Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Lighter shoes or Sturdy Shoes?

I have hiked MW 9 years straight and can't wait to hike it this summer (on my 50th birthday).

My shoes are worn out and it's time to buy a new pair. Before I head out to get them - here's my question for the folks on this board: For long day hikes in the Sierra's (like Mount Whitney) is it best to wear a light weight trail shoe or something sturdier and a little heavier.

I carry a pack that seldom weighs more than 10 lbs, and I walk at a pace of 2 - 2.5 mph. Typical hikes for me are 10 - 20 miles per day. I am not a runner. Lots of granite, always on a trail, some trails better footing than others. I want whatever will make me feet and legs feel best at the end of the day.

I know there are trade-offs between the advantages of less weight and the benefits of a stiff sole and protection for the toes. A grippy sole is a given.

I am most interested to hear from people who have tried both.

Last but not least, I am not so much looking for any endorsements of particular shoes. I know that the best shoe is the one that fits right. I am more interested in clarifying light weight vs. heavier and sturdier.
Thanks!

hikerneil

Well Neil,here is an answer you did not expect.... I've done both on the same hike. On a long day like Whitney or Half Dome or others, I have been known to wear the lightest tennis shoes for speed going up, but for the pounding coming down I switch to midweight hiking boots with stiffer soles. Yeah, you gotta carry them, but sometimes I just have to protect those tender bones.

You will get all sorts of answers on shoes, sorta like food preference questions.

I have been hiking/backpacking since the early 70's. Until recently, I always wore the traditional hiking boot, with a good sole and high tops for good angle support. On Whitney, having good angle support is needed, especially when coming down those 97 awitchbacks.

What I have used for the past two years is the same shoe that several of my hiking buddies use, and that is a trail running shoe from North Face called the Rucky Chucky. This shoe is lightweight, has excellent tread, and has seen me through many dayhikes like San Gorgonio, Cactus to Clouds, Half Dome, and even Whitney.

I'll be leaving this Saturday for a five day backpack trip to Whitney with a new pair of Rucky Chucky shoes. But as you will find out, shoes, like alot of other hiking equipment, comes down to experimenting and personal preference.

Whitney Mike

HN,

Something to consider is the condition of your arch. My friends who have normal to wide feet and mid to high arches seem to thrive in low-cut, trail runners. Folks with very narrow feet and little to no arch (moi) seem to need at least a low top hiker to stabilize the ankle (to avoid "rolling" the ankle in uneven terrain)Also, if you need layers of orthotics (moi,again) they can raise the foot up too high in the trail runners, thus, making them even more unstable

B

I vote for the lighter shoe, but not TOO light. I have hiked Whitney in running shoes and would never do it again. My feet hurt for days afterwards because of the pounding on the downhill.

I think heavy hiker boots or ankle-high boots for anything other than thru hiking to PCT or AT is overkill.

My day hikes are usually 15-20 miles and lightweight shoes are the way to go, IMO.

I actually think hiking socks are just as important as your shoes. A quality hiking sock is of supreme importance in day hikes, but you don't often hear much about them.

Have you ever almost rolled or sprained your ankle? If yes, consider yourself at risk and use high-topped hiking boots. If no, trail runners are fine. Some people get away with light shoes, but others have jiggly ankles and need the extra support.

Sturdy shoes. I need the ankle support especially when I'm going downhill over granite. However, if it's not a problem with your ankles, I'd go lightweight. I have the Asolo Fugitive GTX. It fits my feet very well.

I'm a fan of lightweight shoes, but agree running shoes are not it. Not enough padding. Trail Runners, or Cross Trainers would be good choices, or Approach Shoes. However, I'd definitely try them on some long hikes before trying Whitney, as individual results vary so much.