Why Most Thru-hikers DON'T Use BOOTS On The Appalachian Trail (Footwear, Socks, Camp Shoes, Gaiters)

00:00 Hey Y'all
00:43 Boots vs Trail Runners
02:20 My Experience
04:25 Proper Fit
06:23 Stack Height and Drop
09:51 Replacing Footwear
10:30 Goretex
13:12 Sandals
14:26 Insoles
17:09 Camp Shoes
18:33 SOCKS
23:09 Gaiters

The Trek’s Annual AT Survey

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[josephdolinsky]

Trail shoes make my feet sore - particularly hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains on muddy trails and a lot of granite boulders and slick wet roots/branches. I wear boots - often a lighter hiking boot - but I need a firm sole and better support than I can get with a trail shoe. That’s what works for me.

[jackiemarie]

I wore boots my entire hike and it worked well for me. I stepped around water, was mindful of when I hiked in the rain, and used flip flops for river crossings. What I liked most was the support for my feet and ankles and how warm and waterproof they were. In my experience with wearing boots I didn’t ever sprain my ankle like many do without boots. I’ve worn many type of shoes from chacós to trail runners and I have had success with all of them, but mostly boots and trail runners. I wore 1 pair of boots for my hike which cost me $109. Where as hikers go through around 4 pairs of trail runners on the A.T. which can cost between $300-$400 for a thru-hike.

[stitch]

This has been a great series, Dixie. Well thought out, comprehensive and well put together.

[Flashahol]

The top piece of advice I heard only once - and it took a really honest and patient salesman to admit it - is; the only way to find the right shoe or boot is to try everything in the store.
That's what I've been doing ever since. Takes a while, but I haven't had any problems since.

[gregcoldewey]

Love my Salomon boots. Not much heavier than trail runners and I don’t spend all day dumping pebbles out of my shoes and I just feel more stable.

[climbtibet]

Your wisdom, experience and expertise really shows in a wonderfully light hearted way. Great video and smart smart advice. 👍

[potslite]

When I started hiking (a long long time ago) I chose boots because I was always rolling my ankles and figured I needed the extra protection….even w the rigid boots I ended up severely rolling an ankle and headed to a sports Dr. He gave me advice that changed my life. Instead of using the heavy boots which caused a huge amt of foot, ankle, and leg fatigue which then led to falls and strains, he told me to try trail runners, increase my hiking time very gradually and build up the natural physical support and strength I lacked in my ankles. Since that epiphany, I have only rolled an ankle once in 10 yrs (when I slipped on wet rocks.) The ONLY time I put on heavy boots now is to do mountain summits where temp is an issue.
BTW….everything you said in this video was SPOT ON! All you beginning hikers….pay attention and listen!

[garyleibitzke]

A LONG time ago when I still backpacked it was almost "required" that you needed heavy 5 lb boots or you'd break an ankle. One year I'd crashed my bike a week before a backpacking trip and had sever road rash on my shin going down to near the top of my foot. Needless to say I couldn't wear the boots. I got a pair of low cut hiking shoes and they worked so well I never went back to boots.

[jimihenrik]

I have been using heavy leather boots on all my outdoor endeavors for over 20 years. Hiking, camping, working, bush crafting, scouting, winter survival... They offer superior protecting, longevity and comfort. I also never had any problems with overheating. I find the current trend of putting weight first in every aspect of the outdoor gear industry very disturbing. Many good mountain guides will not take you up a mountain if you aren't wearing proper boots. That being said I absolutely think that footwear is an individual choice and everybody shall use what he likes most. I just don't think that the extreme popularity of trailrunners over boots (that I believe is caused by the industry) is beneficial to the majority of hikers.

[Bobtree]

Dixie, great video. I started with boots. You are so right about boot being durable. But when they get wet from sweat or rain they suck. They will not dry out to be on the trail the next day. I switched to Altra lone peak and last year the Olympus. Love them. They dry easy. And they are comfortable and perform well. I switched to them partly because of bunions. I have not done a thru hike yet. Howev, I have done plenty of ten to 15 milers. And a couple 50+ milers. Performed great.

Also, right again. Don't be cheap on socks.

[donb]

In mountaineering classes, we discussed footwear, because if your feet don't move well you don't move well. Prior to a long outing, go hiking in inclement weather (rain, snow, wind) to learn what gear performs best, and learn how your body responds to different conditions.

[sonora]

Thanks Dixie, great info. People should really listen to her I have been a fan every since she pulled off the 60 + miles in 24 hours on the PCT.

[daven.]

Dixie, this was one of the most helpful videos on trail footwear I’ve watched. I am returning to hiking after a 40-year absence, and my 60-year old dogs are barkin’! After about 3.5 hours, the balls of my feet feel every pebble and I have to leave the trail. The information about stack height was really helpful! In ages past I wore the traditional leather and rigid Vibram boot and remembered all the problems I had with blisters, etc. Today’s footwear options are amazing! I now have to dial-in the right shoe for me so I can get in more time on the trail. Many thanks!

[PapaRocks]

Based on your excellent advice, my wife (Grammy) switched to trail runners. She has never looked back. She is more willing to go hiking since. Thanks Ms. Dixie!!

[justinuriahphoto]

Dang, I just stumbled upon this channel and watched this entire video about socks and shoes. Who knew? 🤷🏼‍♂️ 🤣

[Nejjidragon]

I just did a weekend on the AT in PA and man, I don't know how people make it through there without boots!

[alanwatts]

Great Video. I'm making sure my wife and granddaughters see this. I have been backpacking since the 1970's as a Boy Scout. Spent several years in the Army (where they called it something else). In my 60's I'm still hiking and backpacking with my family. I have used Army surplus gear, Army gear, and garage sale gear. THE ONE THING I DON'T SKIMP ON IS FOOTWARE! I prefer thin, white wicking socks next to my feet with wool socks over them. Rarely have an issue with blisters or other problems. I am a "tenderfoot" with weak ankles so I prefer boots. But my wife prefers rugged trail runners. But she also does the 2 pair of socks method.

[christahiggs]

I always thought I needed hiking boots and that's what I used for a long time. It wasn't until seeing you talking about trail runners that I realized I didn't HAVE to wear big old boots. My trail runners are the best hiking purchase I've ever made!

[caseysmith]

Odd thing is there are some hybrid trail runner/low cut hiker or high top runners that people use. If my brother could run and not have a rather bad Asthma for life, due to his big body size and foot shape he would use Merrill Moab Low cut hikers first designed for the Moab 240 running race originally with the more leather version before trail runners were able to have mesh hold up better in regular trail shoes. My brother using the wide but the more mesh lite/light versions of still made more for hiking since he uses the High Top version Merril Moab Hiker II for everyday use and has a low top/II as a standard shoe he wears less. Depending on the terrain and season I would use either some old trail runner shoes all Brooks Cascadia models no longer good for running but for other less high impact for hiking due to the rock plate or my Timberland model of shoes but only if winter due to the upper being all leather so the cold can't get in yet have both my chain, Ice Chains from Yak Track and no brand higher quality spiked slip on traction. Xero Shoes has some super minimal that the least durable trail models including trail running shoes and sport shoes will last enough to go from LA California to DC and some can go LA California to DC and back to LA in distance due to the type of rubber used with no midsole at all just a sock-liner that can be replaced/removed.

[montyollie]

I love how you talk about what works for you but fully acknowledge how all bodies are different. I could never hike in shorts like you do... I sunburn so easily and bug bites get me down. I'm MUCH happier in full length pants. Same with no show socks... too much opportunity for something to get in my shoe, so I go with crew. We all HYOH though and everyone is happy. I am very lucky in that Altras worked SO well for me out of the gate, I didn't struggle with blisters or plantar facsiitis or anything. You can get knock off Lock Laces from Ali Express for about a buck a pair. I have STOCKED UP although I have recently learned about lock lacing with that extra hole on the runner and it's a game changer for normal laces.