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Boots vs trail running shoes

Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby Backpacker » Sat Jun 11, 2022 11:16 am

Trainers here as well, made the change over 5 years ago. Done a few big rounds, Cullin etc in them. Never had an issue, what I have noticed is that I don’t roll my ankle as much any more
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby Fiona Reid » Sat Jun 11, 2022 7:36 pm

I wear trail shoes from about April till mid/late October. No issues with ankles and so much lighter than boots. I just accept I'll get wet feet but in summer I'll actively seek out burns to cool my feet down.

I'll never go back to boots year round.
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby Paul Webster » Sun Jun 12, 2022 11:12 am

I prefer trail shoes, unless there's snow. Especially if there's any sort of path. They don't last as long as leather boots though (with few exceptions).

I don't believe there is any scientific evidence that 'ankle support' from boots is a real thing (e.g. see https://www.reddit.com/r/AdvancedBackpacking/comments/27ptbv/research_articles_from_ncbi_debunking_the_myth/).
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby Sgurr » Sun Jun 12, 2022 6:34 pm

This discussion made me think about why I wear light weight boots. Habit I suppose, but the thought of ditching them for trail shoes makes me feel deeply insecure, the problem was that I didn't think I could replace my years old Brashers and after the WHW they are falling to bits. So I went on line and CAN STILL GET THEM Thanks everybody. As the other ones have fallen to bits I no longer have to have purple laces in the right foot and red (of course) in the left to prevent me from taking 2 left feet on holiday.
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby iain_atkinson_1986 » Mon Jun 13, 2022 5:47 pm

At the risk of hijacking this thread, just back from seeing a podiatrist who told me to switch to trail runners or similar. Any recommendations on brand? I've high arches and wide feet if that makes a difference. Might have to buy online and risk returning as not a huge amount of choice in shops near me.
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby cruachan06 » Mon Jun 13, 2022 6:30 pm

iain_atkinson_1986 wrote:At the risk of hijacking this thread, just back from seeing a podiatrist who told me to switch to trail runners or similar. Any recommendations on brand? I've high arches and wide feet if that makes a difference. Might have to buy online and risk returning as not a huge amount of choice in shops near me.


Personally as I said earlier I like Asics trainers - as well as the trail runners my regular running trainers are often Asics as well as I find them a good fit and reasonably priced. My sister has always complained that they don't fit her wide feet, but I've never had an issue - maybe the men's and women's shows fit different though.

Wiggle are often where I buy from as they have deals on, and they also have a run shoe finder to help you choose where you can put in terrain, arch, pronation etc. Plus they give you a free bag of Haribo with every order. :D

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/sc/my-run-shoe-finder#/
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby iain_atkinson_1986 » Mon Jun 13, 2022 6:35 pm

cruachan06 wrote:
iain_atkinson_1986 wrote:At the risk of hijacking this thread, just back from seeing a podiatrist who told me to switch to trail runners or similar. Any recommendations on brand? I've high arches and wide feet if that makes a difference. Might have to buy online and risk returning as not a huge amount of choice in shops near me.


Personally as I said earlier I like Asics trainers - as well as the trail runners my regular running trainers are often Asics as well as I find them a good fit and reasonably priced. My sister has always complained that they don't fit her wide feet, but I've never had an issue - maybe the men's and women's shows fit different though.

Wiggle are often where I buy from as they have deals on, and they also have a run shoe finder to help you choose where you can put in terrain, arch, pronation etc. Plus they give you a free bag of Haribo with every order. :D

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/sc/my-run-shoe-finder#/


Haribo?!

:shock:

Sold!

:lol:
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby SummitViews » Mon Jun 13, 2022 7:09 pm

I'm currently wearing North Face goretex trail shoes which fit my big flat feet perfectly
I need a new pair so looking for any brands which specialise on extra width , any recommendations folks ?
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby WalkWithWallace » Tue Jun 14, 2022 8:02 am

iain_atkinson_1986 wrote:At the risk of hijacking this thread, just back from seeing a podiatrist who told me to switch to trail runners or similar. Any recommendations on brand? I've high arches and wide feet if that makes a difference. Might have to buy online and risk returning as not a huge amount of choice in shops near me.


I'm getting on really well with those Keen NXIS mid boots, wide fitting and they give you the same flexibility of a trail runner, just slightly higher fit than trainers.
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby iain_atkinson_1986 » Tue Jun 14, 2022 12:54 pm

WalkWithWallace wrote:
iain_atkinson_1986 wrote:At the risk of hijacking this thread, just back from seeing a podiatrist who told me to switch to trail runners or similar. Any recommendations on brand? I've high arches and wide feet if that makes a difference. Might have to buy online and risk returning as not a huge amount of choice in shops near me.


I'm getting on really well with those Keen NXIS mid boots, wide fitting and they give you the same flexibility of a trail runner, just slightly higher fit than trainers.


Awesome! I put a comment on your YT vid about them. Definitely on the shortlist.

Cheers :thumbup:
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby mproudfoot » Tue Jun 14, 2022 5:46 pm

I must admit, I was surprised to see the overwhelming votes for trainers/trail runners in this thread - most hillwalkers I encounter on the hills are still in boots. I still prefer boots myself, though I tend to go with lightweight mid boots (Salmon X-Ultra Mids) for easy days (shorter days with mostly path or easy terrain), and my heavier boots (Quest 4Ds) for bigger days and rougher terrain - and almost always with gaiters on for the added water and tick resistance. Even if I did wear runners, I'd probably have gaiters on for the same reasons. I feel like trainers/trail runners just wouldn't offer enough side/forefoot/ankle protection on rougher/rocky terrain and increase the likelihood of wet feet or ticks finding their way up the legs.
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby Scottk » Tue Jun 14, 2022 11:43 pm

Another good reason for gaiters is to stop stones and twigs getting into the shoe.

Salomon do wide fitting and Inov 8 do wide in some models.
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby Veryhappybunny » Thu Jun 16, 2022 7:44 pm

Whichever you choose, you might find waterproof socks a useful addition. I have been very pleased with a pair from EDZ this year.
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby bar72 » Thu Jun 16, 2022 8:32 pm

tend to find I'm a bit more clumsy with heavy boots. Light boots now for heather / pathless hikes and trainers for scree and paths. Waterproof socks were superb during last winter when using boots or trainers. Was charging through hags and burns without a care in the world. Too sticky for this time of the year but great in the colder months.
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Re: Boots vs trail running shoes

Postby Ewen1966 » Fri Jun 17, 2022 8:01 am

Boots for the Heather, boggy stuff. Salomon x ultra walking shoes for the trails. If I'm in France doing a GR in the summer, the walking shoes go on. I still prefer boots and gaiters for the hills and rough passes.
At least we are wearing lightweight boots these days. I still have an old battered pair of Hawkins cairngorms in the attic. I think they weigh more than my tent
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