Hello,


My wife and I will be travelling with a relative who is in her early 70's who does not want to pack hiking boots. Would hiking boots be needed for the trails listed below?

1) Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg
2) Kleine Scheidegg to Wengernalp
3) First to Lake Bachalpsee
4) Day trip to Schilthorn
5) Murren to Gimmelwald
6) Mannlichen Royal Walk
7) Iseltwald - Grandhotel Giessbach
8) Männlichen - Kleine Scheidegg
9) Day trip to Schynige Platte ( Daube Trail )
10) Day trip to Mt Rigi

Thank You,
Daniel

She should be okay with a pair of sturdy shoes with traction.

Good trekking shoes is fine.

In my experience that description is too vague because it can (and does) mean anything to someone who is resistant to wear anything other than what they want.... Been there....as in shoes like these someone packed for a mountain hike - they saw the tread as sturdy with traction......... Sketchers....

Hiking boots with rigid ankle support are not needed. Shoes with treads similar to are what IS needed...or Trail running shoes like these

NO






OK - trrail running shoes. Not what I would wear, but far better than the above.



YES - Real hiking shoes - the type I would recommend. Personally I like the fit and feel of Merrills but there here are many good, affordable options to find.

Time of year (weather)?

I (early 70s) own the Asics Trail Runners (J62's link above) and wear them on local hikes. They're ok for well-maintained trails but don't provide enough support (for me) for really long hikes with steep elevation changes. (For those hikes, I wear a mid-height Salomon hiking boot.) I did replace the insoles in the Asics because I overpronate and need good arch support. I also had to experiment with different weight socks.

Hello Daniel

Good walking shoes are essential on most of the trails listed! You are simply safer with them on the unpaved hiking trails in Switzerland.

Have a great trip!
Martin

There are trail shoes that I'd rather wear on those trails compared to hiking boots (you can buy trail shoes with grippier soles than any boot, on top of better cushioning and comfort, and tall boots with ankle protection might do more harm than good unless you're crossing scree fields or proper glaciers), but honestly, if someone is asking "do i need hiking boots?", the answer is most likely yes. Otherwise they'd be asking "can I use my [insert model name of technical trail running shoes] on these trails?". Unless you know the alternative is a good pair of trail shoes, ideally one they have hiked in before the trip, boots are probably the safest option.

J62 -

To clarify, my idea of sturdy shoes with traction are your Merrills (or Keens), which this avid hiker/walker wears pretty much every day.

I realize that non-hikers often think that "traction" means Uggs or anything with a thick sole, which explains all the sliding around on snow and ice that I've see in Switzerland, and here at home in Colorado.

Bluesox - she might also want to carry a pair of hiking poles for balance.

You must know the person to whom I refer then..... at high risk of slips and falls on icy sidewalks & paths....
Got them a pair of these winter boots that are great. This model is easy slip on & not laced up snugly for hiking, but great for general winter use. They also make studded winter hiking boots.




Merrill, Keen and others make winter hiknig boots that have special grippier rubber soles. Not as good as the studded ones above, but they work well for me.

There are also studded trail running shoes that can handle some snow and ice. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 have a version with a Goretex-encased upper and a metal-spiked Vibram sole, for instance. But generally, if someone owns hiking boots and is asking whether to pack them, the alternative is trainers or something similar, not super-technical trail shoes.

Agreed. My comment was in regards to slipping in winters in Colorado or Europe. I should have been clear it was not regarding the original question. Sorry for straying off topic...

I thank you all for your input.

Here is the solution: New Hoka trail running shoes will be purchased and used for the gravel/uneven trails instead of Hoka sneakers.

Thanks again,
Daniel