Gear Post | 2 | Shoes
Since the 1930's, over 15,000 thousand hikers have completed the Appalachian Trail wearing a multitude of footwear. Hikers have worn everything from sandals to sneakers to heavy mountaineering boots. A couple of people have even done it barefoot! Personally, I've always been a traditionalist and a big fan of hiking boots. In recent years, there has been a big push towards lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners, especially among those completing thruhikes.
Although I considered following this route as well, I decided against it for the time being. Although trail runners are significantly lighter, they provide much less protection than a boot. There are thousands of posts on the internet arguing both sides, but I will return to the saying of HYOH (hike your own hike). The reasons I chose a boot were the following: ankle stability, waterproofing, durability, and protection.
And the search began...
Requirements for the boots:
- As low weight as possible
- Not leather
- Ankle support due to repeated sprains
- Waterproof or at least water resistant
After searching and researching for the perfect pair of shoes, I concluded that the Salomon Quest 4D II Boots met my full requirements. In addition, thanks to a REI garage sale and dividends, I managed to snag two pairs for significantly less than retail. (To the person who wore the size 11 boots once and returned them, I love you.)
Salomon Quest 4D II GTX Boots
The Salomon Quest 4D II Boots are mid-weight at 1540g/pair (including insoles), have a Goretex liner, ankle protection, and a generous toe-box. Everything I have been looking for in a boot. Although I would have loved to find a lighter pair of boots, these boots aren't terribly heavy.
Like I said before, there are disadvantages of wearing boots. First of all, weight. Each ounce of weight on my feet will require significantly more energy to move. The exact science isn't clear, but there is no doubt that a heavier shoe requires more energy to move. This is the reason many thrus choose to wear trail runnings shoes as they are significantly lighter. The second disadvantage is moisture management. Feet hate moisture. Blisters and many other issues are caused by walking with wet feet. Just look at the trench foot of WWI. Boots, especially those made of leather or containing a Goretex liner simply take much more time to dry than those without. Trail runners are much more breathable than boots and allow moisture to move easily through, but at the cost of waterproofing.
Footwear is highly personal, and maybe down the line I'll switch over. I'll figure it out, but for now, boots it is.