Boots or shoes?

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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Boots or shoes?

Boots
66
33%
Trailrunners/approach shoes
133
67%
 
Total votes: 199
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LetsGoMets
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by LetsGoMets »

justiner wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 1:46 pm
LetsGoMets wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 1:37 pm
LS Crossover 2.0 - I believe this is built on a Mutant frame. Unbelievable traction in snow, have used on climbs like Castle/Conundrum in spring etc. Always get a blister on my upper heel in them like clockwork if I don't use protection in that area. Worth the quick protective band-aid for the non-weight of a boot in winter/spring where conditions allow.
yeah, totes Mutant with a different upper. Was the lacing a little weird? I found that built in gaiter not as good as I'd like it to be though. They've been discontinued for a while - I used them in '17 for early season scouting. After that were the Urangos, which again were very Mutant-like with a gaiter, but this one was more neoprene-like. I used that for the Mosquito/Tenmile Traverse. That's been discontinued to, to make room for the Blizzard which is such a bad-ass winter shoe, but really only a Winter shoe. I've stretched that one to use for some pretty frigid Winter Longs Peak ascent. I don't suggest it, but they worked and I still have my toes!

The Cyklon'slook positively from the future when compared to the Mutants. I haven't gotten my grubby hands on them yet, but Oh! I'm looking forward to them:

https://www.sportiva.com/cyklon.html

Mutants are still my fav, although the quiver selection is preeeetty nice.

All true things (lacing, gaiter etc). I also have pushed them pretty hard on cold days. They were an interesting shoe for sure with a few quirks but man, built for bagging peaks right up to the edge of needing a mountaineering boot (IMO)!
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ReginaThomas
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by ReginaThomas »

Used to be team trail runners all the way. Now that I’m getting off the beaten path, I’m 100% converted to team boots. The support for my ankles plus the ability to tackle off trail terrain head on makes a bit of extra weight worth it.
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Been_Jammin
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by Been_Jammin »

Team "It depends on the situation!!!"
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SchralpTheGnar
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by SchralpTheGnar »

BD Quadrants for ski mountaineering
Asolo boots for backpacking
Asics trail runners for everything else
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HikerGuy
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by HikerGuy »

I'd love to wear my TX3 approach shoes all of the time, they feel like walking in slippers to me; however, I bash my ankles far too much in talus so mid lightweight hikers it is. I am starting this season off with a pair of the new Mid Ultra Raptors after having used the Salomon X Ultra Mid the past few years. I used to wear green superfeet insoles, but I have switched to the oboz ofit insole and couldn't be happier. They don't last as long, but are cheaper and way more comfortable.

EDIT: And if you have not switched to Darn Tough socks yet, try them out.
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jrs1965
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by jrs1965 »

montanahiker wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 10:01 am
SkaredShtles wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 9:48 am I prefer solid boots due to trailrunners/lightweight boots not giving me enough under-foot support. On rocky, uneven terrain, lightweight shoes/boots really do a number on my feet. Even worse when carrying a significant load.
Same here. If I could find a trailrunner that replicates a boot under foot I'd look into switching.
I'm on like my fourth pair of Oboz now. I think they have a fairly stiff shank which is close to the support on a boot.
cfischer
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by cfischer »

For what it's worth, and this is admittedly a shameless plug, I work for La Sportiva. So if any of you want to stop into the Boulder store, I can always talk shoes with you, or fit you for a pair.
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justiner
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by justiner »

If you are in Boulder, you should go to the LS Factory Retail Store just for the spectacle - it's pretty fun to see EVERY LS climbing shoe, boot, and trail runner all at once.
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two lunches
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by two lunches »

justiner wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 11:02 am If you are in Boulder, you should go to the LS Factory Retail Store just for the spectacle - it's pretty fun to see EVERY LS climbing shoe, boot, and trail runner all at once.
i disagree. when i did this, i ended up spending an extra $300 :-#
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
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SES_17
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by SES_17 »

Hiking over rocky terrain in trail runners or even a boot with too much flex really beats up my feet. I've probably rolled an ankle just as much in a boot as in a trail runner but I like the security of feeling "locked in" to my footwear so I'm definitely a boot guy. I've been rockin' a pair of Vasque Scree boots for the past 7-8 years but the soles are almost smooth and they leak when wet so I'll be looking for new pair of something soon.
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by dr_j »

Previously, from 2000 - 2017: trail running shoes (Salomon, Adidas).
These days: Approach shoes for the Class 3/4/5 stuff, bare feet or Chacos for Class 1/2/3. Mountaineering boots for the Cascades.
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mjlucarelli
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Re: Boots or shoes?

Post by mjlucarelli »

I tried trail runners the summer season after I had to retire my summer hiking boots. After a summer of going off the beaten and rocky ridges they got tore up and barely lasted the season. So last summer I bought another pair of my trusty, and I think pretty light, Merrell hiking boots. I would try trail runners again, but I would probably only wear them on very specific routes. I don't feel I have to be choosey with my boots...they can handle anything.
What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger...except bears, bears will definitely kill you. :shock:
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