[pct-l] Running Shoes vs. boots

[Fuzz McPherson]

I wear trail running shoes a lot.  I would go out on the trail expecting to be able to use a pair hiking for at least 1,000 miles.  The cushion etc. would be pounded down, so running in them that long probably wouldn't be advisable.

I've found that the sole is great in mud and for control, stopping power, etc., in comparison with just regular running shoes on trail.  I don't have much input on the comparison between boots and trail running shoes for stopping, mud, etc.  

The lower sole and heel, though, in my opinion should help you avoid an injury to your ankles if you were to roll your ankle while wearing a trail running shoe as compared to doing the same with boots on, except that maybe your boots have enough ankle support to compensate for the higher heel.

The shoes stay cooler, too, than boots, by far, which should help you avoid blisters, etc.

The biggest thing I'd say is before commiting to whatever it is you are gonna wear for thousands of miles, try em each out for a couple of hundred.  It's worth the investment.





________________________________
From: "ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com" <ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com>
To: Wes Rose <wb104475 at sbcglobal.net>; pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 11:57:49 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Running Shoes vs. boots

Ok, everybody, help me out with understanding something,

>>From what I have seen of trail running shoes and lightweight boots, their 
heels are virtually non-existent. Since the vertical face of the heel in the 
instep of a traditional boot is used as a tremendous braking device, I have 
to assume that these runners and lightweight boots must not work very well 
in a panic stop and slip on things like pebbles on hard trail.

How well do runners work with quick/panic stops on common trail conditions?

If their rubber is softer to be "grippy," don't they wear out fast, as 
compared to dense Vibram boot soles?

If they wear out fast and you have to leave the trail a few times on a 
5-month trip to find and buy more, won't the total expense of runners begin 
to equal or at least approach that of a decent hiking boot?

If the shoes feel great when you have a lightweight pack on, what happens to 
your feet when your weight goes up with your Sierra extra gear?

Mtnned
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Wes Rose" <wb104475 at sbcglobal.net>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 7:25 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Trail Running Shoes so great?


> Hi Ned,
>
> The bite of the trail shoe is grippy and rugged, designed to reduce 
> slippage.  The
> advanced flexibility of the typical trail shoe (as compared to a boot) 
> would should
> reduce foot injuries you mentioned.  Most trail shoes have an adequate 
> scree collar
> that, with gaitors, will reduce or eliminate debris collecting inside the 
> shoe.  These
> shoes are made with more cushion, additional stitching and thicker soles. 
> When
> I'm on a long, rugged descent I'll typically simply tighten up my laces to 
> reduce
> movement.  Plus trail shoes are lighter, they dry faster, they are 
> normally a little
> less expensive than boots and let's face it, they just look better!  : )
>
> Wes
> Ok.  It seems evident that trail runners are highly spoken of and their
> negatives are either not talked about or lived with.
>
> What I want to know is what are those negatives? All I've heard of is wet
> and/or cold feet for days. You mean the following don't occur with these
> shoes and no one has ever had an injury or had to leave the trail because 
> of
> shoe problems?
>
> Slip and Falls
> Frostbite
> too many rocks in the shoes
> Plantar Fasciitis
> Achilles Tendonitis
> ripped or torn uppers
> sole separations/delaminations
> Sprained/Strained Ankles/Tendons
> jammed toes from soft uppers
> numerous blisters from too roomy a shoe
>
> Just curious....
>
> Mtnned
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