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

[@g.b.1375]

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.

[@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.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Yuasa! Thanks for your comment! Yes, I've heard some say that as well. There have been a few times I wished I had waterproof shoes, but 98% of the time I wear trail runners, I am glad that I did! I tried some boots for a winter trip and didn't like the feel of them. Still trying to find a good solution for winter trips, but otherwise trail runners are my go to! Thanks for watching!

[@andreisevela1496]

True. I expirienced that in Italian mountains with Gore Tex shoes.

[@philandminiphil]

Just got back from a 112 mile , 4 day trip. Wearing darn tough socks and GTX shoes. Got blisters on both heels! Wet socks and wet inner of shoes bad combo!

[@sqd8r]

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.

[@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.

[@BM-ms3gr]

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 ✌🏻

[@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!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! Yes, trail runners have been a game changer for me! “Cheers to more dirt!” Could not agree more!!! Thanks so much for watching!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

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

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Buckley! Ya, I need to find some good boots for winter. The feet got a *little* frosty in the snowshoes. 😆

[@yujenliao9574]

@@DoseofDirt hi Does i m looking for the same shoe you are looking for , just wondering what do you think about salomon cross hike 2 gtx? Gore tex with same look as speed cross 6 .

[@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

[@felixt1470]

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

[@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

[@DoseofDirt]

Ya, that's a good point. My feet get HOT so the lightweight materials make a big difference. A lot of it comes down to personal preference and conditions. I've really thought about getting a pair of the waterproof Altra Lone Peaks to test out, but since I haven't yet felt the need I just can't bring myself to pay the $160 for them! Looking forward to your review of the hiking shoes! Maybe you can convince me to give them another shot! 🤣

[@CptAngelKGaming]

Get barefoot shoes and you'll never twist your ankles again. It's almost impossible.

[@garki1369]

@@CptAngelKGaming But be sure to acclimate your feet to barefoot shoes beforehand. Like continuously for 6 months to a year beforehand. It takes a long time to re-calibrate your muscles and tendons.

[@richardmbarrelmaker]

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

[@magnmfc]

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

[@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?

[@DoseofDirt]

Buckley! You made my day, man! Definitely a learning process, but I really enjoy it! I'm still mad jealous of your drone shots!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@DoseofDirt it was really hard to buy because I am petrified of crashing the damn thing!! Lol. Where are you from?

[@DoseofDirt]

I believe that! Some of the shots you get I think, dang I’m glad the drone survived! 😂 I’m from the great state of Utah! Looks like you’re in the Midwest somewhere?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@DoseofDirt I'm in South Dokata. I would certainly love to come to several spots in your area someday!

[@DoseofDirt]

It’s an outdoor paradise over here! You’d love it! Looks like you’ve found some good spots where you are as well!

[@noodlesthe1st]

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.

[@keithkreatives]

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

[@Lam-he6mj]

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.

[@florianbi7831]

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

[@pjmariano6848]

Some New Balance trail runners have wider uppers and are available in two widths.

[@johnrodgers2018]

sound advice thanks

[@nevanoconnell3356]

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.

[@dnegel9546]

Ive been around ppl that live in the mountains hiking daily in nothing but thin flipflops.

[@viveviveka2651]

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....

[@dylantodd9574]

So, you think these would work in environments like NV and UT where it is rocky and most stuff is not completely groomed dirt trails?

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Dylan! I used to live in Utah and did A LOT of trail running, hiking, and backpacking there in only trail runners. I tent to use Altras when backpacking because they fit my feet the best (really wide toe box in the Lone peak!). I love, but they definitely wear out faster than heavier boots. Even with that, trail runners are still my preference, but I've worn out quite a few of them on Utah trails. I tend to get 200-300 miles out of Altras on Utah trails, but some people say they get more. I did just wear Altra Olympus 4s for my 100 mile thru hike in the Uinta mountains of Utah and they worked great! Super comfy and should have at least another 200-300 miles in them (hopefully...)

[@dylantodd9574]

@@DoseofDirt Thanks! i honestly don't really care about the mileage for the tread as I do them getting eaten up on the terrain. I have been using Salomon XA V8s for a long time, but I feel like some of the foot issues I'm having is because of the toe box on them. I'm also of the shoe over boot opinion. I was looking at these or potentially the On Clouds, but I don't even know anyone who uses their trail shoes

[@DoseofDirt]

@@dylantodd9574 Ya, I've never met anyone that uses their trail shoes. On the Altras, I find that the uppers wear out long before the tread. So far the Topo uppers have been better, but not quite as wide as the Altras.

[@dylantodd9574]

@@DoseofDirt I use On Clouds for the road running shoes and was also considering the Cloudventures or the newest cloudwander as an option.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@dylantodd9574 I haven't tried the On Clouds yet, but I know they are definitely gaining popularity. I'm always worried about rocks and debris getting stuck in the sole (especially on trail). Have you experienced that at all?

[@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.

[@robertestrada9643]

If you have weak ankles, why not use a brace

[@RunGSD]

Because then they get even weaker

[@robinmazzoni7878]

Why is that blue backpack so mad?

[@BackpackerScience]

Great video and content 😊 my subscription is out 👍

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you!

[@wgray8231]

most hiking boots don't provide ankle support either

[@timibio]

Genial

[@trexinvert]

I think since you are also a "trail runner" your foot strength, coordination and endurance is superior. I don't think you experience this. Hiking till you get so fatigued that your feet are literally stumbling, and add loose rocks, uneven terrain and heavy backpack. That would be the case for most beginning, out of shape or "normal" hikers pushing mileage. This is where light trail running shoes are a problem. It may feel good in the beginning and in the end when terrain is good, pack is light and mileage reasonable. However, when you "push it" then it's better off to have a more supporting low top boot. Even though it may be heavier, but that's just extra effort on the leg muscles. On a very long hike(weeks) the leg will always get stronger, and the extra weight is nothing.

[@DoseofDirt]

This is a really good point. Trail runners will always feel better in the store because of the light weight materials and cushioning. But if you are new to the trails and going to jump into longer hikes that will really wear you out, hiking boots or hiking shoes are probably the better choice!

[@trexinvert]

@@DoseofDirt Yes, I think we should do a mandatory 20 mile city walk before going into REI. Then give these shoes a proper stumbling/toe drag test fit in the store.

[@DoseofDirt]

Ha! I like that idea! Make you try them in when your legs are trashed so you know how they’ll be at the end of your hike! 😂