trail running shoe vs boots

hferrin701

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Mar 2, 2014
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I backpack archery hunt the Colorado high country every year and have been considering going to a trail running shoe as my primary footwear on the hunt. I would probably wear my kenetreks hiking in with the pack on. After camp is set and we are hiking the mountains with minimal weight hunting, I was looking at getting the Salomon speed cross 3 GTX. The country is rugged in the sense that's it extreme elevation and steep inclines up and down, but the hiking is mostly through tall grass and alpine bushes. (no cactus and large rocks like down here in Arizona) I thought the trail running shoe would be easier on my feet over 7 days while still offering good support and traction. Any thoughts?
 

Gr8bawana

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Aug 14, 2014
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With extreme elevation and steep terrain I always use boots with a lot of ankle support. Lightweight trail running shoes will not give you that. One other thing I don't like about lightweight boots is that they usually very thin soles and you feel every rock and stick you step on.
Give those lightweight shoes a try they might be just right for you but they are not for me.
 
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swampokie

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Jul 29, 2013
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Haworth Oklahoma
I absolutely love the under armour valsetz. The huge downside is that they aren't waterproof. They weigh less than a pound and are the most comfortable boot ive worn. That being said the only time I wear them is when im hunting arid terrain when the temps are fairly warm. If you don't mind adding about half pound a boot and taking away a little comfort you have nearly the same boot in the Bozeman speed freak and they are water proof. Not the most durable boots in the world but ive never worn any more comfortable.
 

Umpqua Hunter

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May 26, 2011
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Ive often hunted in Salomon Speed Cross the past couple years. I have great ankles, so I am personally not overly concerned about support. I think your decision would depend a lot on the terrain and the anticipated weather. There are areas I hunt with a lot of rock/volcanic rock that would trash those shoes in a hurry. I also would not want to hunt in them when there is a lot of moisture.
 
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kidoggy

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Apr 23, 2016
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so long as you have the kenetreks as backup if the weather should turn bad ,I suppose it's worth trying
 

kidoggy

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Apr 23, 2016
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With extreme elevation and steep terrain I always use boots with a lot of ankle support. Lightweight trail running shoes will not give you that. One other thing I don't like about lightweight boots is that they usually very thin soles and you feel every rock and stick you step on.
Give those lightweight shoes a try they might be just right for you but they are not for me.

plus side to those light soles is ,you can feel every rock an stick you step on. makes for quite stalks
 

buckbull

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Jun 20, 2011
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I'd probably invest in some ankle protectors or full length gaiters to where with those shoes.
 

Boehunter

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Mar 26, 2014
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Wyoming
I have the salomon speed cross shoes personally I wouldn't ever take them on a backcountry hunt they say there waterproof but there not, and secondly for the ankle support. Watch the latest Colorado high country hunt on GOhunt.com and I think you will find your answer.
 

Bughalli

Member
Jan 15, 2012
139
1
I tried trail running shoes for a day. Not really on purpose, but that's what I had on my feet when I left to go scouting. They are great on trials, but how often are you really on a trail. They were brutal on the side hills. Tough on ankles, but more concerning was the fact that it was hard to get an edge, so you always felt like you might slip. The weight savings wasn't worth it.
 

Slugz

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Oct 12, 2014
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Casper, Wyoming
I go through this every 2-3 years of trying to find something better......each time I end up getting another set of Kennetrec Bridger Highs
 

JasonGNV

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Jul 17, 2013
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Smith
I'm packing in a pair of Salewa approach shoes this year. A hybrid cross between a climbing shoe and hiking shoe. Very comfy, gore texA and light weight but durable. I've been wearing them a lot recently and think they are going to work great. I'm still gonna have my Asolo Fugitives as a back up.
 

25contender

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Mar 20, 2013
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I use a pair of the Salomon speed cross 3 GTX around home to run and train. I wouldn't use them where I hunt in Montana. I find the sole a little narrow for rough terrain and would be afraid I would twist ankle in the rocks. I like something at least over the ankle and with a all leather outer with goretex to keep my feet dry.