My thoughts exactly Russell. Thanks for the comment!

Hey Josh,

That’s a really great question. It’s tough to say until you actually get on the trail and feel the shoes for yourself. Most people have different strides and footfalls, so what feels comfortable for one might not be comfortable for another. That’s a crappy answer, but what I would recommend is going to a store like REI where they will have a bunch of different models with differing offsets. Try on a bunch of shoes, walk around the entire store, and use their little rock incline display. That’ll give you a good feel for what will be comfortable for you. The shoes you pick should be immediately comfortable to you, even in the store. No break in period required. Hope that helps a little!

Dave

Just completed a 5 day, 42 mile, 8,000′ trip with 26 pound pack. This was my first multi day trip with trail runners (La Sportiva Helios). The first couple days were fine foot wise. However, then I got a blister on the toe next to little toe on my left foot. Before the trip I had read Andrew Skurka’s book The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide and maybe should have spent more time reading pages 70-71 on how to care for your feet.

I do a lot of day hiking and had only recently switched to trail runners. On shorter overnight backpack trips I would have a small amount of blistering between toes. I could likely have saved myself from some painful hiking on blisters if I had read what Andrew wrote more closely. The last sentence in his foot care section:

"… And blisters between toes can be solved with Injinji toe socks."

Do you have any experience with toe socks? Good or bad? Andrew suggests one downside to them being that they can be time-consuming to get on or off when wet. Note that I was getting blisters between my toes even wearing my big Zamberlan Vioz boots. I just didn’t hike far enough (maybe only 25-30 miles or less) to get to the point where the blisters were winning.

Great article but I had a question about the qualities you are pointing out — weight, breathability, comfort. I recently moved to an area in the White Mountains of AZ (very arid) where I have the ability to hike many types of trails whenever I want with a 10-15 min drive so I’m getting into hiking/backpacking. I currently use a Nike FS Lite Trainer II that I already had and it works great. Aggressive sole, extremely light, exceptional breathability, and comfortable but was looking to get something a bit more trail specific if you will. I certainly know the blister issues and I fully understand weight and breathable but the soft and flexible for comfort is what I was curious about. I use the Nike shoe and it feels fine on less rigorous terrain but once it gets a bit nasty with things little 3 foots drops or jagged rock formations it gets a lot less fine. Would a trail running shoe remedy that or would it be better to go with a stiffer more supportive boot such as Solomon mid possibly high cut boot?

I guess worth mentioning quality laced boots do not bother me as they might some. I have worn boots regularly for over a decade anything from military service to working in the mining industry so the weight (within reason) isn’t much of a factor for my accustomed legs. I do use my work boots on occasion (wheh I’m doing more off trail type stuff.) but they are 8" insulated, waterproof, steel toed monstrosities that wouldn’t work for long miles though wonderful for support. Even in those beastly insulated boots during 110° heat my feet do not sweat much if any so I don’t struggle from that blister causing issue either.

Absolutely Miguel,

For starters check out my lightweight shoes video – https://www.DuskHiker.com/lightweight-gear-basics/episode-8-lightweight-footwear-trekking-poles

To make a long story short, wear trail running shoes. You’re looking for a comfortable shoe probably .5-1 size larger than you normally wear, because feet swell on long days of hiking. Look for good traction, a thick comfortable sole, and a wide enough toe box. You also don’t want any shoe that will require a break in period. They should be comfortable right out of the box. Lightweight gaiters will help keep debris out of your shoes and synthetic running socks will keep your feet dry.

If you have more questions after watching the video, let me know. Also, this article will also be helpful – https://www.DuskHiker.com/blog/ditch-boots

Have a good one!

🙂 i should have figured it out!
so if i and my wife decide to do 1000 to 1500 miles on the PCT starting in California , and we will, what would you recommend? (regarding shoes/boots and socks) would you please help us with a "feet strategy". 🙂
thanks!

Thanks Miguel!

Oh man, let me tell you, I know a lot about hiking in snow with trail running shoes. More than I want to know. And the short answer is, it’s not pretty. When you encounter small amounts of snow, it’s not bad at all. Even sections of snow that are 100-200 yards long won’t be too bad, as long as you’re mostly hiking on trail and not in the snow. When that balance flips, you’re going to have wet cold feet, which won’t kill you, but isn’t great. When my buddy Marshall and I hiked the PCT we spent 2-3 weeks hiking in heavy snow through the Sierras. We had wet and cold feet for most of that time and it was tough, but not dangerous. If you keep moving, your body stays warm and your feet will be relatively comfortable, but in those circumstances (heavy snow) boots are definitely better. We were thru-hiking so we didn’t have that option. We survived and have a good story to tell, but you’re absolutely correct, there are pros and cons with every type of backpacking gear. In heavy snow, boots are a better option.