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Joined: Mar 2006
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Last summer during my attempt to reach the Mt. Whiney summit I noticed that many people were wearing the same model of light trail shoes.
Do you know the name of this most popular model of shoes for summer Mt. Whitney?
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Joined: Nov 2008
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You should go to a reputable retailer and try on a lot of different shoes. The only shoe that matters is the one that fits your foot properly.
Salamon XA Pro are a very popular shoe on the JMT. I wore them on both of my JMT hikes but have recently switched over to New Balance 876.
Last edited by Phreak; 04/27/11 01:47 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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I used my Asics running shoes for a successful 1st time attempt. I noticed many women did the same thing but saw no men who followed. I purchased light weight hiking boots just for the hike but after 5 miles during several training hikes it caused foot problems.
A well fitting shoe is my best advice.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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I used Lowa-brand light hikers last year (some ankle coverage, but a light weight hiking boot), along with poles. They worked great for me, except that I got a lot of foot fatigue coming down from the summit. We only did 10 miles on summit day (round trip from Trail Camp), and I regularly hike far more than that in a day without problems, so I think it was the uneven rocky surface in the section between the summit and Trail Crest that did me in.
This year, I am in the process of breaking in a pair of Zamberlan full grain leather(but relatively lightweight) backpacking boots for my next Whitney effort. I expect they will help with the foot fatigue. I've already noticed some benefits in terms of stability in hikes near me. But a heavier boot can contribute to leg fatigue, so hopefully I won't end up trading one annoyance for another.
I haven't really seen that folks all wear the same type of boots on Whitney. This seems very individualized. Fit does seem paramount...
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Joined: Apr 2010
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I use lighter weight boots from Keen which are fine for smooth, easy trails. June of last year I used by 6 year old Montrail's on this trail. A little heavier, but I like the ankle support and the harder Vibram sole. Granite can be a tough customer.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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Aki: If they are still making those leather Zamberlains the same way, you have a LOT of breaking in to do. I have a new old pair of Trekkers (c. 1995, top grain, Norwegian welt, Vibram Montagne) that I pulled out of the closet about a year ago. Total of maybe 100 miles on them and they are just starting to feel wearable. Definitely the shoe for granite.
BTW, We will be going for the summit just before you in July, may meet on the way down. Will the pooch be with you? Love to meet up.
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I wish the pooch was coming with. She's doing some prehikes with us (Little Lakes Valley, Duck Pass) on the same trip, and then spending a few nights in Bishop at a kennel while we do the Whitney portion. I thought it was better to kennel her since dogs can't go past Trail Crest, and the rockiness of the trail above Trail Camp is a challenge to dog paws (though she does have booties...).
Yes, would love to meet up, say hi. We're spending both nights at Trail Camp, I think.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Last summer during my attempt to reach the Mt. Whiney summit I noticed that many people were wearing the same model of light trail shoes.
Do you know the name of this most popular model of shoes for summer Mt. Whitney? would be that name. It doesn't matter what brand shoe/boot you wear, as long as they are very well broken in, on trails. Barefoot Ted dispenses with them altogether......
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Joined: May 2011
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Saltydog335 and Aki: I am currently breaking in my Zamberlan 996 boots and I have a little over 100 miles on them. I just recently put a new coat of the Nikwax leather conditioner on them and it really helped to loosen the leather up that last bit that I was looking for.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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Thanks for the tip. If mine don't make it over the hill in the next 50, I'll have to look at switching out my secret sauce for the Nik.
Last edited by saltydog335; 05/04/11 09:27 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Besides the shoes, do pay attention to your socks & apply vaseline on your feet before you put on your liners. Helps keep blisters away. The trail is rocky and hard, so that is something to consider while picking a shoe. I used a Merrell mid hiking shoes on my last summit.
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Joined: May 2011
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Light weight trail runners with room for toe spread.
Mine are Vasque Trail Runners. Gortex.
Love em.
Louise Sutherland
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Joined: Dec 2002
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I always wear my running shoes. New Balance 759,
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