3 Reasons NOT to use Trail Runners for Backpacking & Hiking | But why I still do & always will!

Can you wear trail runners for backpacking and hiking? What is better, hiking boots vs trail runners? Will hiking boots last longer than trail runners for backpacking or hiking? How long will trail running shoes for backpacking last? I'll share with you 3 reasons why trail running shoes may not be right for backpacking and hiking, but why they are still my preferred footwear for almost all my outdoor adventures. We'll get into how long trail runners last compared to boots, are trail runners water proof, and what about ankle support with trail running shoes? I'll also share some tips on how to pick good trail running shoes for backpacking and hiking.

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0:00 Intro
0:22 Why I started using trail runners
1:10 Skip to the end of the story
1:22 3 reasons not to use trail runners
2:14 Why I still use trail runners
5:05 Tips for buying trail runners for backpacking and hiking
6:31 Bloopers

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[WannaKamaka]

I've heard from some hikers that waterproof shoes are not the way to go. They trap moisture in, hence your socks and shoes won't dry off as quickly.

[g.b.]

There is a study published by the NIH: "The effect of high-top and low-top shoes on ankle inversion kinematics and muscle activation in landing on a tilted surface." It specifically addresses the myth of high tops giving support and protecting ankles for sprains.

[sqdr]

I'm a hiker and I love both. For me, it depends on terrain. I like hiking boots for rocky surfaces. I rarely feel the rocks underfoot. If less aggressive terrain runners rule.

[BM-msgr]

Good post, I like that you clearly say, trail runners are not for everyone. Re the wide toebox, I’m using Keen boots with the mesh upper, they’re fantastic right out of the box, might want to try ✌🏻

[KevinNeustadter]

I went to Philmont (New Mexico) many years ago (1980 and 1982). I remember the rangers (who backpacked with us for the first two days) wore running shoes of the day (Nike Waffle running shoes) and didn't have a problem with full backpacks. I would say that if you worked up your mileage in a good running shoe, you probably won't have a problem. I agree on using a good running shoe with good cushioning.

[BackpackingwithBuckley]

I've switched as well but I still wear boots in the winter. Great idea for a video!

[KettleCamping]

Great video... we switched to trail-runners a few years ago for hiking, backpacking and even canoe-camping-portaging trips mainly to be lighter and have never looked back. (Although we were initially nervous about lack of ankle support, especially in rougher areas but have had now issues). Salomon’s SpeedCross have (had?) a Gortex version which have held up beautifully for both actual trail-running and backpacking (great tip about buying the “older” model).. Sportiva have been a favourite too but not waterproof. Cheers to more dirt!

[felixt]

Hoka Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX gives you ankle support plus Gortex.

[natureisallpowerful]

I used trail runners last year on a 100+ hike no problems. Stupidly switched to boots this year and sat here with battered feet .lesson lesson learned. Soloman for me

[MyLifeOutdoors]

I swear by waterproof! And prefer hiking boots. My feet don’t get hot like some people. So the breathability isn’t as big for me. And Iv twisted my ankle too many times...but I am testing out some hiking shoes right now. Hope to do a review

[magnmfc]

Altra Lone Peak mid with a short gator so I don’t stop every few miles to get small rocks out 😎

[Lam-hemj]

The great Russian climber Anatoli Boukreev who summited Everest 4 times only wore sneakers when ice not involved. He said he could spot Americans right away because they always have high dollar boots on. So, I just wear running shoes or trail runners for all of my hiking.

[noodlesthest]

When it's 'dry' waterproof boots are better to me because where I live there is always thick wet mud. So your feet will always be wet if you don't have waterproof boots. But if it rains and the waterproof boots get wet they simply will not dry whereas trail runners will.

As for comfort I insist this is simply a matter of finding the right boot or shoe. I found the right hiking boot for me and no matter how long I hike my feet will simply never hurt or blister.

[richardmbarrelmaker]

I have used the 'ALL WTHR' lone peaks in scotland, they didn't let any water in

[keithkreatives]

Thinking about transitioning from Salomon X Ultra Mids to Altra Olympus 5. Thoughts?

[BrentonCarr]

Waterproofing is overrated. Goretex wears out super quickly and then they leak and you’re walking around in buckets full of water. Better to have them drain and dry quickly.

[BackpackingwithBuckley]

P.S. ...I didn't realize how new you were to your channel. I would have never guessed! You must have some editing experience. You're legit dude. If you had the Pumps in 4th grade you must be from my generation, or close. Where's your grey hair man?

[viveviveka]

Some people turn their ankles much more easily than others. People who have spent years walking, running, or hiking almost exclusively on level (esp. side-to-side) surfaces lose strength in muscles that help stabilize the ankle on slanted surfaces....

[nevanoconnell]

I mean to me it seems that a good fitting shoe is a good fitting shoe, trail runners are lighter and I know personally with a light pack and dry weather can walk further than that same trip in boots, but given I'm on the poor student grind and cannot afford any backpacking gear from this millennium which of course means heavy gear and live and area in a very densely wooded temperate rainforest I need boots a lot of the time.

[florianbi]

Do you know a company making shoes with a wider toebox apart from barefoot shoes?