Light Weight Hiking Boots.

[John Sheridan]

I want to upgrade my boots and get me some boots just to wear for at most a 4 day hike, mostly to be used for weekends and long week ends, but I need some suggestions, they must be at least mid height as I have twisted my ankle a few times and it aint very nice.

I was thinking of something like this, or am I ?

http://www.kellysbasecamp.com.au/p/1112 ... 0-gtx.html

La Sportiva FC 3.0 GTX


For 900 grams a pair, that sounds pretty light.

Any suggestions would be great.


Thanks all.

[Strider]

Salomon Synapse? See topic on here somewhere...

[photohiker]

I've been through the same process of choosing a suitable LW boot.

For non waterproof, I would recommend the Salomon Synapse. The Waterproof version 'Salomon Synapse CS WP' does not use Goretex and does not breathe well. Makes for bad foot odor with my feet, YMMV. Also, you do need to verify that you have Salomon compatible feet, they are not wide fitting. My feet seem to be a great match for the Salomon last.

Looking through the Salomon range for a breathable alternative, I found the Comet 3 GTX and have ordered a pair. These are apparently a slightly shorter version of the well-regarded Quest boot. The La Sportiva FC 3.0 GTX looks to be a shorter version of the La Sportiva FC ECO 4.0 GTX. (looks like the one sold by Kelly's is not the 'ECO' version with recycled materials) You can find a comparison review of the higher versions here: http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Hiking-Boots-Reviews (Looks ok, seems the ECO version is not so supportive especially when wet, who knows for the Kelly's version)

At the price though, $99 is a very good price for a decent LW GTX boot in Australia. I don't think you will do better than that. The best price I found for the Salomon overseas was $140 but I bought them locally (+$100) as I need usable warranty for this pair.

[nq111]

Hi John,

I am with you - a boots person due to ankle issues. I also like the stiffer sole of boots generally for 'hoofing' into little features when scrambling.

But I agree with a number of the benefits that the trail shoe brigade harp on about and have been down a similar path to you. The range of good, lightweight boots is pretty poor - especially when you consider what you may have access to locally to try on.

The range of trail shoes is much greater - so it is easier to find a model with the features you want and try on. Have you considered trail shoes with separate, lace-up ankle brakes? This gives you the support, lightweight and access to the full range of footwear available. But it is more mucking around then just slipping on some boots.

[wayno]

i've got salomon cosmics, good boots, 1400gm for the pair
i like these ones and will consider something like salomon ultras next time, 800gm a pair, gore tex.
i'm looking at going size up, i'm borderline fit for the width... i can only wear them with the thinnest socks
http://www.gearbuyer.com/products/salom ... -mens.html

[ULWalkingPhil]

For the past 8 months on all my overnight hikes, I been wearing a pair of Merrell Runners weighing 250grams each and my feet are in better condition now than they ever been. When I was wearing heavy leather boots I had so many problems with my feet, to the extent where I had to limit my walks and most hikes i did go on I had to cut the hikes short because of foot problems. A couple hikes of only a few days a year ago, it taken me a month to get over the damage done to my feet. Those boots you mostly talk about kill my feet.

8 months ago a hike i completed and yes I managed to complete it in full, a 10 day hike i wore the merrel runners and only received a hot patch on my left heal from the sandy environment after a few days, a bit of taping and I was fine.

I own a pair of Treksta Evolution Mid GTX that I planned to wear on some of my more difficult hikes, so I been trying them out around the block and at the gym, as soon I done a few km, blisters start to form on my heels. And they feel like a great fit. I am so susceptible to blisters on my heels, the only way I can overcome them is with light weight runners.

I have a hike in the next 4 months Im planning on, the Larapinta Trail, I dont know what to wear, everyone tells me you have to have those heavy leather boots, but I just can not wear them.

[wayno]

the x ultra salomon boots are basically trail runners with a mid height ankle and more rubber on the tread,
my cosmics are just beeffed up runners... not lke heavier leather boots.
i'e just been living in my cosmics for the last ten days, in teh hills and day to day. none of the problems you'd get with heavier leather boots. my feet are fine

[north-north-west]

I have a hike in the next 4 months Im planning on, the Larapinta Trail, I dont know what to wear, everyone tells me you have to have those heavy leather boots, but I just can not wear them.

I've done all of my walking in the Centre and the Top End in runners, sandals, or barefoot. Including the Larapinta ( a long time ago). Just add gaiters and be careful with your foot placement.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I have a hike in the next 4 months Im planning on, the Larapinta Trail, I dont know what to wear, everyone tells me you have to have those heavy leather boots, but I just can not wear them.

I've done all of my walking in the Centre and the Top End in runners, sandals, or barefoot. Including the Larapinta ( a long time ago). Just add gaiters and be careful with your foot placement.

Thats good to hear. I have heard others have worn runners on the Larapinta Trail. I will be wearing my runners, probably will end up taking one of my GoLite shoes.

[wayno]

also depends on the terrain you're going on, i' glad i didnt bring my runners to tas, my boots have taken a bit of a beating on the rocks, my trail runners would have taken a bigger thrashing.