Trail Runners vs. Hiking Boots

Wow, I have the same problem as you do. I went up Mt. Kilimanjaro and (worse) came back down. Both my big toe nails were purple and the doctor said I would loose them (but thankfully I didn't). It was uncomfortable especially coming down. I bought a pair of Merrell low tops which hurt my big toes even more than the mid-Merrells I used on Kilimanjaro. They are going back tomorrow. Now what? I'm going to research the Olympus Ultra a lot more and since I always need more room in the toe box, I will try them and hope they give me some relief. Going to Inca Trail in Peru in May and need some good shoes. Thank you very much for this video.

Yes! Mt san jacinto! Did you end up doing Mt Baden Powell? Its next to Wrightwood. It happens to he the highest pt in the pct south of the Sierra nevadas.

Did you ever have problems with rolling your ankle? I thru hiked the AT last year and started with trail runners for 400 miles and rolled my ankles 10 times a day. Switched to mid height boots for the rest of the trail with no problems.

I have a horrible time getting shoes to fit as my right foot is 2 sizes wider and 1 size larger than my left. Living in Dallas with a huge running community and several large running stores you'd think I could find something to fit in trail runners. Ahhhhhh no. No one stocks EE widths. However, www.runningwarehouse.com has an entire section of wide running shoes including wide trail runners, free shipping, no tax and free returns. I went with some New Balance Leadville's in EE width. Changed out the factory innersoles and so far so good.

I keep seeing the Altra's everywhere. How are the insoles in those things? I always hike with the Superfeet green insoles. Do you think the Altra's would be compatible with the Superfeet insoles?

That green shoe looks comfy...but...ugleeeee....but who cares if yer feet feel good

I use both...La Sportiva Wildcats works great for trail hiking but my many Asolo boots are preferred when hiking in cooler months off trail.

I've had three pairs of those Keens and what I'm finding is that while they are very comfortable for short hikes, they are a big pain on anything over 10 miles. I'll see how those Altras work for me. Hopefully REI will get them back in stock soon. Thanks!

When you say ultralight, what kind of pack weight are you talking about? For instance your first day on the OHT, how much did your pack weigh? Thanks for the discussion video on the various options.

I went with trail runners last year and love them...won't be going back to the heavy boots. Great video...where's the puppy?