Curf

I am in the early stages of planning a round the world trip and am in desperate need for some advice re shoes.

I am not much of a hiker but will be doing the Inca trail in South America which I understand is a 3/4 day moderate hike (I plan on hiring a porter so will only be carrying day supplies). The trip might also take in some of the mountain regions of northern india and some exploring in New Zealand. There is likely to be only 1-2 weeks worth of hiking in total for the whole year. On this basis I am reluctant to buy bulky and heavy hiking boots and carry them round with me all year long.

I also plan on doing some running, just on regular concrete, to try to keep fit whilst away. What I am hoping is that I can get away with one pair of shoes to serve both hiking and running purposes. I was thinking of something along the lines of trail running shoes?

Does anyone have any experience of trail runners and how they feel on flat, concrete surfaces? Would this type of shoe be suitable for hiking ie, the Inca trail?

I realise one pair of shoes cannot be perfect for both, but am hoping something exists that is "good enough" for both purposes.

It also seems like something waterproof would be a good idea (some trail runners I have seen are gore- tex) but maybe I am pushing my luck with this.

If anyone has any suggestions, advice, personal experiences to share I would be very grateful!

qwovadis

Always do best with my light Hi Tech or back up LL Bean

Hikers provide ankle stability needed still look cool

and light enough to travel with... Gore Tex always best

pack several pairs of Gore Tex socks to change takes more

than a day to dry out unless very lucky...

wet/moist sweaty socks=#1 cause of blisters

ShelliDawn

The Inca Trail is not "moderate". The distances aren't bad but the elevation gains/losses are extremely substantial. Much of the trail is stairs (uneven heights/widths) and it can be a killer on your knees. Add to the fact that its at such high altitudes you won't be getting as much oxygen as you'd be used to anywhere in continental N. America (except in the highest peaks of Colorado), it's a difficult hike. If you're in good shape, you'll do fine, but don't expect a leisurely stroll.

I did the trail wearing day-hike boots similar to these: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwe...ots-womens.jsp

I suppose one could do it in trail running shoes. It depends on your need for ankle support. Just make sure that you have good grips on the sole. The trail is a lot of stone and can be very slippery when wet.

tomfuller

At some point you will really NEED a second pair of shoes/boots.
If your primary cross trainers get wet, you will need something to put on other than dry socks. Remember to pack bunion/blister pads. The Incas that built those steps wore sandals or went barefoot.
At the end of a big hike, you can give a pair to a local charity if you don't want to carry them onward.

jh2011

Cross trainers or running shoes would do. Make sure they are comfortable to wear and that your feet fits perfectly. There are a lot of good ones with a new technology (fiber, shock) on most of the famous shoe brands.

suze

I'm have no experience with the extensive hiking part, but for travel I always use my best pair of running shoes (currently an expensive pair of Brooks that are near perfect).

I agree you definitely need more than one single pair of shoes for an around the world trip. Even the most comfortable, it's good to be able to switch between at least 2 pair (and in case one gets wet or damaged).

ShelliDawn

I didn't get the impression that the OP was planning on taking only one pair of shoes on the trip. I thought the question was whether or not hiking boots were necessary for the Inca Trail or if trail runners (which were already going to be packed) would suffice.

I would highly recommend AGAINST running shoes for the trail. They do not have enough grip on the sole or support.

And yes, the Incans wore sandals, as do many of the porters still today. But then, that's what they've worn pretty much all their lives and their feet are conditioned for that. Since my feet have led a much more pampered lifestyle, I hiked the trail in day hiking boots.

suze

My thinking is that you can't really use the same pair of shoes for running for exercise on 'flat, concrete surfaces', as what you need to hike a rugged mountain trail. I just don't think there is a shoe that could successfully do double-duty for both purposes. The requirements are just too different.

LSky

Shoes are so personal that one must go try them on. I would take my Merrel Light Hikers. They're comfortable and durable for a trail but still very wearable for casual city wear.

Eschew

I have always sweared by my Timberland boots for hiking and everyday wear, but for the last year, I have been experimenting with "minialist" shoes (sometimes they are called barefoot shoes). There are many styple, type and brands and they are very comfortable.

Some looked like regular shoes but some are really funny looking. I have 2 pairs of "minimalist" shoes right now and I wear them all the time.

I have a pair of "Vivo Barefoot Ultra". For me it is a pair of multi-purpose shoes. Good for everyday use, great for the beach and swimming pool. It is advertised as "amphibious running shoe" but I have not jog with this pair yet. It is really light weight and it is really comforatble. There are several ways to wear this shoe, shell only, insert only, both etc.

I also have a pair of "Vibram 5 finges TrekSport", suitabble for hiking and running, and of course, every day use. It is not for everyone as the "style" is quite different and not for everyone.

You may not find them in your local Sports shop or Shoes store. My suggestion is to go to the local jogging/running store and see what they have and try them out for yoruself. You may want to google Vivo and Vibram 5 fingers and see what they look like first. They may not be the right style for you.

We are heading to Peru this October and will head up to Machu Pichhu. I plan to wear my Vibram TrekSport for that. We are also off to the Galapagos afterward and I will be wearing my Vivo, except for the Volcanic rocks hike (wearing the Vibram for that).

Both shoes are machine washable (air dry), and you can wear them with or without socks. My son has a friend who wore the Vibram on the Inca Trail. He said he got a lot of curious looks and questions but he said it was very comfortable, good traction and it was also a great conversation piece (from the opposite sex)...

pupchic

Check out Merrell for hiking and running options.

rachie205

Vibram Five Finger shoes? I love mine.. supposedly they're very good for running and (possibly?) hiking.. Less easy to sprain an ankle too, since you're not up higher than the ground.

I'll warn you though--you gotta wear them for a couple days in a row before heading off..you use different muscles wearing them than you do with regular shoes and your legs will be a bit achy, but will be fine after a bit!

Eschew

re Vibram five finger shoes. I would suggest at least a week of breaking in. Wear it in the house for a couple hours, take it off, wear it for a couple hours again. You have to make sure they fit properly, not too loose, and not too tight. I found that despite what they say, thet strecth after you wash it a few time.

theprettyprint

I did the Inca Trail last year. I also hired half a porter. I personally decided on the Vasque Women's Breeze GTX Hiking Boot. I understand your quest for a shoe that does it all. I will say that the Inca Trail is very hard. I am a hiker, I also worked out and hiked with a pack before going. It was the most difficult thing I've ever done. It is mostly uneven, jagged big Inca stairs or uneven stone the whole way. I thought the extra high top support would help and think it did. I also liked the firm sole that protects your feet from the uneven rocks. I was happy with my choice. I didn't get any blisters. I also wore sock liners and smartwool socks to prevent them. It rained and my feet did not get wet. I don't think you need an extra pair of shoes if you buy ones that don't get wet. The thing no one can really prepare you for is the altitude. It makes you feel very heavy and short of breath constantly. Especially on the hard day of the hike. Something that would take you one hour, takes you 3. So no matter how prepared or in shape you are, the altitude really matters. Go at your own pace. Bring 2 walking sticks. They are worth it on the day that is all down hill. By then your legs are wobbly and you will want the support. It is a rewarding hike and full of beauty. You will need time to rest and be really sore when you finally arrive at Machu Picchu. Honestly, if I had to do it again, I'd just go to Machu Picchu and do day hikes from there. It was hard to enjoy the site when all of us were completely spent, some in pain. Also try to view Machu Picchu when it first opens or right before close. It is full of tourists. Good luck! It is an adventure!

janisj

>> I understand your quest for a shoe that does it all.>Good luck! It is an adventure!was an adventure since the thread is 4 years old . . .

samarkand

Check out Merrill Blaze - they are light, ankle high, waterproof....might suit your requirements.