Backpacking Boots?
Backpacking boots or the other conventional hiking boots may have their stand but surely not in my feet. Unless you have any ankles problem, ground filled with snow or if you would be carrying 30 pounds load, you could use the running shoes.
Hiking or Backpacking boots are very heavy, remains hot and stinky that would stay wet for a long duration. In general, the normal running shoes would not weigh more than one pound a pair whereas; most of the hiking boots would weigh three pounds. As per the Army researches are concerned, it has been evident that a pound on one’s foot is equal to five on the back. So, it is obvious that when you wear a heavy boots (three pounds), you tend to get tired at the end of the day.
Backpacking Boots versus Ankle support
Few backpackers dispute for ankle support. But, till date, people have been managing with boots that does not provide stiff ankle support. You need not worry that you are carrying a load of 30 pounds on your back since many other around you are tolerating a weigh of sixty pounds without cribbing. This problem arises not because of lack of ankle support, but due to weak ankles. To solve this issue, make it a point to walk on irregular surfaces too.
On the other hand, few others may really need hiking boots to sort-out whether their ankle problem is due to lack of workouts before using heavy backpacking boots. If you have to carry a load weighing beyond 30 pounds, you could opt for a hiking boots, which will reduce the weight.
Why are Running Shoes better?
When compared to a hiking boots, your feet will stay cooler in running shoes. This would ultimately help you to reduce the blisters. Running shoes when accompanied with lightweight socks would help to overcome blisters completely. This means that even if your go on a 110 mile seven day trek in the rocky areas, you will have no blisters.
As far as the socks are concerned, nylon-material socks are economical and weight-less (less than an ounce, a pair) and so, to carry spare socks will not be an issue at all. Nylon socks are easy to rinse and dries out in no time. In general, the feet would not bear hotter socks. So, it would be wise to have warmer pairs too to be used during the night time or during cold weather.
If your foot size is not thirteen, excellent running / hiking shoes are available that would weigh less than 3 pounds per pair. It is unfortunate that at times, the catalogs do not have the mention on the weights. So, you need to guess by comparing on the basis of the description and photo, in order to select a lesser weight hiking shoes.
In shoes that are of superior quality, their soles are attached to the uppers. It would be wise to check the insole too. A detachable insole is another indication for the shoe quality. In common, good running shoes would cost you less than 28 ounces or less than $80, or even less than $40 on others.
Unless tried, no on would be in a position to understand how beneficial it is to discard heavy pack/boots and enjoy the advantages of trying running shoes. It facilitates comfortable travel even in rocky surfaces. Once if someone has started using the running shoes, they would never, in their life-time, think of using backpacking boots again.
