Runners for Tassie Walking

[Nuts]

Yer, I guess the trade off is the tread. It shows with the sticky volleys great for rock but not much in mud. I think Innov-8 have a sticky or hard wearing option. Approach style soles are generally pretty low and grippy. I have noticed that the various runners are all better on one surface than another.

This is the salewa:

sole_system.jpg (35.74 KiB) Viewed 13322 times

[ULWalkingPhil]

Went up town today to check out some Asics, there's a sports store here that have limited supplies. Saw a pair of Asic Trigger 7 at $139.00
Tried size 10.5, they felt a bit tight, particularly on the side of my toes. Tried the size 11, they appear to be a better fit, although my ankle was not locking into the shoe, as well as the 10.5 did, I'm worried they would cause blisters on my heels. The shoes where Cross Trainers, the sales person recommended the cross trainers over runners. she mentioned the cross trainers are a more durable shoe, the Asic Trigger 7 had very good tread pattern. they don't give very good foot support, felt a bit flimsy in the souls, not rigid enough, for trails they probably would be perfect, But I'm after something I can do a bit of off-track hikes in.

Also went to the local camping store here and tried some Ecolite shoes, Locally there very limited on sizes. they had heaps of shoes, but they where all size 9's and size 12 and up. Tried a pair of size 11 and they didn't seam to bad, but my heels where not locking in as much as I would have liked to. They only had the one type that was in size 11, they where the Ecolite Atlas W/P Chocolate at apx $140.00. If only they had size 10.5. but i'm not sure if the 10.5 would be wide enough for my feet.

For those that have followed my posts, would know the dramas I'm having with finding boots that fit me and all the Black toes and blisters I've been suffering on my hikes. I thought it's about time I try to find something that will fit me and not cause grief and pain on my hikes.

The Inov8's look like a great shoe, would love to try them, but not sure on sizes. Bit of a risk for me to purchase without trying, so I don't think I will go that way. Need to try boots till I find something that works for me, but that's hard to do with the limited supplies where I live and you don't know if a boot is right for you till you go out hiking and try them out. Walking around the house is not a good enough test to see if they don't cause you and grief on your feet. Not sure what to do.

[icemancometh]

There's a store on Kent St in Sydney that does inov8...the old 505 and Adventure Megastore...not sure what they'll call themselves next week but they do stock em. Look good but narrow

[ULWalkingPhil]

I've contacted Adventure Megastore in Sydney, they have a very small range, I'm chasing the Roclite or Terroc soles, none of those are stocked. He did tell me in two weeks time there going to stock a better range of the Inov-8 shoes, one of those will be a Roclite sole, he didn't tell me which one it is. He told me it's up to the distributor, what get's supplied here in Australia.

[Macca81]

Barefoot inc. Is the Australian distributor, check the website to see what they are bringing into the country... It's not much...

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[Miyata610]

Very interesting info, thanks.

I have a pair of these....

http://www.merrell.com/AU/en-AU/Product ... mensions=0

They seemed to be designed more for wet sports, but they describe them as suitable for scouting, whatever that means.

I like the vibram soles.

Anyway, I haven't tried them yet, I have always used leather boots. I'm thinking I might try them on the arm river track next week with a lightish pack.

Just got back from an overnight using these. Very comfy. Fairly light pack, but was carrying a 2 man tent etc. trip out was much heavier, maybe 30kg, still remained comfortable. Got wet feet but socks dried quickly. Just used synthetic ankle socks, designed for cycling. I'm converted. Will try them with a heavy load in the next couple of weeks. Vibram 5 fingers next.

[Nuts]

While I waited for the runners to arrive I went back to leather boots a couple of weeks ago. Loose knees really point out the transferred twisting incurred when my ankle is restricted by boots. I walked through The Park to Pelion and was pretty sore for a few days afterwards. I know there are some good points for boots but those over good shoes is now lost (on me). I'm sure the weight of evidence will continue to sway towards ankle strengthening rather than support (for preventing knee problems)

So, well, back to episode 3 (Salewa) runners.

these arrived a week or so ago, i couldn't decide which model would be more suitable so i got 4 pairs (for around $300). The vent style and the GTX
are a similar design, the Mtn runners have a leather upper and a boot like lug sole.

headed out to Pelion again (nice place that) wearing the GTX Firetail:
I liked them. They fit so well.. they seem tough. The firetail sole (in the pic above) slips in mud, it's great on rock/track, roots so on.. I imagine the mtn sole would be better if lots of mud is expected. The heel felt less cushioned than the other shoes iv'e tried but it seemed ok after a couple of days, perhaps i was further up on my toes as the calves were a bit tender..

If I keep'em i'll probably wear the vent model most but the gtx was nice on the track where mud is shallow.

[Penguin]

I'd recommend something as a transition Phil (before the innov-8) I had the 345's(?) with the most cushioning and they were borderline. A 'rockplate' through the sole helps (as a lot of dedicated trail shoes have).
The advantages of the mesh V solid (or lined/goretex) shell are less in tassie as far as hot feet go. The gore lining, while not waterproof for long, can get you a long way into some summer walks without getting wet (nice if its at all cold).

I am making my first foray into track shoes in Tassie. I have given these a bit of a go

ORAC 340.tiff

Tried them on the overland track to WFV and back, WOJ and last weekend into Junction Creek. The studs are interesting. Smooth rock is a challenge, but anything with any texture the grip is great. Have not put my foot in a puddle yet, mud is really good. No feet problems so far.

Keen to try them in really wet weather. In the heat the feet do not get sweaty like in Gortex boots.

I am weighting up whether to use them in the WA's

P

Just did the WA's in these. Loved them!

Not sure I would go for the studs again. Very comfortable wearing all day and can use as camp shoes at the end of the day. My feet felt good - as longs I dried them each night and put some paw-paw cream on them as well. No foot, ankle or calf fatigue. No twisted ankles as feet felt more agile. With more of a runner profile could use some toe holds climbing that the people with boots could not. If the temperature rises they dry out very quickly. We have cold and wet days, hail and some hot days on this traverse.

Would use them again. Definitely.

If I knew there was going to be snow, or solid wet days through mud, I would probably still wear boots. Otherwise it will be these.

The other issue is that I will probably get only a single season out of these, time will tell. They are just not as robust as a set of Scarpa SL's

P

[Nuts]

Just did the WA's in these. Loved them!

Not sure I would go for the studs again.

P

Yes, i see! Well done to the Strollers, taking that in their stride!! no big deal hah
not sure what you mean abt studs?

[doogs]

not sure what you mean abt studs?

I heard it was the street name for the strollers

[Nuts]

Aye, so it is said.. stuff of legend eh?...

(what's next, facebook page ? )

[forest]

I too made the switch to runners about 12 months ago now from big Meindle boots.

Noted that you need to do some feet/ankle strengthening and a bit of de-sensatisation if the terrain is really rocky.

For me I'm really liking the Inov-8 295's, Had the 315's and the toe box shape was a little pointy (still okay though, just liked the rounder shape on the 295's better)
The 295's roclite sole is great for 99% of the stuff I've been in.

I think what shoes you wear are personal prefference but if you feel like a change try the runners.
Heap's less fatigue for me at the end of a long day. Not swinging those 1.2kg (Each) boots up and down a step hill also makes a big difference in my pace.

Also I'm wearing my runners with injini nu"wool toe socks, They seam to dry a lot quicker as the whole sock is in contact with skin.

So far I have done about 5 days total walking in NZ, 5 days in Kosi (1/2 off track) and about 75% of the GNW (Which is pretty easy on feet)
+ my regular jaunts a few times each week and a heap of day walks.
The NZ stuff is a good foot flexer..... spending all day on sharp, pointy rocks....once your used to runners though it's no issue.

I'm finding it harder and harder to justify the boots now.

[Penguin]

Just did the WA's in these. Loved them!

Not sure I would go for the studs again.

P

Yes, i see! Well done to the Strollers, taking that in their stride!! no big deal hah
not sure what you mean abt studs?

The 340 Oracs have tungsten carbide studs in the rubber blocks on the soles. Great grip on some surfaces, but like ice skating on smooth rock.

P

[ULWalkingPhil]

I've found the ideal shoes for me, the Golite Timberlites. There a mid height and very comfy. Just completed a one week hike, with no blisters. My feet fill great


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[icemancometh]

Feedback on the NB Minimus...great street/casual shoe but the lack of grip makes it unsuitable for extended walking. Go to the Vivo range instead

[ULWalkingPhil]

I've found the grip on my Golite Timberlite Mid height shoes very grippy. particularly on rocks. They appear to grip fine in the wet.
There a great shoe for hiking, lightweight and so comfy to wear.
It's great to finally have some shoes that fit and don't cause havoc on my feet.
Some of you's would be aware of the major problems I've had with my feet in the past year, with blisters and black toes, etc. It's taken a year to find a pair of shoes that fit me. Finally I can now go out and really enjoy my hikes without worrying to much about my feet.

These boots, I've just worn on a week and a half hike, I've returned from yesterday. There listed as Waterproof, but if you walk into water for long the boots got wet inside. I don't think there Goretex, but I found the boots dried very quickly. The tread of these felt great to walk in. there not like your traditional hiking shoes with the thicker soles under your heel. There same thickness all they way through, I've found them very comfortable to wear. The tread are soft, walking over rocks and twigs stones etc, I did not feel. Very happy with these.

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Last edited by ULWalkingPhil on Thu 01 Mar, 2012 2:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[ULWalkingPhil]

These turned up in the post the other day while I was away hiking, They are Montrail AT PLUS, I like the tread on these, I think they should grip well on just about anything. There not a Mid height boot and not water proof.

I'm posting these on here, to get a opinion on what you think would be a good shoe for the overland Track this coming October or November the latest.

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[ULWalkingPhil]

I think these might be the ones, to take on my Overland trek.
Treksta Evolution Mid GTX, won the backpackers magazine boot of the year for 2011.
At this stage out of the 3 shoes, I think, i'll take these. Have not tested them on a decent hike as yet. warn them this morning around the house and they fit nicely, plenty of room for my toes. Will need to do a few overnight hikes first to make sure they don't cause blisters. From the short time I've tried them this morning, I think they will do just fine.

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[Nuts]

Good one, so long as your prepared for wet feet they all look comfortable.

[corvus]

Runners are in my opinion just that!! however to each their own and I will stick
with (right or wrong) the Majority and keep wearing good Leather Boots
corvus

[icemancometh]

go the Montrails!

[Nuts]

I will stick with (right or wrong) the Majority

C'mon, where's the fun in that?? Hey, little birdy tells me you were once a volleys man

Those 'mid' style boots might protect ankles a bit better from dings?? Ive been trying some short gaiters that are pretty sturdy (as an option).
The toe socks are hiding somewhere (how do they do that??) but i don't get toe blisters anyway so everyday ankle socks under thicker ankle covering ones seems to work ok and give a bit better protection

[corvus]

Still have my Volleys albeit worn and torn on the uppers but they were never used for serious walking only as camp/hut shoes.
corvus

[Bluegum Mic]

I've been watching this thread with great interest. I've only just recently taken a dabble into using a trail shoe again vs boot (the last time I wore some I fell and tore several ligaments in my ankle, fractured my talus and tore my acl so you can understand my nerves getting back into them

I've been looking at all the various styles for a lighter option for walking with good ventilation. I've settled on the inov8 terroc 308 (ladies version of the 330). This morning I took them for their first outing off the beaten track (well this track is well beaten but a good test for any shoe) up on Mount Coot-tha on the jacksonia/kokoda circuit with a few smaller side tracks thrown in for good measure. I was carrying around 12kgs in my osprey exos 46 (blardy fantastic pack for humid conditions and very comfy). Anyone who's walked this knows its good for putting the pack on and training as the kokoda trail is a bit of a steep old finish.

The shoes were flawless. The surface of this track is hard due to its high usage by walkers, MTB riders and even a horse or two in certain parts. The surface is very gravely and due to the steep sections good for a slide. Theses shoes didn't budge and gripped effortlessly. Unsure how they would handle mud/slick surfaces but time will tell. I only hit a few clay surfaces and again no issue. Drained and dried quickly after an intentionally splashy creek crossing. My only caveat (and it sadly could be a deal breaker) is the toe box. I have a narrow foot which this shoe is made for, and the toe box is a little strange. I've plenty of wriggle room for all my toes yet the shoe cuts up and in at the big toe. I have plenty of room length wise for my big toes, its just it puts pressure right on the tip of the nail at the most medial part of the big toe from above. Otherwise fit is perfection. No slipping heel, no blisters, feet felt great (albeit that tiny point on my toe nail). Ill give them another couple of walks to see if this subsides as they are great otherwise.

So watch this space. If Im happy with them after a few more walks I might try them in tassy at the end of the month.

[ULWalkingPhil]

go the Montrails!

Not to sure on taking the Montrails on the overland track in October, chances are that there might be some snow in the area, I hope so.

I thought maybe the trekstas with the Goretex might be a better option for the conditions.

The Montrails are not water proof.


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[Nuts]

The goretex doesn't seem to last too long, if they're reasonably new they may stay mostly dry Phil.

I would say by far the majority of OT walkers aren't wearing leather boots anymore. Given that most (even real walkers) have been on the track at some stage, they aren't 'all' newbies so maybe many people are getting over the need for heavy boots for Every walk. The unfortunate consequence (probably more caused by the 'backpackers' and newbies) could be that the track braiding gets worse as soon as it rains.

The other thing is that runners need some thought, i'd expect most people (even 'real' bushwalkers) have weak ankles (no rough ground in everyday life).... and then to head out with a heavy pack...Maybe most (even regular walkers) never get to the point where they don't need boots unless they can reduce pack weight and get (luckily?) through the initial strengthening.

I can imagine your hesitation bgm, sounds painful!! All the best, Pelion should be a good test (dry, even track)..
There seems to be a growing range of Inov8, the ones i tried 345's(?) had an annoyingly low heel and weren't very durable but they gripped well and were nice in the forefoot.

I had in mind 'tassie' for this topic. S'pose the only real difference down here is that more enclosed runners/ with heat shouldn't be so uncomfortable. Its a shame that the gore shoes take so long to dry is all, otherwise its possible to stay drier, longer (at least on some tracks) with wp liners.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I have not owned a Goretex boot long enough or worn a Goretex boot for long. So i don't have a lot of experience with goretex. I see what you mean by Goretex taking longer to dry than a shoe without Goretex. The montrail AT Plus appears to be the ideal shoe for the overland track. Ive got another pair of Golite shoes with no water proof membrane, similar tread to the Golite timber lite.




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[Nuts]

I had one pair of Merrell mid height Gore boots, they were ok in quick puddles but really have to accept wet feet more often than leather. Same with the shoes, doesn't seem to matter the brand. I guess for you Phil that they are comfortable is a good start

[Tas01]

Hello
I have tried plenty of walking shoes and boot just like the rest you guys but I have currently got a pair scarpa aria hiking shoes and find them excellent for day hiking, even multiday stuff. Easily wear gaiter with no problems.

http://www.macpac.com.au/shop/en_au/gea ... xcr-m.html

Awesome vibram grip sole, Big lugs, stiff enough for hiking over rough trails with all pack weights. They are essentially a cut down version from Scarpa's ZG65 boot - Pretty much the same sole.

I also have a pair of scarpa enigma xcr (2007 model) and they also stood up to task pretty well.
I would recommend changing the insoles however. The photo attached is my enigma’s, 4 years and still going strong.

I have also considered getting a pair of Inov8 etc.. Good reviews, but i think the sole won’t last as long, maybe useful for people who want to blaze the trail and buy new shoes each season. But as we all know what works for one person doesn't work for another.

I also have a pair Montrail Mountain Masochist that I got from macpac…these are pretty comfortable, but I find them slippery on wet scree and the sole has only lasted a few months of casual wearing to and from rock climbing crags etc.. Nice shoe though. I have found Scarpa Aria and my Meindl Island Pro boots excellent in wet conditions.

cheers, Phil

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[CasualNerd]

I've been running in a pair of Salomon GTX Pro 3D and they're amazing ! I did an overnight walk around cradle in August last year soon after I got them, and they only got wet because I fell through ice into running water They were ok in the snow with heavy duty snow socks though i wouldn't recommend it. Goretex is good but they're only runners so don't expect to last long in heavy rain or creek crossings

Best thing is i tried them on locally and them ordered them from the UK for about $140. They're cheaper, lighter, stronger and more comfortable / supportive than my previous brooks / asics shoes and I use them for MTB riding with flat pedals, running (especially off road) and bushwalking.