Misanthropist: Thanks, bro. That’s what this site is for. It means a lot; I was almost convinced the other day to quit posting information after a couple posts devolved into a war of words. Von Rheydt justly reminded me to remain professional and take things with a grain of salt. Since then, I’ve recently encountered more than a few people who are using the forums for their intended purpose, and I was encouraged.
I used to moonlight at an outdoor store for the ridiculous discounts, and the trail runner vs. light hiker question was probably the most common. The truth is that the lines are continuing to blur. Throw in some misconceptions, as well as the new-ish low cut ‘casual light-hiker’ category, and there is a lot of confusion.
The biggest thing that separates a trail runner from a hiking shoe (of any level) is the firmness of the midsole. That is the single most important factor in trying to match boots to whatever conditions you may encounter. And contrary to what the name sounds like, midsole doesn’t mean ‘halfway down the length of the sole.’ Rather, it’s the layer between the insole (where the bottom of your feet touch) and the outsole (what touches the ground).
A firm midsole is necessary simply for the fact that without them, the muscles on the bottom of your feet will be doing all the work to keep itself stable under your body weight. (Think what your feet do in a running shoe, which has a very flexible midsole.) Put some weight on your back, or even without extra weight, a lot of inclines, and your feet are not all strong enough to keep up. Also, it helps protect the sole of your feet from rocks, etc.
You may notice after a long hike, the muscles on the bottom of your feet (the plantar fascia, specifically) are sore; likely, boots not firm enough were the culprit. This is particularly the case with steep inclines; the flex in the shoes puts all the work back onto the muscles of the feet.
Most companies, for light hikers, use what’s called triple-density eva foam for the insole. For what’s required, the word ‘foam’ may make you uneasy, but it works perfectly, while saving weight. (Remember, every pound of shoe weight on your feet translates to about the same energy consumption as if carrying five or six pounds on your back.)
With proper design, the massive outsoles you see on low-cut light hikers aren’t at all necessary. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that entire category of shoe (the low casual hiker ) is pretty unnecessary, in terms of functionality. A Salomon trail runner will provide just the same support and more stability, with less weight.
The only reason that ‘genre’ exists is for a more subdued, less sporty look than trail runners that people can wear to work. They sell for that reason, and that people incorrectly think they need them to do light hiking. Other than looks, there is not a single advantage afforded by most of those shoes. Only disadvantages, really. Mind you - there are some that genuinely have a stiffer midsole. That said, with those low-cut shoes, the parts around your ankles (called the collar) will dig into your legs like crazy when tackling inclines. That force, normally absorbed by sole flexion, has to go somewhere.
A true light hiker (think Asolo Fugitive, Vasque Breeze, etc) is the next real step up from a shoe built as well as a Salomon trail runner. These have a higher ankle, and a stiffer midsole. The misconception is that the boot higher on the leg will provide protection against twisting the ankle. That is largely incorrect. To do that, the sides of the boots would have to be much, much more rigid. The higher ankle serves two real functions: to protect the ankle from scrapes and blows from rocks, etc; and to better keep the heel seated in the boot. In those boots, the surface of the outsole under the heel tends to be wider, giving better heel stability; that’s really what ‘prevents’ you from rolling your ankle, not the higher ankle coverage.
I realize that means that about 99% of the world’s notions of hiking boots are wrong, but I’m afraid that’s the case. Think - if you had a pack on your back, or were moving briskly, do you honestly think those three inches of leather would stop you from twisting your ankle? Not so much. The other advantage to higher collars on boots is the flex in the material at the ankle allows the energy from a step up an incline that would, on a stiff, low cut shoe otherwise be translated into the collar cutting into your ankle. (What I mentioned earlier.)
From this point, we graduate to the ‘real’ boots. Ones with little or no flex, and harder and higher sides, all the way up to actual plastic boots. These are unnecessary for 99% of the people in the world. That simple. I won’t even discuss those for now. Just find a good middle ground, and you’re set. People tend to make the mistake of buying too much boot. They’re too heavy, and far too stiff to allow any kind of flex. The boots will dig into the Achilles tendon, calf, and ankle, and the entire experience will be ruined. Remember - aching feet will ruin an entire trip. That will be the only thing you really remember, and the time will have been wasted.
I keep bringing up Salomons, but for a reason. They are exceptionally built. The difference between them and every other shoe company is simple; their trail running line is conceived for the sake of racing, or at the very least, serious training. Better construction and minimal weight is the result. So when you take that mindset to boots, everyone wins.
But again, be mindful of I said earlier about the Salomon boots: these are light hikers, leaning more towards the light; the midsoles are very similar to that of the XA Pro 3d running shoe. They are significantly stiffer than the trail runner, but the danger, with heavy weight or steep inclines, is plantar fascia pain. I’ll be interested to see what you think. Please let us know.
For those still pondering the light hiker question, there are literally hundreds of reputable choices out there. Follow these guidelines for reference. For fairly tame pursuits, go with a Salomon XA Pro 3d. With sharper inclines, 30ish lb’s on your back, think Salomon Quest 4d’s or another of their hikers. Anything more, or much steeper inclines, think Asolo Fugitive or Flame. Those models will cover just about anything you’ll encounter. (On the way to Everest, I wore Salomon trail runners for the first few days. Things got a tad trickier, and I transitioned to the Asolo Fugitives all the way to the base. Not a problem.)
I’m suggesting these models not to get you to buy them specifically, but to try them on to get a frame of reference as to the stiffness of the midsole necessary for each level of difficulty in the expected activity.
Hope that provides some clarity.
Be safe.
