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Author: 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
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 ( Next Page )
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