Backpacking
Boots?
By 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.
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.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com
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