I went old school and bought Zamberlan Vioz GT Hiking Boots and no regrets. No break in - just went. Training for Philmont and after the trek, my feet and ankles were the only parts that didnt hurt.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
There's a lot of difference between a hiking boot and a ski boot! The ski boot is basically like a cast, and i've never seen a hiking boot like that.
I didn't believe it either until I tried trail runners, forced by not being able to find women's boots without Goretex lining. My daughter was really skeptical! However, I have not turned an ankle a single time since I made the switch to trail runners 10 years ago, while I was constantly turning my ankles in the hiking boots!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
My experience follows OM's. I had terrible ankle problems when I wore high top shoes. Since switching to low top shoes I've had significantly less incidents of injury. I believe there was a sports medicine paper that backed up this claim. The idea is that wearing high tops reduces your ankles necessity to develop the appropriate muscles but does not offer real protection in hard slip where you are likely to have an injury. The few times I have injured an ankle I wear a Mueller type brace which offer considerably more support than any shoe. Even those high top leather boots that extend 12" or more up your ankle do not offer much support when broken in. Obviously HYOH and use what works for you, but it is something to consider.
There's a lot of difference between a hiking boot and a ski boot! The ski boot is basically like a cast, and i've never seen a hiking boot like that.
I didn't believe it either until I tried trail runners, forced by not being able to find women's boots without Goretex lining. My daughter was really skeptical! However, I have not turned an ankle a single time since I made the switch to trail runners 10 years ago, while I was constantly turning my ankles in the hiking boots!
I played ice hockey for quite some time. Used to practice with my skates unlaced to build ankle strength. Never played a game that way though. When you injure a joint they support it while healing.
It seems we have differing viewpoints. Well different strokes for different folks. I'll be 60 years old soon and will continue wearing what works for me.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
We're never too old to learn new tricks! I made the switch to trail runners at age 73 and have never regretted it. I have never injured an ankle nor developed a blister since I switched. The boots sat unused in my closet for several years and then went to Goodwill.
As a precaution, I carried a pair of ankle braces for two years after I made the switch and never once took them out of my pack.
Edited by OregonMouse (06/27/1801:23 PM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3293
Loc: Portland, OR
I think OM was saying that in her case the change was not merely for the sake of something different, but was a distinct improvement and a relief. But, of course, if "what works" for you is entirely satisfactory, then the elusive goal of what might possibly be even better, but might not be, has much less attraction. As OregonMouse is fond of saying: Hike Your Own Hike. Which translates as "do what works for you".
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Actually, in addition to desperately needing footwear with no Goretex, I needed to lighten up. A pound on the feet is equivalent to five pounds on the back! You'll probably find as you get older, this becomes more important!
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
I'm not saying it's wrong, just recounting my experience, mostly for the many others who read this thread. People need to know there are different options available!
Edited by OregonMouse (06/30/1811:51 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
I went old school and bought Zamberlan Vioz GT Hiking Boots and no regrets. No break in - just went. Training for Philmont and after the trek, my feet and ankles were the only parts that didnt hurt.
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