Going hiking? Throw Your Boots
Away!
Really!
Well at least leave them home. Since you lift your feet with every
step, wearing lightweight running shoes can save more energy than
reducing the weight of any piece of gear in your pack.
Grab those lightweight running shoes. You know. The ones you wear every
day because they’re so comfortable. Wouldn’t you
like to be comfortable when you’re hiking, too?
I’ll bet you’ve never said, “I think
I’ll go out in the woods today just to be
miserable.” Let’s do some quick math. The average
running shoes weigh around 1 ¾ pounds and the average hiking
boots weigh about 3 ¾ pounds. That means you’re
lifting an extra pound with every step. Since there are about 2000
steps in a mile, you’re lifting an extra ton every mile.
Things that lift a ton are supposed to be called heavy duty cranes.
That old saying of one pound on your feet being equal to five pounds in
your pack is more than true.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need a pair of boots
because you’re hiking. Let’s consider some of the
concerns that make hikers think they need boots. You don’t
want to get an ankle sprain. Lighter shoes and loads reduce your
chances of severe ankle sprains. You’re more balanced and not
apt to trip on rocks and roots.
Backpackers think they need to keep their feet dry. It does help to
keep the blisters away. When heavy, leather boots get wet they stay
wet. When you wear your running shoes and rain and dripping dew from
trailside plants get your shoes wet, they quickly dry out. For stream
crossings, you can take your socks off before crossing if you like. If
it’s getting into cold seasons I still prefer athletic trail
shoes that are waterproof and light. The ones I occasionally use are 2
pounds 9.4 ounces (size 10).
Hikers worry that running shoes won’t give them enough
cushioning under their feet. Quality running shoes need to cushion the
feet. When you buy your running shoes, check the insole (the inside of
the shoe) and the outsole (the part that contacts the ground). If the
sole is soft, it can absorb shock better. You don’t want to
be poked by every rock, but you don’t want the hardest sole
you can find either. The last is the part of the shoe that curves in
slightly near the arch of the foot to conform to the average foot
shape. You may not have paid much attention to the arch support in your
running shoes, especially if your shoes are more for everyday wear than
actual running. For hiking, you will want to make sure the arch support
is right for you. Order a catalog from one of the companies that
specialize in athletic shoes. You’ll notice that these
catalogs describe the height of the arch support in their shoes.
Some hikers like to remove the insole and add one that has more
cushioning. Be careful when doing this because your foot will tend to
swell when hiking and a thicker insole can make the shoe too tight and
cause blisters.
If you have foot discomfort when you hike, consider being fitted for
orthotics. I had pain in one foot while playing racquetball and
orthotics made the condition much better. I’ve talked to
backpackers who swear by their orthotics.
After you’ve experienced the freedom of lighter hiking shoes
you probably won’t want to wear your old hiking boots even on
the toughest of terrain. The increased agility of running shoes is more
noticeable on rough terrain.
Backpackers might think they need boots to keep debris out of their
shoes. You can add a pair of 3-ounce gaiters and still be much lighter
and more comfortable in running shoes.
Shoes that aren’t labeled running shoes can be effective,
too. You might like your cross trainers, but be wary of flat shoes that
are primarily court shoes. You’ll feel less cushioning on
rough terrain and you’ll slip on wet surfaces. Shoes that are
labeled “trail runners” are usually very good
because they’re basically a running shoe that’s
built for tough conditions. My trail runners weigh only two ounces more
than my running shoes.
When you purchase your shoes remember that fit is everything. Be
careful not to try them on early in the morning. Your feet tend to
swell a little during the day. Try both shoes on since most people have
one foot that’s a little larger than the other. Of course,
always walk in the shoe. It may feel far different than when
you’re sitting down.
Make sure there’s plenty of wiggle room in the toe box. Wear
your thick hiking socks because that will change the fit a little. Make
sure the shoes fit you in such a way that your heel can’t
slide up and down and your toes can’t rub against the top of
the shoes causing blisters. Don’t rely on a
“break-in” period. If the shoe doesn’t
feel good right away, try others. There are plenty of choices.
Be sure to buy shoes that are big enough, especially if
you’re planning a thru hike. Backpackers who hike the long
trails often talk of ending their trip with a bigger shoe size than
when they started. If you’re going to hike one of the long
trails, consider leaving your support person with the style and store
where you’d like to buy your shoes if you need replacements.
But wait until you’re hiking before giving your support
person the size and re-supply point at which you’d like the
replacement shoes.
Go ahead and take that digital scale with you when you’re
shopping for running shoes. Actual shoe weight can differ greatly from
the stated weight.
Some hikers have a separate pair of sandals for camp. When you hike in
lightweight running shoes, you’ll most likely decide you
don’t need the camp sandals anymore. There are some sandals
that are built for hiking, and some backpackers like the feeling of
freedom sandals give. There are obvious disadvantages like abrasions
from rocks. Experiment on shorter hikes if sandals are appealing to
you.
Another great advantage of lighter hiking shoes is the reduced impact
on the environment. Every step is truly lighter and easier on nature.
With light shoes and a light pack you’ll feel like
you’re floating down the trail.
About the author:
Steve Green of www.hikelight.com is an avid hiker who has enjoyed trimming his backpack
weight for over 40 years.
Contact
Call: (800) 933-HIKE (4453)
Or send $1 for a catalog
Email: hikelight@yahoo.com
