The "Trail Runner" trend is negligent advice

PocketKnifeNick

I’m going to say what a lot of us are thinking but are afraid to post because of the ultralight mob here.

I am sick and tired of seeing beginners ask for advice on their first 5-day backpacking trip (carrying 15-20kg!) and seeing 10 people immediately scream “GET ALTRAS! GET HOKAS!”

This is reckless. Trail runners offer effectively zero lateral ankle support. Last weekend, I had to help carry a guy down 4 miles of scree in the Whites because he rolled his ankle wearing those “super comfy” foam sneakers you guys love so much. His trip was ruined. He was in agony.

If you are not a conditioned through-hiker with steel tendons, you need boots. Can we please stop pretending that saving 300g on your feet is worth risking a rescue helicopter?

If you carry more than 10kg, wear leather boots. End of discussion.

naturenomad

Tell me you don’t understand physiology without telling me you don’t understand physiology. 🙄

“Ankle support” in fabric boots is a total myth. Unless you are wearing plastic mountaineering ski-boots, that leather isn’t stopping your ankle from rolling. It’s just a placebo that makes your feet sweat and gives you blisters.

The guy you helped didn’t get hurt because of his shoes; he got hurt because he had weak ankles—probably from wearing “coffins” (boots) his whole life that prevented his stabilizing muscles from working. 1lb on your feet equals 5lbs on your back. Do the math and stop fear-mongering.

TrailGlimpse

I think you’re both half-right, but missing the main point. The issue isn’t the shoe, it’s the drop.

Recommending zero-drop shoes (like Altras) to a beginner who sits at a desk 9 hours a day is definitely dangerous. Their achilles and calves aren’t ready for that strain, regardless of the ankle support.

But saying “everyone needs leather boots” is outdated, Granite. I haven’t worn boots in 15 years and I’ve never had a sprain. Maybe we should be advising on conditioning rather than just gear?

CampfireCrackler

Spot on about conditioning-I’ve been doing eccentric calf raises (3×20, slow negatives) for a month before switching to Altras on my last 6-day Sierras trip with 12kg baseweight. Zero issues, and my ankles feel bombproof now. Game-changer for desk jockeys! Who’s tried it?

SummitSeeker

I’m literally buying boots for my trip to the Dolomites next week. I was going to get Altras. Now I’m terrified. Can someone recommend a lightweight boot that isn’t a brick? I need to order tonight.

AlpineAl

For Dolomites scree and rocks, go Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX-1.1lb/pair, stiff sole grips like mad, Gore-Tex keeps feet dry without brick weight. Skip full leather; nubuck upper flexes better. I’ve logged 200mi in them, zero rolls. Order from REI for fast ship.