The REAL REASON People Fail When Switching from Hiking Boots to Trail Runners

My Current Trail Runners: amzn.to/3Oc8Lqo
Saucony Mad River TR2: amzn.to/3OexavA
Altra Trail Runners(popular): amzn.to/3Idq2vv
Hoka Trail Runners(popular): amzn.to/42CsuUt
Other Trail Runners: amzn.to/3OgpsB4
My Current Boots - Merrell Moab 2: amzn.to/43gRlgT
La Sportiva Mens Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX: amzn.to/3nWBK77
SCARPA Rush Polar GTX: amzn.to/3W99fzq
KEEN Targhee 3: amzn.to/3pK2ybf
Lowa Renegade: amzn.to/3M67ePZ
SALOMON Quest 4: amzn.to/42ECtsE
Lowa Camino Evo: amzn.to/3M5qEo9
Hanwag Alaska: amzn.to/456nb1x
Asolo TPS 520: amzn.to/42EsovA
Scarpa Kinesis Pro: amzn.to/41zrCyV
Trail Runners are generally recommended over hiking boots for most people.
Trail Runners are lighter in weight compared to hiking boots.
One pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back, so lighter shoes are preferred.
Trail Runners are more comfortable and flexible, allowing for better foot movement.
Wide Trail Runners are recommended for better comfort and foot splay.
Trail Runners are more breathable than hiking boots, but they may not repel water as well.
Hiking boots are more suitable for winter conditions, while Trail Runners are preferred for spring, fall, and summer.
Hiking boots are more durable and can last longer than Trail Runners.
Hiking boots are generally more expensive compared to Trail Runners.
Trail Runners provide better ankle support through the muscles and tendons in the leg, rather than relying on the boot.
Ankle support from hiking boots can transfer stress to the knees and may cause discomfort during downhill hikes.
Proper ankle training can reduce the risk of ankle sprains, making ankle support from boots less necessary.
/ davidhiking
Trail Runners: amzn.to/35GmYrp
Sun Hat: amzn.to/3skFPAb
Microspikes: amzn.to/3sdqMIo
Crampons: amzn.to/3CYsC4T
Trekking Poles: amzn.to/3sdoGZ2
Gaiters: amzn.to/3ouDmSt
Emergence Communication: amzn.to/3CutC0m
Navigation Watch: amzn.to/3IiRxBV
Ice Axe: amzn.to/3Lc1cfu
Water Filter: amzn.to/3GyXXeu
Puff: amzn.to/3BfnatH
Jacket(waterproof) bit.ly/3p8MXhG
Jacket(rain): bit.ly/3BRf6Bp
Headlamp: amzn.to/34lxEeG
Trail Running Backpack: amzn.to/3BViewk
Pillow: amzn.to/3ur8p5C
Tent: amzn.to/3zKKoaG
Tent Footprint: amzn.to/3B0Kdbh
Backpacking Backpack: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9yluFn
Red Waist Pouch: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AMBlH5
Folding Water Bottle Holder: amzn.to/3rrCAr3
Cooker: amzn.to/3snKAsq
Spork: amzn.to/34IA0o4
Small Knife: amzn.to/3gvplzD
Medium Knife: amzn.to/3HweZLv
Backpacking Toothpaste: amzn.to/3KRsRSA
Bear Spray: amzn.to/3HvrEyh
Bear Spray Holder: amzn.to/3rtaiMz
Snowshoes: amzn.to/3J57yeF
Gloves: amzn.to/3ot2Dg2
Underwear: amzn.to/3uvmBdO
Running Belt: amzn.to/3KVXVA4
Camera Gear:
Main Camera: amzn.to/3J6uASB
Main Lens: amzn.to/3Gt2ijp
Wide Angle Lens: amzn.to/3HyggBQ
Macro Lens: amzn.to/3LdeyYX
Secondary Camera: amzn.to/3rsL0P1
Third Camera: amzn.to/3GpN2DP
Action Camera: amzn.to/3uuHjKL
Action Camera Holder: amzn.to/3IssJqz
Tripod: amzn.to/3AYgHDb
Camera Quick Clips: amzn.to/3CUrsaA
Main Drone: amzn.to/3LcZVVz
Backup Drone: amzn.to/3osj3VX
All The Gear I Use: lighterpack.com/r/qqahv9
Navigation I Use: bit.ly/davidnavigation
Photographers | Videographers - Stock Contributor Accounts I use:
Wirestock: bit.ly/davidwirestock
Shutterstock Stock Video Contributor: shutr.bz/3HDpNrC
Adobe Stock Video Contributor: bit.ly/davidadobestock
Intro : 00:00
Weight: 01:04
Comfort: 03:24
Breathability: 04:38
Seasons: 06:05
Durability: 07:24
Cost: 08:13
Flexibility: 08:27
Ankle Support: 09:38
Ankle Support Exercises: 12:44
#hiking #hikingboots #trailrunners

[@ervinslens]

Fantastic presentation bud, so nicely and professionally explained! Love it!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Cheers!

[@justinbecker4976]

Great video. Could you please recommend a trail runner for a trek I am planning to do in Nepal (Langtang Valley) in October? I've been battling Achilles tendonitis, so a zero-drop shoe is probably a bad idea. There is some snow on a couple day hikes to peaks, but for the most part the trail is dry and well-maintained.

[@yltf]

В Аппалачах у себя ходите или в Большом каньоне в кроссовочках по сухости. У нас на Урале без нормальных треккинговых ботинок точно ноги повредишь. Камни, глина, корни, мокрая трава, курумник, скальник, снег кроссовки не выдержат. Я в кожаные-то себе все отбил, они все потертые и поцарапанные. Кроссовки просто перетрет. и я еще не говорю дождь, про мокрую траву, про броды. Иногда вообще только резиновые сапоги

[@matthewsinger]

I'm going to take aim at your cost "pro" for trail runners. Given that a good boot is more durable than even the best trail runner, the cost per mile is going to be cheaper for boots. Look, despite all of the pros of trail runners, the durability of boots really ought to be given priority in weighting. This makes boots ultimately the better option because they are (well, can be) more sustainable and eco-friendly. Good boots hold up. Good leather boots hold up even more, especially when properly taken care of. And a fully stitched leather boot will wear out the soles before the fabric, and the soles can be replaced. This ultimately leads to less waste. All trail runners are basically made of plastic. You can avoid synthetics with boots if you look hard enough. We need to fight against the "everything is disposable" mindset that pervades our consumer culture these days.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I agree, I wish I could just get new soles on my Merrel trail runners as the rest of it is still fine but the lugs are worn off. There is probably a good comparison there with boots being used for X amount of years at say $400 + new sole = 6 years or 8 or 10 years of use etc vs X amount of trail runners. Seems it costs $140 for new sole or $250 for a full rebuild of a boot so that may be more cost effective for sure. The problem I have and most people I hike with don't use the big heavy boots that can be resoled, everyone is using the lighter $150-$250 boots. I'd like to look at that comparison I just need to find some people who have done the rebuild and chart how long the boots last. I hear ya with the disposable mindset, I use my trail runners until the lugs are gone then they downgrade to easier trails then downgrade to either training shoes, gym shoes or walking shoes until there is nothing left of them.

[@FINsoininen]

I think price shouldn't even be considered in comparisons like this. Its our bodies we are talking about. Comfort, ergonomics etc is infinitely more important than saving money. You can get more money, hard to replace a knee.

[@matthewsinger]

​@@FINsoininen I always give the advice to new hikers and backpackers that footwear and backpacks should be bought without looking at the price tag. These need to be properly fitting and comfortable, and sacrificing that for cost can lead to injuries. For some people, that means a cheaper shoe. For others, something high-end.

[@yltf]

6:56 как раз в более жестких ботинках ходить по снегу и рыхлому грунту удобнее. Со временем от множества сгибов, излишней мягкости и постоянного увязания в мягких ботинках устает нога. В жестких ботинках такого не происходит. В них можно пройти дольше, чем в мягких

[@DantonWest]

Coming from someone who wears trail runners 80% of the time you are missing the the real reasons why you wear mountaineering boots or a stiff hiking boot. First, you can edge and kick steps in conditions you wouldn't be able to in tail runners (including with micro-spikes/crampons on). Second, a flexible shoe will also not allow you to climb technical rock whereas you can climb any fourth class and even up to about 5.9 climbing routes in a stiff mountain boot as it will allow you to edge well. You will get turned around on tricky ground in trail runners and think it's too hard where if you were wearing mountain boots you would be chillin. All the "cruxes" get easier.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

You are correct with those benefits but kicking in boot holes and steep wall climbing is beyond the scope of hiking and backpacking, that's mountaineering. That is also a world where going fast and light doesnt apply. No mountaineer ever has had a light pack haha

[@DantonWest]

@@IdRatherBeHiking The principle is the same in mixed ice/snow and slightly exposed no fall zone type sections like in many of your videos. With better footwear these sections become much easier and you don't have to do as much routing finding. Ends up being faster overall. And yes we often wear no pack or a day pack with just some food/water.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

@@DantonWest I'd say I only barely dip my toes into mountaineering. I do know some people who love having the hard boots, especially for steep climbs, me personally I like to feel the ground under my toes. On downhills, I tend to jog or run which I never show on camera which is painful in my boots. It all comes down to personal preference and what terrain is on the menu for the day. I did a steep winter ascent a few days ago and took my boots as I knew we'd be kicking in a lot of steps all day and most of it was in snow. In general trail runners aren't going to keep feet warm on mountaineering objectives, only Kilian Jornet's double summit of Everest in Salomons is the only time I've seen someone use trail runners on something like that and I'm pretty sure they insulated those shoes as they were custom made for that summit of Everest.

[@user-ue4cb4wg3g]

Is there probably an extended video on relevant exercises / stretches for trail running shoes? (Maybe I've missed one in tour channel). Being a novice in hiking, want to switch from high boots to trail runners, but due to history of ankle sprains would prefer to prepare by training first. Thank you!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Naa I haven't done one yet but i"ll put it on the list

[@rayschoch5882]

I agree with "higler" about the extra pair of dry socks vs. heavy boots, but my knees at age 78 will not tolerate, or even permit, most of the exercises the presenter gives us, particularly the "pistol squat." I walk 3k every day it's above zero wind chill in Minnesota (about 350/year), and when I lived on the Colorado Front Range, hiked 100 miles (total) every summer in high country. I've hiked in both "mid" and "low" hiking shoes, and generally prefer "mid." Trail shoes/boots are my all-day, every-day footwear. I don't know if my ankles really NEED the extra support, but psychologically, I like having it. In any case, no ankle issues or injuries in a couple decades of hiking. I always have at least one hiking stick or pole, which helps, and age means I'm no longer in a hurry to get to a particular destination. Taking your time and exercising a bit of care helps, also.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Sounds like you have years of good conditioning on your legs which you'll be able to continue on hiking for many years to come. My goal is to be like you when I hit that age.

[@manuelavendano3891]

Hey bud, have you ever tried Altra and Hoka trail runners?

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I'm currently using Innov8 and Hoka One One I think they are called.

[@goradian2542]

Hi from Port Alberni! The second half of this video is the *best* review of ankle and knee strengthening exercises for hiking that I've ever come across ✅ I currently wear "heavy" hiking boots like the Scarpas in the video; I have been humming and hawing about getting Vivo Barefoot shoes for a while, and now your video has convinced to buy a pair and try that style of shoe for myself on some of my upcoming pre-snowy-season hikes 🥾! One suggestion: check out the Original Strength movement system (lots of KZbin videos about it) which helps condition the rest of the body for functional strength and mobility which translates nicely to hiking and scrambling.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

just be very careful transitioning to barefoot shoes, the zero drop can be an alarming change for people. I'm looking to do the same myself but due to financial devastation in my life (my livelihood, my other channel with quarter million subs being deleted) I've put that on the back burner for now. At some point im do more in depth knee and ankle videos, that was just a toe in the water intro but I'm glad it was helpful.

[@goradian2542]

Aw man, so sorry to hear that 😢 The content you produce on this channel is great, KZbin ought to have your back you as a content provider. I hope you bounce back soon, and that I'll meet you on a trail one day, maybe I'll be the guy hobbling along on new trendy barefoot shoes 😜

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

@@goradian2542haha, you can add me on facebook, I'm admin of I'd rather be hiking group on fb, get out for a hike sometime.

[@g.b.1375]

I just read a study published by the NIH called, "The effect of high-top and low-top shoes on ankle inversion kinematics and muscle activation in landing on a tilted surface." The report seems to support what you said about strengthening muscles and ligaments. My take away (better to read it for oneself) high tops delay the muscles normal tensing in preparation for taking on the load of landing.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

High tops espeically tightened down reduce mobility which weakens those muscles. Best to make you feet and ankles ironclad then you don't need to worry about it. I'll be doing more videos on this topic soon as it seems to be one most don't know about.

[@dariuschmieliauskas]

Vey useful, thank you.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

cheers, glad it helped Darius

[@higler.]

9:24 Where is that at and have you made a video?

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Ya that video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYjQpGCQaslqgqs

[@RC-qf3mp]

You left out hiking sandals. Lunas, Cairns. Better tread than trail runners, more breathable, more groundfeel, better balance.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

That's getting closer into the barefoot territory with its own benefits for sure.

[@Sgt.Kayaker]

It's a personal choice but trail runners/shoes offer zero ankle support. Yes, those are the same model of Scarpas in my pic.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Haha that's epic, do you know what kind of scarpas they are?

[@buttifullstatus3609]

Very good video ❤️❤️❤️

[@Miderguy_]

I'm going to do a hard disagree on this one. People have a preference and it's silly to convince them otherwise. Ankle injuries are a real thing and can haunt people for their entire lives. I had severe ankle injuries from skateboarding in my youth and my ankles just don't have the elasticity they once had. I do see a few hiking channels trying to convince people to use trail runners also. I don't understand why they care what people wear unless they are inexperienced and don't know better.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I'd agree with that, if you or anyone has mobility limitations from broken bones then you are operating out of the norm and just need to find what works for you. That could be a heavy emphasis on knee strengthening to make up for that loss of mobility with a tight boot. The average person though has weak ankles and reduced mobility from sitting all day and wearing shoes with a heel lift which can be solved with some training.

[@higler.]

Merrell trailrunners are so underrated. Love the Agility Peak 4. Oh, and I wear trailrunners year round in Colorado and I'm def not the only one. An extra pair of dry socks is still lighter than any boot haha

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Awesome, ya boots come out rarely. I was slogging through snow all day yesterday so I wore my boots but as soon as it firms up or melts the trail runners come out.