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Backpacking Boots?
Steve Gillman
Backpacking boots or any of the traditional hiking boots may
have their place. That place just isn't on my feet. If you don't
have specific problems with your ankles, there isn't snow on the
ground, and you don't carry more than thirty pounds on your
back, try running shoes. You'll be so happy that you did.
Backpacking or hiking boots are heavy, hot, stinky, and stay wet
forever. Decent running shoes can be as light as one pound per
pair, while most hiking boots top three pounds. Army research
showed that a pound on your feet is like five on your back (some
say six), so three-pound boots naturally leave you more tired at
the end of the day.
Backpacking Boots And Ankle Support
Some backpackers argue for the necessity of ankle support, but
throughout history people managed without stiff ankle-supporting
boots. Even if you are carrying thirty pounds on your back,
consider the fact that there are people walking around that
weigh 60 pounds more than you, and without problems. It is an
issue of weak ankles, not a lack of support. To solve this
problem, try walking a little each week on uneven ground (not in
the mall).
While some may really need hiking boots, why not be sure your
ankle problems are not just due to a lack of exercise before you
settle for backpacking in heavy boots. It is true you may need
hiking boots if you carry more than thirty pounds when you
backpack. The solution to that is to cut the weight down.
Why Running Shoes?
Your feet will stay cooler in a good running shoes than in
hiking boots, and this means fewer blisters. Once I switched to
running shoes and lightweight socks years ago, I stopped getting
blisters, and I don't mean fewer blisters. I mean no blisters. I
haven't had one blister since I switched, not even after a
110-mile 7-day trek in the Rockies, for example.
For socks, I have used nothing but thin nylon dress socks for
years. They are cheap, and they weigh less than an ounce per
pair. That makes it easy to carry enough fresh socks. They also
can be easily rinsed out and dried quickly. My feet won't
tolerate hotter socks now, although I do bring a warmer pair for
sleeping or for cold weather.
Unless you have size 13 feet, you should be able to find good
running or hiking shoes that are under two pounds per pair.
Carry a kitchen scale to the shoe store if you have to.
Unfortunately, catalogs sometimes don't show weights, so you'll
have to guess which hiking shoes are lighter based on the
description and photo.
The higher quality shoes have soles stitched to the uppers. Look
under the insoles to check this. A removable insole is another
sign of quality shoes. Usually you can find a good pair of
running shoes under 28 ounces and under $80, or half of that on
closeouts.
Until you try it, you won't know how liberating it is to ditch
the heavy pack and heavy boots and hit the trail in running
shoes. Go more miles more comfortably. Run up a hill just to see
what's there. I haven't yet met a person who has tried
backpacking in hiking shoes or running shoes - and then returned
to backpacking boots.
About the author:
Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight
backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and a free
book can be found at http://www.TheUltraligh
tBackpackingSite.com
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