to the Mediterranean this August and looking for the Urban/ light one day hiking footwear that would be light and breathable at one point and be able to withstand occasional showers at the other. Is membrane crucial for the matter, or watter repellent is enough? I guess, the terrain might be sometimes rocky, with a lot of ascends and descends. Yours sincerely, Karen😊
@@thetrailhunter4469 Your welcome! It's all good down ere in Dorsetshire..... I will be taking on bigger sections of the swcp this spring/summer and finishing off the JCT jurassic coast trail this time hopefully all in one go! Also have a few photography and wildlife filming projects to continue....... Bet your itching to get out on the PCT now!!
Ahh sounds freakin sweet mate. Love that section of the SWCP. Been there a few times as you know. Will you complete the whole coast path in sections eventually? Haha ahh yeah man, really excited. But my Dad’s fallen quite ill after having multiple strokes a couple of weeks ago so, I’m not sure what’s happening at the moment. Still on for now, but if he gets worse may have to postpone 😔
@@thetrailhunter4469 I would love to do it all in one go but until then I'll be doing sections.....I am sorry to hear that about your dad sending positive vibes and a speedy recovery! Take it easy mate 👍
@@gonewild1220 I hope you get the chance to do it some day. Thanks dude, I think if he's not well it would be really bad if I was in the middle of nowhere and something happened. Maybe I'll just do the SWCP instead. Was talking to a friend about the San Camino way in Spain. Sounds amazing and not too far from home. Have you heard of it?
Weather&Terrain?: Wet,damp,muddy,windy,cold Sussex England. Edit: just bagged a pair of Altra LP 4.5 from my local indie Jog Shop in Brighton. One step closer. Thanks for your reviews :)
I appreciate sturdy footwear. Other than some formal/semi-formal pairs, it's all I wear. This aside, by the end of your video I recalled an old Black Sabbath song: Faeries Wear Boots.
Great stuff, glad you found it useful! I just use a thin sport sock for 3 season so my feet aren’t squished into the shoe and something a little thicker like a proper running sock in the winter. My feed get wet in the winter but my Altras dry on the dash of my car pretty quick. Thanks for watching!
For my thru-hike in 2018 I wore darn tough's. In the beginning I wore two pairs of socks (a thin liner and a thick outer sock), but this gave me an extreme amount of blisters as the two socks would create a lot of friction. I would say it depends on your type of shoes. For trail runners I feel like most kinds of socks work for me, but the best solution was a medium thickness sock for my thru-hike. If you are wearing boots I suggest you get the thickest socks you can get for most cushion. I wore a pair of darn tough's when I got the the Sierras - after trying various types of socks whitout luck - and my blisters totally disappeared. This was also when I switched from trail runners to hiking boots. Another good thing about darn tough's is the fact that they have a life time warranty meaning that you can exchange them for free in any hiking store in the USA. Socks wear down over time, so investing in a pair of these would be my best advice to you. This way you can also exchange them to another type of sock (thin, medium and thick) if you feel like it - all for free. Have a nice day.
I think your scenarios were a bit too advanced. If I’m hiking 500+ miles, I’d be no beginner to the ‘hiking show game’. What about several 5-10mi trails 2-3 times a day for a week vacation? Beginner stuff
My channel is for a wide range of viewers with a wide range of experience levels. Some people watching this video may be ready to walk 500+ miles. Thanks for the feedback.
Hi Wouter! Sure so I love my Altras and would recommend them. But they don’t last as long as other trail runners on the market so I’ve heard. Hoka are supported in the community for durability.
@@thetrailhunter4469 thank you for the answer. I was looking at the topo athletic trailventure. Gets good reviews. Durable and as wide as altras, but still light. Gives me a bit more protection against rocks and roots. I will take a look at hoka as well. Thanks again.
Just did the first half of the south downs way wildcamping in some summery Karimor high tops. No blisters, but by the 6th hour of walking my feet were in bits from all the stones underfoot on some of the trails. I was planning on switching to some harder sole boots like Brasher's to avoid that for the next half, but in researching, it seems tons of people go for these light weight trail runners. Are they cushioned enough to avoid feeling the stones underfoot?
Funny thing is, using trail runners which do not last isnt exactly environmentally friendly. Leather boots can be resoled and used for years. Trail runners wont last a year of hard use.
Goretex is good in jackets or anything with a shell fabric. In shoes or even boots your feet will still get wet in torrential weather and over time the membrane degrades. I use trail runners and sealskin socks in cold wet weather and works really well and can interchange when the weather is dryer.
Hi Adam. Thanks for watching! I’d go with trail runners if you’re comfortable with them and your ankles are strong enough without the support of a boot. 1lb on your foot is like 6lbs on your back. 👍
Sure no problem! They have a newer version called the 4.5 which I’ve tested over 200 miles. Still good, but needed a size up from my normal size, laces were too long and the back dug into my heal a bit.
The Trail Hunter I’m told the first two days it’s mostly flat trail and road. The third is mountainous a bit. Last day is flat again. My ultra marathon buddy says a medium hike boot. Stability is needed as I spent 20 years in the infantry and my ankles are brutal. The training is what I’m focused on though. It’s winter in Canada in January so walking outside is pretty tough. I’m thinking of starting 10 months out to avoid losing my toe nails. Hahaha. Thoughts?
I personally stick to trail runners for long distance three-season hiking. But each to their own. If your ultra marathon buddy knows the Nijmegen March well then I’d stick to his advice. 👍
The Trail Hunter actually, my ultra friend is a little off his rocker. He has run bare foot for some races. Would you consider maintaining the same shoes or types of shoes through both training and the march?
Sure. I always say, I’m not a certified mountain guide or anything like that, so this is all just from my own experience. If you’re training for a long-distance hike which is mainly flat trail which isn’t smooth IE, has some rocks, stones dust, the temperatures won’t be too low and you’re walking big miles then I suggest a trail runner like an Altra Lone Peak 4.0 or an Altra Olympus or something from Solomon, La Sportiva or similar with zero drop, light weight, breathable and dries fast. Train in conditions and with footwear that you’ll be wearing/experiencing in the real hike, not in the winter. Trail runners will be comfortable and allow your feet to breath which will minimise blisters and other foot problems. Boots will be heavy, chew your feet to shreds and take more energy to swing in your pace. In the mountainous section, the trail runners will provide as much grip as a boot without the weight and discomfort. I’ve used my Altra Lone Peak 4.0s for long trails, scrambling up mountains and in wet muddy conditions and while your feet will get wet, they will drain and dry as you walk. Wear a thin sport sock to allow your feet to breath and dry. My advice to you, practice with both a trail runner and a boot and see how to get on, your feet unique to you. But yeah, I reckon a trail runner will see you well on the hike. Hope that helps. Russ
Hey! If there's no snow or ice then it all depends on personal preference. In winter conditions though I always recommend a boot which can be equipped with crampons on that kind of terrain.
Thanks for watching! Sure, I’d go for a trail shoe like an Altra or Hokah or Innovate. Something that drains and dries fast, super comfy and light weight. I find regardless of whether your footwear are Goretex your feet will get wet eventually but will take longer to dry. 👍
Approach shoes seem to get overlooked in this discussion. I used to be all about trail runners, but when I moved to Colorado, I needed something a little more sturdy on rocky terrain and found that approach shoes are the perfect balance of sturdy sole and shoe like feel, so I can be nimble on the trail, jumping from rock to rock.
interesting - tried trail runner and just keep wreaking them on stones, rocks etc and getting wet feet all day, i went back to traditional well made leather boots, with ankle support, dry feet, and saving a fortune
Me: watches video to get an idea on some nice shoes or boots to get for a backpacking hammock weekend trip with a fishing friend
Him: alright scenario #1) 500 miles
Me: oh
I was planning a 5-7 hour hike and I was face-slapped with those numbers!
😂😂
For day hikes outside winter anywhere in the UK a pair of non-goretex hiking trainers backed up by goretex socks and gaiters if the weather gets very wet are all you need. Saying that, I still like to have a pair of heavy leather boots for the occasional multi-day trek, winter hike or for bushcraft type activities.
Good advice. I’ve switched to Arcteryx trail runners this year and love them. Can walk for miles with no blisters etc. I’m actually not looking forward to the winter and having to get the heavy boots out again.
Fun stuff. I have an 3 meter shelf in the basement full of footwear all designed for a lot of up. My wife make fun of me. Crack climbing shoes, slab climbing shoes, approach shoes (like a trail running with climbing shoe rubber soles), couple type of hiking shoes, various boots up through double boots for high altitude mountaineering (which are so comfortable I got rid of my old ice climbing boots; I use the high altitude boots for that.). Of course there are ski boots for going down as well. Much of my hiking around here is pretty wet, and not that hot, so mostly for basic hiking and backpacking I like waterproof trail shoes or trail runners. I hate hiking all day is soggy shoes, that might theoretically dry quickly (some other day or some other place when and where it is not wet right now while I am hiking!) so while less breathable I mostly use waterproof footwear. If you have very sweaty feet though they can be problematic. But if you are a beginner and need a video like this, you need all around footwear - that 3 meter shelf of footwear only comes with time and experience. You cannot go too far wrong with a mid-weight, mid-height pair of boots with good support that will also help protect your ankles. With experience you can work down toward ultra light if you choose. Or maybe you will gravitate toward hiking climbing that is so rugged you need real boots.
my main criteria for picking boots is the weight im carryin. 10 pounds? trail runners (any i have at the moment, i try new ones all the time). 20 pounds? approach shoes(lowa renegade low or la sportiva boulder x). 50 pounds or more? mountain semi regid boots for all hike (bestard breithorn pro).
If in Australia go with high boots, I see atleast 1snake every hike
Trail running in the southern California, dry chaparral, coastal desert environment is all about snake jumping. In fact, sometimes it's so bad that I only trail run in the fall, winter, and early spring, and just "carefully" hike in the summer. I can't tell you how many Southern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus helleri) I've surprised and jumped over. (very scary).
You can wear gaiters with trail runners if you want to go lightweight, and the snakes bother you that much. (Im Australian)
I like boots and am a bit of traditionalist in that sense Russel but I've just purchased some ecco trail shoes, which are really comfortable. I'm up for change if it works. Good info there.. All the best. Mark
Good on ya fella. Once I switched to shoes and trail runners for long walks I never looked back. Good luck! And thanks for watching.
@@thetrailhunter4469 Yeah more than likely some potential in it. I do however hike over think moorland getting to rivers and what not. Trail shoes wouldn't be much good there. But for a trail - yeah good!
@@WyeExplorer Sure thing yeah, or even some waders hha. For longer, wetter hikes, the NB minimus drain and dry fast. But if it's for a day hike in the wet, stick to the boots. Big topic this in the hiking community so I hope this video helps people avoid trench foot and injury. What boots do you wear?
Only use shoes for light gravel trails for small trips.
Anything more then 3 hours, I recommend boots
I guess it's down to personal preference. I wear waterproof hiking boots when I'm in the lake district. I just wondered what you would wear for a day trip up the old man if coniston etc?
25-30 miles is like 40-50 km per day, that is very bold especially regarding desert like weather and terrain
I was crushing 25s in the desert on the PCT this year. 🤙
truly useful and clear advice. thank you.
Really good video man
I think ankle support is overrated. I've backpacked plenty of times with 50+lbs for 100+ miles per week and never felt the need for ankle support. Boots just limit your calf muscles ability to help you hike, thats what I think.....
Great information. Thanks for sharing.
How about, hot, mountainous, rocky terrain? Merrill Moab 2 tactical?
This is what I am thinking of buying.
I have to hike in the desert with some water streams and jagged limestone and slippery when wet surfaces. Any recommendations ?
As a seasoned hiker who was a trail runner when I was younger, I had a pretty solid understanding of the differences, however not long ago I realized something that pretty much everyone misses. Obviously I missed it too for the longest time.
There is a new theory about hiking which favors the lightweight shoe to facilitate speed more than anything. This is a poor choice of footwear for serious hiking, especially in mountain snows, but the key issue as emphasized in this video: what is the GOAL.
Not long ago when I read the book Born To Run, it hit me that I (and almost everone else thus far) have been overlooking something almost obvious.
The new-style "hikers" have not in any way improved hiking, but instead they have taken the Goal of running, dumbed it down and tacked on hiking to facilitate a RUNNER'S GOAL. If you examine the mentality, these new style "hikers" who focus on miles are not really hikers or wilderness people at heart. They are seeking a type of runner's high, thrill, or experience.
Let me be clear: There is nothing unethical about a person who goes out on trail with such a goal.
It becomes a problem when the idea gets pushed onto unwitting new hikers who really want to be hikers, not second rate runners. Many such new hikers have horrible experiences as a result.
A more gray area is this: Hikers who give themselves "achievement awards" for hiking. It's phony and everyone I have encountered was a bigger fraud than Lance Armstrong. Legitimate competitors enter genuine races, ultra-marathons and such against real competition with real prizes that have to really be earned.
On the PCTs I encountered all kinds of hikers. Some with only one arm, one with only one leg and one as blind as a bat. How is it an achievement to hike faster than these genuinely inspirational people? Answer: it's not. That's why most hikers don't want to hear about miles hiked per day. Non-hiker youtube viewers don't know any better (not their fault) so the farce continues.
Anyway, if every individual simply does their own thing instead of making a mess with bloated egos, in other words, HYOH, then the runners can go ahead and "run" and the hikers can hike.
Totally agree. Personally Im also more bothered to enjoy the journey than to just 'get there', although moving fast at times is cool too. I've ran down Ben Nevis as much as I've doodled on local moors. All depends on the day.
Still, I recognise there is one very practical point of miles per day and linked with the goal. If you have limited time due to holiday or crossing country borders and would like to still complete a long trail. Say, within 90 days... Hence the miles per day can become very important as well as the 0 days planning.
Considering that consistency makes for greater confidence, achievement and ultimately enjoyment in the outdoors. Bringing to the conversation the Race to the South Pole and Roald Amundsen's team strategy, of marching 20 miles a day, no matter what. Horses for courses I'd venture.
All the best and wishing you good hikes.
What do you feel that you gain from using lighter shoes, energy wise? I understand that the feeling might be that of being lighter, but does it really make you that much more efficient while hiking?
I heard that 1lb extra on your feet equates to 5lbs on your back. So if you can lose 1lb on your shoes you are kind of losing 5lbs from your pack. So maybe that is why it is more energy efficient!?
Great Video, thank you!
Why wouldn't you use a waterproof hiking shoe or trail shoe? You never seem to recommend these kinds of shoes, how do you keep your feet dry if you're caught in the British rain?
Hi Josh, thanks for watching and great question. The only footwear that's truly waterproof are wellington boots. So you could try going for a Goretex boot but you get caught in a downpour, dunk your foot in a puddle or a muddy bog and your feet are soaked anyway and they'll take days to dry without starting a messy fire. In the winter I'll use Sealskinz socks to keep my feet dry but only when it's really wet out.
Thanks, not sure I was expecting a reply if I'm honest. Heard your podcast with Abbie Barnes today-- chin up and thanks for all you're doing here. If you're ever down the alps and looking for a hiking buddy give me a shout!
Thank you for your efforts.
Very helpful.
Thank you too Muhammad. Glad you enjoyed it.
I'm just looking for durability. Can you suggest?
The desert section of the PCT is faaar from flat.
Oh blimey. I guess I was comparing it to the Sierra. 👍
idk
btw not all desert is not flat. There is tons of desert on earth
It's not flat true, and very little of it is actually desert. The desert is further east, not very far away, but the two are not alike. There are some low crossing points, like near Cabezon which are essentially desert, but such areas are not extensive, a few days here and there at most to hike through enroute to the higher, cooler (mountain) elevations.
Anyone have recommendations for footwear for 3 days in Yosemite in March? Thanks.
Hi, Russel! Have just watched Your great video on footwear👍👍👍. I am going to the Mediterranean this August and looking for the Urban/ light one day hiking footwear that would be light and breathable at one point and be able to withstand occasional showers at the other. Is membrane crucial for the matter, or watter repellent is enough? I guess, the terrain might be sometimes rocky, with a lot of ascends and descends. Yours sincerely, Karen😊
Nice one mate enough said goot advice! Cheers
Thanks very much dude! Glad you enjoyed the vid. Hope all is good. Any new hikes this year? All the best.
@@thetrailhunter4469 Your welcome! It's all good down ere in Dorsetshire..... I will be taking on bigger sections of the swcp this spring/summer and finishing off the JCT jurassic coast trail this time hopefully all in one go! Also have a few photography and wildlife filming projects to continue....... Bet your itching to get out on the PCT now!!
Ahh sounds freakin sweet mate. Love that section of the SWCP. Been there a few times as you know. Will you complete the whole coast path in sections eventually? Haha ahh yeah man, really excited. But my Dad’s fallen quite ill after having multiple strokes a couple of weeks ago so, I’m not sure what’s happening at the moment. Still on for now, but if he gets worse may have to postpone 😔
@@thetrailhunter4469 I would love to do it all in one go but until then I'll be doing sections.....I am sorry to hear that about your dad sending positive vibes and a speedy recovery! Take it easy mate 👍
@@gonewild1220 I hope you get the chance to do it some day. Thanks dude, I think if he's not well it would be really bad if I was in the middle of nowhere and something happened. Maybe I'll just do the SWCP instead. Was talking to a friend about the San Camino way in Spain. Sounds amazing and not too far from home. Have you heard of it?
West highland Way in April. Trail runners? Hiking shoes? Waterproof or not
Andrew Skurka hiked the Alaska Yukon expedition in trail runners over 4,000 miles off trail. 💪 but always hike in what you’re comfortable with.
@@thetrailhunter4469 thanks. I think I'll stick with my trail runners.
Thanks a lot. I think I'll go dry and light.
Weather&Terrain?: Wet,damp,muddy,windy,cold Sussex England.
Edit: just bagged a pair of Altra LP 4.5 from my local indie Jog Shop in Brighton. One step closer. Thanks for your reviews :)
Love that shop. Got my first pair of proper running shoes there. Good memories.
Great info!!
I appreciate sturdy footwear. Other than some formal/semi-formal pairs, it's all I wear. This aside, by the end of your video I recalled an old Black Sabbath song: Faeries Wear Boots.
Anyone can wear boots, or trail runners or shoes if they want. So long as it's the right footwear for the conditions and the objective.
the new balance shoes are running shoes right?
Could you hike in Timbs ?
Im looking for an all rounder, the new balance minimus, the track looks short, will it not slip on fine grade soil paths?
Great advice regarding type of shoe, but what type of sock do you wear, in particular to avoid blisters? TIA.
Great stuff, glad you found it useful! I just use a thin sport sock for 3 season so my feet aren’t squished into the shoe and something a little thicker like a proper running sock in the winter. My feed get wet in the winter but my Altras dry on the dash of my car pretty quick. Thanks for watching!
For my thru-hike in 2018 I wore darn tough's. In the beginning I wore two pairs of socks (a thin liner and a thick outer sock), but this gave me an extreme amount of blisters as the two socks would create a lot of friction. I would say it depends on your type of shoes. For trail runners I feel like most kinds of socks work for me, but the best solution was a medium thickness sock for my thru-hike. If you are wearing boots I suggest you get the thickest socks you can get for most cushion. I wore a pair of darn tough's when I got the the Sierras - after trying various types of socks whitout luck - and my blisters totally disappeared. This was also when I switched from trail runners to hiking boots. Another good thing about darn tough's is the fact that they have a life time warranty meaning that you can exchange them for free in any hiking store in the USA. Socks wear down over time, so investing in a pair of these would be my best advice to you. This way you can also exchange them to another type of sock (thin, medium and thick) if you feel like it - all for free. Have a nice day.
Has anyone walked the entire CDT or PCT in Danner Mtn Lights?
I think your scenarios were a bit too advanced. If I’m hiking 500+ miles, I’d be no beginner to the ‘hiking show game’. What about several 5-10mi trails 2-3 times a day for a week vacation? Beginner stuff
My channel is for a wide range of viewers with a wide range of experience levels. Some people watching this video may be ready to walk 500+ miles. Thanks for the feedback.
Your shit out of luck Stephen is what I'm gathering
Hiking or trail running shoe would be perfect. Just did your exact vacation last week in the southern portion of the AT.
Great questions👍
Thank you mate.. Very helpful
What you recommend for the West Highland way? Was looking to buy altras but i'm not sure. Don't now new balance.
Hi Wouter! Sure so I love my Altras and would recommend them. But they don’t last as long as other trail runners on the market so I’ve heard. Hoka are supported in the community for durability.
@@thetrailhunter4469 thank you for the answer. I was looking at the topo athletic trailventure. Gets good reviews. Durable and as wide as altras, but still light. Gives me a bit more protection against rocks and roots. I will take a look at hoka as well. Thanks again.
Just did the first half of the south downs way wildcamping in some summery Karimor high tops. No blisters, but by the 6th hour of walking my feet were in bits from all the stones underfoot on some of the trails. I was planning on switching to some harder sole boots like Brasher's to avoid that for the next half, but in researching, it seems tons of people go for these light weight trail runners. Are they cushioned enough to avoid feeling the stones underfoot?
Funny thing is, using trail runners which do not last isnt exactly environmentally friendly. Leather boots can be resoled and used for years. Trail runners wont last a year of hard use.
what u think about goretex shoes, trailrunnet type? for what conditons do you recomendet them?
Goretex is good in jackets or anything with a shell fabric. In shoes or even boots your feet will still get wet in torrential weather and over time the membrane degrades. I use trail runners and sealskin socks in cold wet weather and works really well and can interchange when the weather is dryer.
@@thetrailhunter4469 thx 😉
Hi mate, What would suggest for Ben Nevis, in August-September time?
Hi Adam. Thanks for watching! I’d go with trail runners if you’re comfortable with them and your ankles are strong enough without the support of a boot. 1lb on your foot is like 6lbs on your back. 👍
Camino de Santiago ??any thoughts
Oooo yes one day! I did the Rota Vicentina and loved it.
Can anyone help, I need a trail shoe with firm sole wide toe box and flex at the toe and loads of cushions inside, please help.
Altra Lone Peak 4.0 are my go-to. Everyone’s different though mind.
@@thetrailhunter4469 thanks trail hunter I'm gonna take the plunge and get a pair
Sure no problem! They have a newer version called the 4.5 which I’ve tested over 200 miles. Still good, but needed a size up from my normal size, laces were too long and the back dug into my heal a bit.
What would you use for the nijmegen march with a year of pre-training? Curious
I’ve never heard of that, but 40 to 50k a day is a good day’s walk so I just read. What’s the elevation gain like? Is it mainly flat?
The Trail Hunter I’m told the first two days it’s mostly flat trail and road. The third is mountainous a bit. Last day is flat again. My ultra marathon buddy says a medium hike boot. Stability is needed as I spent 20 years in the infantry and my ankles are brutal. The training is what I’m focused on though. It’s winter in Canada in January so walking outside is pretty tough. I’m thinking of starting 10 months out to avoid losing my toe nails. Hahaha. Thoughts?
I personally stick to trail runners for long distance three-season hiking. But each to their own. If your ultra marathon buddy knows the Nijmegen March well then I’d stick to his advice. 👍
The Trail Hunter actually, my ultra friend is a little off his rocker. He has run bare foot for some races. Would you consider maintaining the same shoes or types of shoes through both training and the march?
Sure. I always say, I’m not a certified mountain guide or anything like that, so this is all just from my own experience. If you’re training for a long-distance hike which is mainly flat trail which isn’t smooth IE, has some rocks, stones dust, the temperatures won’t be too low and you’re walking big miles then I suggest a trail runner like an Altra Lone Peak 4.0 or an Altra Olympus or something from Solomon, La Sportiva or similar with zero drop, light weight, breathable and dries fast. Train in conditions and with footwear that you’ll be wearing/experiencing in the real hike, not in the winter. Trail runners will be comfortable and allow your feet to breath which will minimise blisters and other foot problems. Boots will be heavy, chew your feet to shreds and take more energy to swing in your pace. In the mountainous section, the trail runners will provide as much grip as a boot without the weight and discomfort. I’ve used my Altra Lone Peak 4.0s for long trails, scrambling up mountains and in wet muddy conditions and while your feet will get wet, they will drain and dry as you walk. Wear a thin sport sock to allow your feet to breath and dry. My advice to you, practice with both a trail runner and a boot and see how to get on, your feet unique to you. But yeah, I reckon a trail runner will see you well on the hike. Hope that helps. Russ
Nice.
Still good advice almost two years later, thanks M8!
Good advice. Simple and effective. Regards from India :)
Thanks very much! Glad you found it useful.
All I got from this video is you've got about 12 pairs of specialised shoes 😅
Failed video, he's talking about boots yet, all we see is his face planted right inside the camera.
I'm more confused why every video for outdoor gear, hiking, camping and mountain biking features British personalities??
What’s wrong with us Brits?
Because we are as tough as the boots that are being reviewed.
What do you recommend for very technical mountainous terrain on steep ground with both rock and soft boggy ground and some scrambling required?
Hey! If there's no snow or ice then it all depends on personal preference. In winter conditions though I always recommend a boot which can be equipped with crampons on that kind of terrain.
Hi, what would you use for 7-10 day hike in scotland/ ireland in late summer? Something lightweight with goretex is good idea?
Thanks for watching! Sure, I’d go for a trail shoe like an Altra or Hokah or Innovate. Something that drains and dries fast, super comfy and light weight. I find regardless of whether your footwear are Goretex your feet will get wet eventually but will take longer to dry. 👍
@@thetrailhunter4469 Thanks, i still cannot decide which trail to take: west highland way, skye trail or the kerry way. Any advice? :P