Backpacking footware

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Soldato
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So, those that went travelling, what did you wear?

I just replaced my old hiking boots with Salomon mid GTX's. But instantly thought I should have gone for boots as the salomons don't support the ankle and are more of a trainer design. Thoughts?

Worst case I will head back to the hiking shop tomorrow to swap them over for something more supportive.
 
If it is warm or hot take something that is well ventilated. I took trainers around Europe last summer and my feet were often soaked in sweat. :(
 
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King4aDay said:
What sort of terrain and climate are we talking here?
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I will be using them in india and china, India mainly just walking on flat terrain with a few days forest trekking, china, proper mountain trekking.

Should have gone with boots lol
 
I had some breathable walking shoes when I was travelling around Europe, however it was mostly roads and paved areas.

For treking around India and China I would imagine the shoes that you have picked up should be alright so long as they are breathable.
 
I would probably go with non-GTX boots for maximum breathability, but also take a pair of sealskinz socks (waterproof) for occasions when you really don't want wet feet.

Can't really advise further as all my walking involves slogging through peat bogs in Scotland, which poses a different set of challenges!
 
Me and my wife are walking from Mexico to Canada this year, which covers a number of mountain ranges. We are both using light, breathable 'trail runners' for almost all of it.

You don't need big, thick and heavy boots for mountaineering. The only time I would want proper boots it is I needed crampons or I was in very cold conditions, ie snow and ice.

Trail running shoes are lighter (so you burn less calories and tire less), dry a lot faster and allow you to be more agile. Yes, they don't support your feet as much, but then your feet are designed to act as suspension and support. You just need to make sure you strengthen them over time.

As for trail running shoes drying faster, one important part to this (And where we have struggled finding the perfect shoes for our expediton) is making sure they are linerless, ie are not Goretex. Goretex works ok, but once water gets in (in the big hole where your leg goes, or through sweat) then it makes it very hard to get back our again. Using linerless, very breathable shoes means your feet will get wet faster, but also dry out a lot faster.

For reference, I am using La Sportiva Wildcats, La Sportiva Crosslites, La Sportiva Crossovers & Inov8 315s. My wife is using Salomon Tiana, Salomon XA Pro & Salomon Tiana Mids.

:)
 
King4aDay said:
I would probably go with non-GTX boots for maximum breathability, but also take a pair of sealskinz socks (waterproof) for occasions when you really don't want wet feet.

Can't really advise further as all my walking involves slogging through peat bogs in Scotland, which poses a different set of challenges!
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Sealskins are ok, but also very thick and take ages to dry. If you can get hold of them, the Rocky Goretex socks or Gore socks work better. They are basically just the Goretex part, without a built in liner like the Sealskins. :)
 
When i travelled SE Asia i spent most of the time in flip flops (had a pair of Merrel trainers aswell but didnt end up wearing them too much). In South America i spent most of the time in Meindl Maine Mid GTX really lightweight and comfy, also pack down nice and flat in my bag.
 
Boots with goretex linings take an iceage to dry if you get them properly wet inside.

I have very good things to say about Lowa boots, but they are expensive. Fit like a glove, available in half sizes and different widths - hands down the most comfortable boot out of the box I've ever had.
 
Messiah Khan said:
Sealskins are ok, but also very thick and take ages to dry. If you can get hold of them, the Rocky Goretex socks or Gore socks work better. They are basically just the Goretex part, without a built in liner like the Sealskins. :)
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Haven't tried the Rockies, but you can pull the liner out of sealskins so they dry out pretty quickly.
 
Having sold hiking footwear and equipment for several years, and having hiked in many places, including Chinese mountains...

I would go for boots personally, especially as that's what you're used to. Don't get me wrong, many people hike in trail-runner type shoes and find it just great. It really comes down to your own feet/ankles.....and everybody is different. However, a good lightweight boot is just more versatile when you're going to be in a variety of conditions.

Try wearing your pack (fully weighted) and hike up and down the stairs a bunch (wearing them inside will let you return them easily if you change your mind) and see how it feels. While not a very realistic test, it can often show up any obvious issues like "oh my god, my ankles feel like they're going to twist off!" :)

I hiked around China in North Face GTX boots. They went through every terrain you can think of. Then I just had a pair of cheapo flip-flops for inside use.
 
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