Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board What shoes/boots do you hike in?

I am interested in what shoes or boots those summitting Whitney (or other peaks) are wearing. I am not interested in starting a debate on this matter as I see that other archived threads do so. I plan to make my first attempt in late August. I am a runner and not a hiker - although I am doing lot's of hiking specific training to get ready. As a runner, I own numerous running shoes and am knowledgeable on same. It would help me to determine - this week, what to purchase. I have been doing research, including searching these archives. But, I would be very interested to know what you all are actually wearing to make your summits - brand/model and perhaps how they performed.

Just personal experience speaking here: I just came back and I wear Lowa low hikers. My dad wore his NB Trail Runners and he was slipping and sliding all over the place. He actually slipped and fell twice on the switchbacks coming down and as a result it was baby steps to almost Lone Pine Lake. He couldn't figure out why I wasn't doing the same - then I let him know I was convinced it was because I was wearing sport specific shoes. It's your choice. His shoes were only 3 months old. But I see a lot of people with trail runners on the trail. Just be careful - the rocks get slippery. Have fun and be safe!

If you read these pages long enough, you will hear of people doing it in sandals. I think it's safe to say that majority opinion is down on that option. :-)

The first time I did Whitney I had an overly-large pack on my back because we were spending the night on top and I owned no light equipment. I wore running shoes because that was what I was used to. No problem. Oh, to be 19 again!

I have gone up in traditional, heavy leather hiking boots, again with no problem. These days, I wear nice, lightweight hiking boots. Love 'em. There are many brands that will serve you well.

If you are a runner (with good ankles), you will do just fine with running shoes. If you are hell-bent on spending money, you might consider one of the many available trail running type shoes. I am confident that others will come on and describe more brands and models than you want to know about.

I use Zamberlan - 425 Wind GT, excellent light weight hiking shoe for day hikes.

If you are looking for what shoe to wear, I suggest going to your local outdoor speciality store (like REI). Pretty much like running shoes, everyone has a different foot mass/size and different needs/expectations from their shoes. Trolling the website for shoes won't really help you find the correct shoe for yourself. It is better to go to the experts and help them find a shoe for you. I was keen on a Raichle shoe myself, but apparently my foot doesn't have enough body to fit comfortably in the shoe. Go figure! But I am real happy with the shoe that was recommened, inspite of doing some tough hikes, never had a blister yet.

Rgds!

i do not want to start a debate either, but i am a loony sandal hiker. i wear the Chaco sandals with the deep-lugged soles, or sometimes i wear a pair of running sandals made by Teva. i don't normally wear socks with them, but sometimes on cold mornings or when other circumstances demand socks, i do. for those who scoff, here's a picture from my latest trip - 5 days and 50+ miles, over Kaweah gap and back out again, all in sandals. <a href="http://community.webshots.com/photo/83241779/83243931JrSpkB
" target="_new">sandal photo</a>

do i recommend sandals for everybody? heck no! do i recommend just any old sandals? heck no! but i will most likely be wearing sandals when i complete the Muir Trail this year, on top of ol' Whitney. just had to add my crazy, suicidal, sandal-hiking 2 cents.

I'm no expert, but I used ASOLO Volcano's when I summited for the first time Monday. I got them for about $80.00 at REI.

Very comfortable, light weight, break inh very quickly. No problems even with a 37 lb pack, and running downhill.

Just did Whitney dayhike 7/25 wearing North Face Ultra 100. They're lightweight (25 oz.), laces up nice and snug, very comfortable and no blisters so far. Dries quickly when wet, especially with synthetic socks. Sole traction is fine on trail. I even wore them, smearing on slick rock, up the cables of Half Dome. I also wear short gaitors to keep dirt, rocks out of the shoes. If you're doing the main trail in a day and your feet/ankles are strong, I'd get trail runners or shoes that your feet are comfortable in. Supposedly, the saying is "every pound on your feet equals 5-6+ pounds on your back." Tyr to make your pack as light as possible. Only bring what is necessary and essential for the summit. If you're doing it as a 2-3 day trip, you may want to consider mid-duty hiking shoes/boots. Good luck on your decision and be safe!

Big Tex,

You didn't say whether you're going to be trail running Whitney or hiking it. I was primarily a long-distance runner before I began hiking. I would *not* recommend running shoes while Hiking Whitney because of the terrain there. No running shoe will protect the arches of your feet or soles over the rocky parts on the backside, or the grand staircase above Mirror Lake. A very light hiking shoe (not boot!) like Lowa low's are good. They weigh a little more than a running shoe, but not much and they will protect your ankles and feet.

Of course, if you're going to trail run the whole thing, then disregard everything above and go with trail running shoes.

hiker mom...we met your family at the trail head at 6:00. your son wanted to take the shirt back when we told him you hadn't summited. we made the top and it was no great shakes compared to trail crest. just a bunch of wankers on their CELL phones! remember...it's not the destination, but the journey. your dad will always remember that you turned around for him.

I've hiked in my custom Limmers since 1979. They are heavy, but I've never turned an ankle or had blisters. I can hike a long time in the snow before getting wet feet and I can put crampons on them. I have very narrow feet and my ankles are small and with sneakers I find myself falling off my heal without turning an ankle. I know that I sound old school, I'm only 40 but I like my heavy Limmers. I'm on the third set of soles. I read the long distance hiking journals on the web and people wear out sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes or have very tired feet and blister problems. To each his own, but I like the support

Sounds like "san onofre guy" has the same philosophy as I do. I have a pair of Vasque Cascades that are 18 years old. Heavy, 3/4 steel shank,great ankle protection, never get blisters, original Vibram soles, lots of traction. Buy good boots and go heavy & you only have one pair for all types of hikes. Your feet will love you for it.

Went to the top yesterday in my North Face Flight Trail running shoes. Used low gaiters with them. Feet were wet for much of the way but I don't waste time avoiding puddles, etc. and don't care about wet feet. No blisters, no falls, and my feet stayed warm enough. Used a single pair of DeFeet Coolmax socks.

I hike in Lowa and my husband hikes in Asolo's. They are both heavier shoes but are great.
My best advice is to go to REI or Adventure 16, or some place that has a knowledgeable staff. Like running, every person's feet are different, so what works for one may not work for the other.
I actually went through a couple pairs of boots before I got the right fit. Luckily, REI has an excellent return policy.
For me, I need a lot of support on my ankles as well as good cushioning. If you've got stronger ankles, you'll probably be able to get lower, lighter weight shoe.
Also, there are inserts, Smart Feet, that work great to provide more support.
Happy trails!

I hike/climb in New Balance sneakers if route is free of snow and Boreal Asan boots if crampons are required. I put SuperFeet insoles in both of them to avoid blisters and make it more comfy.

I just use cheap, lightweight Hi-Teks, even when carrying a heavy pack. I have heavy gore-tex boots for use with crampons in Winter conditions, but if there's no snow and the trail is as good as the Whitney trail, I find the extra support of heavier boots just isn't worth the extra weight or blisters. I do use two poles, though, to reduce the risk of ankle injuries.

Suede Vasque Clarions for dayhikes, Asolo 535 GTX for backpacking. I've had the Asolos for several years and will probably resole them when they get worn because they fit very well. I've replaced the original insoles in both with Superfeet.

I hike, run, walk, race (straight uphill and straight downhill sometimes) in my trail running shoes: Montrail Leona Divides. I'm a girl with a narrow foot. Lightweight and great fit & traction for me.

Extended trips, if the pack is on-- --Vasque--clarion or sundowners---but when I get to camp and the dog is off my back, ---I like to fish, so flea market tennis shoes--lightest I can find, (I wade in the water with them.)

Asolo FSN 90...sierratradingpost.com on sale.

BigTex, I'm doing the East Face on 9/11 and plan to hike in with my bomber Reichle leather boots and then switch to my 5.10 Approach shoes (with the patiented sticky rubber) for the actual climb. I know it may be excessive weight, but at 42 I've got to take care of my feet...darnit!

~Swifty