Is it time to ditch your hiking boots?

So I read this article recently www.cleverhiker.com/blog/ditch-boots and I have to say a lot what they say resonated with me since I tried using my trail running shoes on a recent hike.

Initially this was just because my hiking boots started disintegrating and there was no time to get new ones and walk them in.

What they say in the article is that boots are bad for the following reasons:

1. Weight On Your Feet Is Costly
2. Blisters are the pits
3. Waterproof Is A Misleading Term
4. Ankle Support Is A Myth
5. Boots Are Demanding

So I tried it and I am sold, instead of getting new boots I will rather be investing in a pair of proper aggressive trail shoes.

Hi Karlito
The following is purely my opinion based on my experience - i have done extensive hiking in the berg, each hiking trip only lasting up to 3-4 days. We move fast, usually doing at least 2 passes and long treks across the escarpment. The ascending and decending i find particularly hard on your feet. I must say, my Salomon Speed Cross shoes have been FREEKING insane. From the first hike with them, NO blisters, great support, good cushioning, innovative laces and INSANE grip on rock, grass and almost anything, even touches of frost/ice. I have used the SAME pair for 5 years, and tons of hikes - even numerous trail races. YOU must however use them for what they were made for. The rubber is VERY soft so its grip is brilliant, but wear them on the road or walking in the mall (as 99% of purchases do) they will last you 7 days and the grip will be gone. I have just bought my 2nd pair, and will use these for the next 5 years. my 2 cents

As a side note, i do wear ankle guards due to bad ankles, but i seen too many rolled ankles end guys fun on the mountain, so I will continue their use. So the ankle support from my shoe is not a factor.

I'd agree on most of those points, and for most Berg hikes these days I rely on my trail shoes (so comfortable!) rather than my boots (La Sportiva Tibets, no less). However, if I'm doing a hike with a heavy backpack (20kg+) or there is likely to be some particularly nasty off-path terrain, I often take the boots anyway.

Despite my ankles being quite used to trail running, the addition of a heavy backpack adjusts your centre of gravity and makes sprains and twists all the more likely. I just feel more secure with boots in this case.

And even with a light pack, the side-sloping long grass and bush on the way up Pins Pass was pretty unpleasant in my trail runners. However, I'd rather suffer that torture than having to wear heavy boots on 30km+ days.

Another case I just thought of was the Fish River Canyon hike (or similar very sandy areas). You either need to get some proper sand gaiters which cover your trail runners all the way to the front of the shoe or go with hiking boots to keep the sand out (that's what I opted for).

I am very keen to try this, just concerned about Karlito's no 4)
Beard, please tell more on the ankle supports? Those elastic bandage type things?

Check out my profile pic, i have one on my left ankle.
I tried to attach one to this reply. I would recommend substantial ones, laces, over straps and velcro wrap to keep all the ends tidy. they should be worn over the socks for comfort, or whatever you like. I have found when walk OFF trail, the slopes can be brutal on ankles. I run and train without them so my ankles keep strong but for support i have found these to be amazing. I got mine at Sportsmans warehouse for about R500 for 1. Bit of investment, but i think they worth it.

I'm starting to tend towards the trail shoes idea. Hi-Tec has sent me their latest trail shoes to try out, so my opinion on this will follow soon...

I used boots on Bollard/Wilson due to the slopes and rock. But my next few hikes (all fast-and-light) will be in trail shoes.

I agree that "waterproof" is a myth - it is just a question of how long water can stay out of the shoes. On GT last year, my Tibets took less than an hour (even with gaiters) to be soaked right through in a Berg gale with rain. They took 5 days to properly dry out again.

There is some middle ground too..

I have started using a pair of Trango Alpha boots by La Sportiva this year and they have a neoprene upper which is very comfortable when compared to other lightweight boots. They are also very agile in terms of ankle flexibility and I find it much easier to climb in a rock pass than any previous boot I have tried.

So in summary they are light for a boot and waterproof with some ankle support but less than most boots and are still 100% heavier than trail running shoes. The only other factor is the footbed which is very well protected on rocky stuff and I do find this to be a great benefit on long days..

PS. Boots weigh 600gms each

I had a look at Merrell Chameleon Slam II today. Any feedback on those?
Also have a pair of Lubbe Skywalk, ancient but still in good nick, except the soles have come adrift. Weigh less than a kg for the pair, and the most comfortable boots I've ever had. Might try to get them repaired, if I thought I could trust the repair.

@Beard - Yes I have seen people destroy the Speed Cross in no time by just walking around on office carpet. In terms of ankle support, I sprained my ankle twice a while back so started doing strengthening exercises with a resistance band and a step, I have to say it made a HUGE difference. I can really recommenced this to any hiker.

@Stijn - True, after some consideration I think there is still a place for boots, like hiking up steep rock passes with heavy pack, cold and snow and if there is going to be lots of debris and dense ankle height foliage. So perhaps I will not completely ditch my boots just park them in the back of my closet, because I can't see myself doing any of the above mentioned soon, but I can't say never!

The other issue with waterproof boots is that your sweat can't easily escape, and they also take for ever to dry out once they do get wet.