Shoes vs boots? Climbing Mt Bat ur in Bali
#1
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Shoes vs boots? Climbing Mt Bat ur in Bali
Hello! I'll be climbing Mt Batur in Balu and Mt Fuji in Japan in the next few weeks! I'm average fitness level and hike around here in Ga but I'm not an experienced climber. Friends have said the first climb is steep and has lots of loose rock. I've been researching footwear for days! Boots vs hiking shoes vs approach shoes! Help! I'm 42 and I do need good support after foot surgery 2 years ago. My knees and ankles probably do too what do those of you with experience recommend? I was looking atvmetrell siren sport but then though maybe I should go with boot... Or approach! See I'm spinning in circles! Help with other gear suggestions would also be very much appreciated! Jacket, small pack...etc! Thanks!
#3
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I have done lots of that type of hiking and always used to swear by walking boots. I have had numerous foot and ankle injuries (Not through hiking, but mainly because of sport or my own clumsiness!)
I feel that most hiking injuries are mainly because of the loose rock you describe, rather than the incline. We are currently on a long trip in South America and I faced exactly the same dilemma - boots or shoes. In the end I came down on the side of shoes, partly because I read an article on the pros and cons of both which suggest that by choosing shoes over boots, you would be strengthening the ankle ligaments etc. True or not, I'm not sure, but it seems to have worked for me. We have done some fairly strenuous hiking in Peru and Ecuador in the last couple of months and have had no ill effects - yet!
FWIW and not wishing to add complications, my absolute favourite walking boots and shoes are Keen Targhee 2 which come in mid boots and shoes. Superb grip, great support but shoes are THE most individual things you can buy.
Go for the best, lightest waterproof jacket you can and check the breath ability rating.
I find merino thermal layers to be invaluable when hiking and travelling - so light, packers small and warm for the weight.
I always take a buff https://www.buffwear.co.uk/buff-adult-headwear so many uses!
I feel that most hiking injuries are mainly because of the loose rock you describe, rather than the incline. We are currently on a long trip in South America and I faced exactly the same dilemma - boots or shoes. In the end I came down on the side of shoes, partly because I read an article on the pros and cons of both which suggest that by choosing shoes over boots, you would be strengthening the ankle ligaments etc. True or not, I'm not sure, but it seems to have worked for me. We have done some fairly strenuous hiking in Peru and Ecuador in the last couple of months and have had no ill effects - yet!
FWIW and not wishing to add complications, my absolute favourite walking boots and shoes are Keen Targhee 2 which come in mid boots and shoes. Superb grip, great support but shoes are THE most individual things you can buy.
Go for the best, lightest waterproof jacket you can and check the breath ability rating.
I find merino thermal layers to be invaluable when hiking and travelling - so light, packers small and warm for the weight.
I always take a buff https://www.buffwear.co.uk/buff-adult-headwear so many uses!
#4
It depends entirely on what fits you best. I have very wide feet so Keen shoes or boots, or Birkenstock boots. However, it sounds as if you don't have enough time to thoroughly break in new ones. I suggest you take the sturdiest you have already that are broken in or you may pay dearly for not finding others in a timely manner, like months ago. Don't underestimate this aspects of a hike, any hike.
#5
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This site is an invaluable source on mountain climbing in Indonesia. I would suggest you contact them for more information.
http://www.gunungbagging.com/batur/
Even though June/July is the dry season in Bali, this year has been unusually wet, so you need to be flexible on your climb dates.
http://www.gunungbagging.com/batur/
Even though June/July is the dry season in Bali, this year has been unusually wet, so you need to be flexible on your climb dates.