Boots, Hiking Shoes, or Trail Runners - Choosing Your Hiking Footwear
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- Finding the right footwear for your trip to Philmont is one of the most important gear decisions you can make. In this video, I discuss what options are the best options available and how to go about choosing what may be right for you. In the end, I give some tips for getting your footwear right.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highly recommended boots -
Salomon Quest 4d GTX - bit.ly/3aaaVk8
Altra Lone Peak Mid - bit.ly/35nK5VE
Merrell Moab Mid WP - bit.ly/2YUAVva
Salomon X Ultra Mid GTX - bit.ly/3aEcBTX
Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX - bit.ly/36NkvZS
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - bit.ly/3cPHl7k
Hiking Shoes -
Salomon X Ultra 3 Low GTX - bit.ly/3rvpI0E
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator (non-waterproof) - bit.ly/2MI746H
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof - bit.ly/36NOTDw
Oboz Sawtooth II Low - bit.ly/39UcYuk
Merrell Moab FST 2 - bit.ly/3tsXOUC
Trail Runners
Altra Lone Peak - bit.ly/3z25pMI
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat - bit.ly/2MKqx6K
Salomon Supercross - bit.ly/2Oi10m9
Brooks Cascadia - bit.ly/2LvXL9A
La Sportiva Wildcat - bit.ly/3aGHya3
Salomon Speedcross - bit.ly/3rHl2VB
Sandals - Water Shoes
Cros - Closed Toe - amzn.to/3atl1yI
Keen H2 - Closed Toe - amzn.to/3s06CQm
Adidas Adilette Slides - amzn.to/2NiyRuK
Aleader - Closed Toe - amzn.to/3ar4zyK
Xero Shoes Z Trail Sandals - bit.ly/3aLSeE6
Xero Shoes Prio - Closed Toe - bit.ly/2ZsDTHA
Xero Shoes Mesa Trail - Closed Toe - bit.ly/2ZsHQMB
💥 My Gear Lists 💥
Philmont - www.lighterpack.com/r/3vjwoy
Hammock - www.lighterpack.com/r/81i7aq
Ground - www.lighterpack.com/r/9ozxjl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
💻 Connect With Me 💻
Instagram - / andyparrishoutdoors
Facebook Group - / 1633575003471676
Philmont Facebook Group - Philmont Trek Talk - Prep, News, Info - / 455632648316853
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philmont Gear Lists Recommendations
Guidebook to Adventure - www.philmontscoutranch.org/wp...
Equipment List - www.philmontscoutranch.org/ph...
Shakedown Guide Pt 1 - www.philmontscoutranch.org/wp...
Shakedown Guide Pt 2 - www.philmontscoutranch.org/wp...
Philmont Preparation Sessions: Episode 3 - Footwear For Philmont Treks - • Philmont Preparation S...
This video description does include affiliate links. Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you!
#AndyParrishOutdoors
0:00 Intro
0:30 Overview
2:26 Philmont Environment
4:13 Philmont Recommendations
5:16 Other Options?
5:43 Boots
10:30 Hiking Shoes
12:48 Trail Runners
17:21 Sandals
20:09 Pairing Your Footwear
27:02 How to Choose?
32:42 Tips & Tricks
36:11 Summary & Specific Recommendations
37:09 Conclussion
Have you found the option that works best for you? Have you changed your setup over the shakedowns?
If so, leave it in the comments below!
My last summer at Philmont I worked OATC, and hiked/worked in my vasque breeze. Although a great boot I was disappointed how quickly they wore down so I decided to retire them and try out some new options. Trail runners are definitely becoming more and more popular. I am definitely a boot lover and I prefer a real stiff boot, so I got the Lowa Renegades. They are definitely not a great boot for everyone but I love them! I had one participant hike in trail runners and will tell you he didn’t have a single regret. My dad on the other hand tried out trail runners and hated it because he said he could feel every single rock.
I think trail runners are great for those ultra light backpackers, but the majority hikers at Philmont are not ultra light so I would always recommend a boot. Always good to know your feet, and I don’t recommend trying out a new shoe on your Philmont trek lol. Great insightful video! The wrong shoe can ruin your entire trek.
So much good insight in your comment. I am a big believer that everyone has to figure out what will work best for them. No one option with work for everyone. Trail Runners may work for some, but others will prefer the rock shield of the hiking shoes, or the extra rigidity of the boots. And there are lots of variety within each category. For example a few trail runners will have rock shields built in to help protect from the issue your dad mentioned. But the other categories will have more substantial protection.
Taking the time to figure out what each category offers and where they are weak can help speed up the decision process... Then, once you choose, test your choice out thoroughly on shakedown hikes. Be prepared and know before you go... that your choice works for you!
Thanks Emma for the thoughtful response!!!
Great video! I just sent the link to all the parents of the Scouts who are coming with our troop to Philmont this summer. For my first three Philmont treks, I wore Merrell Moab boots. They were great, but when I decided to do a 343-mile solo hike last summer on the Superior Hiking Trail, I switched to Brooks Cascadia trail runners. I figured that at age 60, I need all the advantages I could get! They worked well, and were part of the reason I was able to average 15.6 miles per day on some tough terrain, so I'm going to use them at Philmont this summer. I'm bringing croc knock-offs because they are so light and can be strapped to the outside of my pack. Oh, and I lightened my pack from 45-50 pounds down to 35-40 pounds -- HUGE difference.
Hey Tom, Thanks for watching and sharing! Trail Runners were a game changer for me. Glad you found the Brooks. They have a huge following. Keep working on your base weight. every pound counts. You may also find this valuable - ruclips.net/video/xsJk80uMejM/видео.html
I love that you are taking on various "controversial" gear choices from a deeper level than most folks.
Some folks aren't comfortable going head-on against the Official recommendations that PSR publishes. (I do not suffer that affliction 🙂 )
But footwear makes a HUGE difference in whether someone has a good experience on the trail or not. My Father wore old-school HEAVY hiking boots on my first trek in 1990 and he was miserable.
In my experience, the waterproof hiking boots that PSR suggests would be just about my last choice.
There are so many great options out there. I hope that people will at least be aware of the other options. They all have pros and cons. We just have to decide what is the best option for each of us. If you've always done the boots, maybe start with trying the hiking shoes. They will provide the most similar feel and experience to the hiking boot with a little more flexibility. That may be enough to open your eyes to a whole new world. Now, not everyone is going to find it as a slam dunk, better option, but being prepared is often about studying new options to see if they may be an improvement or not. The landscape of choices continues to evolve. We should be aware of those changes.
Personally, I'm waiting for the hover boards from Back to the Future to arrive... just don't use them over water...
I agree on water proof shoes....only for wet and cold environments.....
Thanks for another great video Andy. As others have commented, this is a hugely controversial topic, no matter how you present it, but one that will always benefit from unbiased and informative videos like this one.
IMHO, the main reason that this is so controversial is due to the fact that the humble shoe is our physical interface with the trail. It is what allows us to FEEL the trail. It also give us comfort, support, protection, and confidence. I find that whenever feelings like these are involved in the decision making process it just makes it harder.
If I could stress the importance of any single piece of advice from this video, I would say that going to an outfitter that has a generous return policy and trying different footwear and USING IT ON TRAIL is the #1 thing everyone needs to do. Miles with a pack are more important than finding similar terrain to Philmont so I always suggest a good 7-10 mile hike for each pair that you want to try. You might know in a mile that a show isn't going to work for you, but you will definitely know after a good long hike! Better to know a show works when you are close to home than summiting to 12,000' at Philmont. For me once I find the model shoe that I wanted, I get it in 3 sizes to fine tune the fit. Also, make sure that you try on different versions of the model (v2, v3, v4) as the last for each version changes from version to version. You may be a size 10 in a version 3 but a size 11 in a version 4.
The only other pieces of information that I would offer are on lacing techniques and knots and proper insole selection and use. REI has a great article on shoe lacing so I wont rehash it here. I personally use the Surgeon’s Knot to lock my heel in better, and have taught this to many scouts as a way to help keep their boots tied longer.
www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/lacing-hiking-boots.html
The second item, proper insole selection and use, is what took my hiking to the next level. I was having very bad knee and foot pain that ended up being a mechanics and positioning issue that was completely fixed with a properly selected insole. You can talk to the salesman when you go to the outfitter about what they offer, but to really get a professionals opinion I would highly recommend that when everyone goes to get their physical to ask their doctor for a referral to a podiatrist. It took 30 minutes of my day and it changed my life.
As for my Philmont footwear, I used the Altra Lonepeak 4 RSM Mids with Altra Gaiters (another MUST HAVE for Philmont), Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Socks, and Physix Gear Sport insoles. With a 11lb base weight and my build, my shoes tend to last 600 miles or so before the soles begin to wear out. I will be switching to a low version for the spring, mainly to try a model that does not come in a mid. For anyone that has not tried footwear with a wide toe box like the Altra, I highly recommend trying a pair. They are a game changer!
Thanks again for putting these videos together. I can't wait to see what you tackle next!. Be well.
Grateful
Great points, Michael.
I love the Altra Lone Peaks as well. I've worn mostly the low trail runners for much of 2019 and 2020. I love their rock plate for extra foot protection. It is not very common in trail runners. I took the dirty girl gaiters to Philmont to help with keeping sand and rocks out of my shoes. They worked great.
I took the Lone Peak Mids (boots) with me on my 4 day trip to the Marron Bells outside of Aspen CO this past September and I thought they were super comfortable as well, as a mid-size boot. Thanks so much for watching and dropping a comment. 👍
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Which version of the Lone Peak did you go with? Yes the rock plate is awesome! I am so spoiled by gaiters, I even wear them mountain biking too, I just can't stand the rocks in my shoes!
@@gratefulhikes I took the Lone Peak 4 lows to Philmont in 2019 with my dirty girl gaiters. I was planning to go in the Salomon Quest 4D GTX boots but during the shakedown hikes, I made the change to the Lone Peak 4s. This video was the 2nd shakedown hike in the boots but a little bit after this trip, I made the adjustment - ruclips.net/video/NkZVCv6koR4/видео.html.
Great analysis! (Though it will probably start a huge debate)🤪
I really wanted to make it more about strengths and weaknesses in the hopes of creating more discussions... There are many great solutions in each category...
Hopefully this give some scouts & parents a good launching point in their footwear search.
Thanks Bill for watching & commenting.
I’m prepping as a 40yo adult who did three treks back in the mid 90’s. The most comfortable my feet ever were was when I wore the same pair of black doc martens I had been wearing to school for the whole previous year. We even had an adult leader on a sister trek that rocked lowcut converse all stars the whole trek.
There are lots of different options out there for sure...
Lightweight, breathability, and foot bed support (shank or rock plate) is number one consideration. Your ankle is designed to move. If extra ankles need support is desired, add a slip-on ankle support/brace to your shoes; additional support for less weight.
I'm in that camp as well...
For anyone who can't decide between boots and shoes/trail runners, I highly recommend considering the MACV-1 6" boots made by GoRuck. As a State Guardsman, I've worn various brands of combat boots for years. As a hiker and backpacker, I've been partial to Keen'x hiking shoes. The GoRucks are literally the most comfortable footwear I've ever worn. They're an updated version of the classic USGI jungle boots - lightweight, quick drying with eyelets that force out water, rubber soles with just the right amount of "drop", and just enough but not too much ankle support. I've been training with them under load for Philmont and they're awesome.
Michael, Thanks for watching. I don't have any experience with those but I appreciate you adding the comment and adding to the conversation!
This is the kind of video I should have watched before I started buying stuff for Philmont. Especially on the footgear. I would probably stick with a mid hiking boot, but I would have not gone the GoreTex route had I watched this. I will just make sure my son and I bring extra socks and/or shoes for crossing streams. Oh well, live and learn. It probably would not be a bad idea for Philmont to have a webpage that has current content, or even better a "Preparation Playlist" that addresses the critical points and stages as a troop preps for Philmont. In this day and age Philmont doesn't have to be the only content creator, because Lord knows they have enough on their plate. They can vet some content creators, vet the videos and then provide links to the content rather than owning the entire content creation process, I know from experience that is a very time consuming process. Then before a parent sets foot in REI and starts spending hard earned money, they've already been educated on what works and what doesn't. It will relieve some of the burden from Philmont, but more importantly, Scouts and leaders are being provided current intelligence. That would help eliminate the gap that I perceive exists, between what Philmont recommends and what Scouts/Leaders are actually using at Philmont that works better for the Scout (and leaders). Not chasing after every new thing, but like where footgear is concerned - adapt to what people are wearing/using and can confirm, through actual, real-life test data, works better. There is a ton of test data that is generated every year at Philmont, from the guys who have "been there and done that". I have used Salomon's for years and years and under a lot more weight than I'll have a Philmont, (no plate carrier!!) I have a pair of I have a pair of Salomon's, their goretex model, that I would not have purchased, I would have gotten the Salomon non-goretex version and in the process saved myself about $70 bucks had I been smart enough to dig into the content that is out there like Andy is providing. One thing for sure that I will own is doing a better job of sharing this kind of critical intel among the leadership prior to our next high adventure!
@Andy - I am going to do my best to at minimum create an AAR video after Philmont and talk about my own lessons learned.
Robert,
I'm glad you found the video helpful. That is the exact reason I wanted to put these videos out there... To help scouts and parents make the most informed decisions they can about their Trek... There is no ONE way that works best for everyone. Sometimes it helps to hear about the alternative options that have worked well for others... I know I like to hear about them...
I'm glad to hear it gave you some things to think about... 👍
Would your boot choice change depending on the season? My crew is going the second and third week of July, so it is probable that we will get the monsoon rains. Would it be better to have waterproof footwear then? Is it harder to get trail runners or hiking shoes to dry during the monsoons.
On another topic...On our shake down hikes, I have tried Lone Peaks and some other wider toe box slightly lighter hiking boots and shoes, but I find that only the more supportive Asolo Horizon One prevents my feet from being sore at the end of the day. I attribute that partially to the muscles in my feet needing to strengthen and partially to the fact that my footwear has to support 275 lb total weight. As opposed to running shoes where there is an awareness that heavier runners need different shoes, I see almost nothing mentioned about the weight capacity of trail runners or even hiking shoes.
The waterproof discussion is one that will continue forever... I find it to be a very personal choice. That being said, I use the waterproof boots in colder weather when I can't afford to get my feet wet. It the hotter months I prefer breathability in my footwear... In hot weather... in the boots, my feet sweat a lot but not so much in something like trail runners. In extended rainy environments, I would be tempted to go to the boots although I would run the risk of overheating and getting wet feet anyway...
On the supportive topic, we have to go with what works... If a certain brand or a certain category just doesn't provide what you need, you need to make a change. Hiking shoes and boots will often provide better durability and support over the trail runners... But each model will be different than the next and it may be a search to find what keeps your feet from being sore at the end of the day...
Thanks for the great discussion...
Andy, good stuff. I’ve watched several of your Philmont videos and find them very useful. Our troop is headed there middle of June. We are doing a more challenging trek that includes Tooth of Time and Baldy. Our troop does a good bit of backpacking and everyone in our group, including adults, have done at least 50+ miles on the AT. None of the Scouts have been to Philmont but two of the adults have been when they were scouts. In essence, this will be a new experience for most of us and we are super pumped. My base weight is always under 20 pounds usually in the 16-18 pound range. I’m a hammock guy which does not work at Philmont. Here’s my question about foot gear - I have always hiked in hiking shoes and I’m on my second pair of Merrell Moab’s. However, I am a big fan of Hoka running shoes. I bought some Hoka Speedgoats and love them but have not backpacked in them yet. Doing nearly 80 miles for our trek will be better on my feet with the Hoka’s but I’ve never hiked Philmont. Since you have been to Baldy, is the terrain conducive to trail runners?
Thanks Bill. I'm glad they are proving useful to you... Sounds like you are dialed in on weight... and as a hammock guy myself I know how you feel about moving into a tent...
The final ascent of Baldy can be a lot of loose rock. I've not hiked in the hokas before but my Altra Lone Peaks were completely fine for the climb and my son did fine in his hiking shoes. To see the scenery of that section check out part 4 from our trek - ruclips.net/video/3rRdaOEFBZY/видео.html that last section is about the 17 minute mark...
Scout troops are kind of reluctant to change. The modern wisdom may be increasingly pointing to lighter weight hiking shoes vs. taller heavy boots, but good luck convincing scout leaders to change their tune on this. And I say that as a scout leader myself. Coming from experience here, we tend to stick with what we know from years ago. I still own a heavy pack from 30 years ago that up until recently I still used on occasion even though it really has no business being used for backpacking anymore knowing what we now know about weight and materials.
I've personally found that especially when we're dealing with kids/teens who might already be a bit less stable than adults as they are growing into their young adult bodies, taking kids that are used to wearing lightweight sneakers and putting in heavy clunk boots is actually more likely to result in injury.
The ankle support argument has to be more nuanced. It's not as simple as just trying to wrap as much boot around your ankle as possible. There are a lot of factors, not the least of which is that in a Philmont conversation we're talking about kids and adults, various sizes and weights, athletic abilities, etc.
I totally agree. I don't really try and sell people too much. I just try and provide the pros & cons and let people make informed choices for themselves. On our last Trek, I was the only advisor without the big heavy boots. But I also had a roughly 60L pack with a 15 lb. base weight. It was a combination that worked for me. That wont work for everyone. There are lots of ways to go and have a great adventure and be completely prepared. Just test your gear out extensively before you go and make sure it works for you.
I agree with the sneakers, I would go with maybe a hoka shoe option, I have had boot failure, you don't want to walk with flip flops because that is all you have left. At least a trail runner or good sneaker can get you through the trek.
Sneakers would absolutely provide a solid redundancy option in case of footwear failure.
I would also recommend that you test out your footwear for 30-50+ miles during training to make sure that you don't have a high chance of footwear failure.
Weight is an important factor. A lighter weight person can get by with lighter weight shoes..as well as pack weight lighter pack = lighter shoe......Fitness is important...how stiff or soft the sole. some trail runners at the end of a long day your feet can hurt. If you walk a lot everyday your feet will toughen and change..this foot fitness will allow you to utilize a lighter weight shoe and be fine. What is your hiking experience level...more experience means better skill means more efficient walking means lighter shoe. Philmont like any mass group setting goes to the lowest common denominator......what footwear will work for 80-90 percent of people......military does the same, the fire departments i worked for did the same. Its difficult to compare what a AT thru hiker wears to a Philmont Trekker should wear. Most people going to Philmont have little to no experience backpacking as compared to a thru hiker...fitness level, skill level. These all should be taken into account. A kid from a big city who rarely hikes might need a stiffer shoe as compared to say one who lives near and hikes in the mountains weekly or daily........I have put hundreds of miles on trail runners but not sure the thick soft lite weight sole would be good on rock climbing day. I went to PSR 3 times, two regular treks and a rayado trek. Wore the same pair of way old school Raichle boots (no longer made, think they were bought out by montbell)...they were heavy and by the rayado trek a bit to short, but i did make it through....today I have lighter shoes by far. I am wearing a pair of hiking shoes from salomen. 3d i think. I have found their lacing system gets loose over time, it took me a bit t figure out...first pair I thought were to short....upsized and determine that the top eyelets that hold my foot into the heel are difficult to get tight hence my feet slip forward in the shoe......which I thought i needed to upsize,......but really probably need a different shoe or remove the system and lace with standard laces.......
Lots of great thoughts here... I tend to think there is probably a middle ground that will suit the majority. My Solomon quest 4d gtx is the style recommended by PSR. the waterproof hiking boot. And it would have been fine. Maybe not the most comfortable for the environment as they overheat above 70°F but that can be managed with proper socks...
The Solomon ultra mids may be better... From a comfort standpoint... But something like the Solomon X ultra 4 gtx might provide enough of the cushion, protection, & support for a more rugged adventure like Philmont with a lot of the comfort and familiarity of a shoe. And these are just Solomon examples there are a lot of rugged hiking shoes that are worthy of consideration...
With that said, I still think that how you prepare in your exact gear relates directly to the experience you will have... You must get familiar with hiking with a heavy pack over various terrain to see if what you have will work for you... There is not a single solution that will work for everyone. If you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail...
Im going to philmont this coming June and I got a question do they require you to bring trail runners and hiking boots, or can I just bring 2 pairs of tennis shoes that I’ve took on backpacking and hiking trips before
You are responsible for bringing your own footwear. Some bring 1 pair of tennis shoes and that's it. Some bring something for on trail and something else for camp, like closed toed crocs... Some bring boots and camp shoes. There are lots of options. Just make sure it fits the sandy, Rocky terrain and it is comfortable and will hold up...
Another thing to consider, there are venomous snakes @ Philmont. My WRFA trainer worked there and said every snake bite victim she treated was wearing thin low cut shoes.
Interesting. I had not heard much on that front...
@@AndyParrishOutdoors yeah, while I'm sure it's not common, it's worth thinking about. Snakes tend to target the foot and low ankle when they strike, so some solid boots offer much better protection.
Hi, Andy, great video! We plan to go Philmont next summer. One of the leaders said if we don't wear the recommended boots, PSR will suggest we buy the boots from their trading post. Does that sound right? Also, I saw you used trekking poles. Are those necessary for scouts as well? Do you have video about trekking poles? Thank you very much!
PSR never said anything to me or my son when we arrived. I wore trail runners and he wore hiking shoes. Everyone else in the crew wore boots. I would never recommend buying boots at the Tooth of Time trading post for a hike to begins that week unless you had a wardrobe malfunction with the footwear you brought and it was an emergency. Boots typically take dozens of miles to break in properly. PSR is not opposed to other footwear choices, they just have used boots for a long time and are more comfortable recommending them. Here is their footwear video to show this point. - ruclips.net/video/DdoIksZIvsk/видео.html
Trekking poles can help with climbs and descents. It can be quite noticeable. Scouts will realize the same benefits of stability and reduction of pounding that your ankles and knees take on the hike... I have not done a video on trekking poles yet. I used a nicer pair from Black Diamond and my son used a cheaper pair. He said that he was glad that he had them. If you want some suggestions, let me know.
I hope that helps!
If you have any other questions, fire away!
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Thank you very much for the useful tips.👍
You're welcome!
Regarding sandals, are we not required to always wear closed toed shoes for insurance reasons?
I am aware of no such BSA Official Policy. I believe some troops, councils, and summer camps do hold this policy though.
At Philmont Sandals can be worn around your campsite or on base camp but socks much be worn at all time!
I remember my ranger hiked with socks and sandals. He bragged that only rangers were allowed to do that. I wouldn't recommend it. Just wear them around camps
You lost a lot of credibility with me when you call the Pacific Crest trail the "Pacific Coast Trail" @25:30
I cannot fathom why Philmont continues with the recommendations that they do.
But I do like that you don't tell people that they have to get one shoe or the other. I do feel when it comes to footwear you did a pretty fair job at explaining the pros and cons of the different kinds.
Aw, crap. I'm sorry for that. Those kind of errors frustrate me. 🙄
Thanks for taking the time to watch & respond.
I do feel that footwear is a personal choice and there is no ONE right answer. There are just tradeoffs. It's about finding the best option, FOR YOU.
Thanks again...