Footware

[Peter]

Trail runners....the clue is in the name.....lightweight shoes for trail running.

When TSHTF or hiking, or just out doors on rough ground, you need ankle protection,
especially if you’re carrying a pack, BOB or GHB, you don’t take chances.

Many years ago I was walking solo in Snowdonia and twisted my ankle, it took me over
two hours to walk a mile back to the car, hate to think if it had been five or six miles.

When walking poles became popular I soon got a pair, they help your balance as well as
taking some the weight of your legs (and poles always can be tied together to hold up a
tarp for a shelter).

Your first aid kit should always have elastic bandages for ankle or knee injuries.

I have 30 year old pair of Scarpa’s, still good, works out about £1 a year
To old now for hiking of bugging out on foot but they are great for messing about.

[Frnc]

For bugout, I have leather Grisport Saracen boots under the end of my bed. If I had to evacuate any distance, not having a car, I'd try to use my bike. I think I could cycle in them, as I have flat pedals. But if it was the summer, I'd use mesh flat pedal shoes instead, which are fine for walking in.

I have one trekking pole attached to my bugout bag, as it's needed for my tent. If I was setting off on foot, I might take the other as well.

Was watching a video yesterday by Homemade Wanderlust. She does the long trails in America. She was saying the main reason she swiched from boots to trailrunners was some sort of foot problem. I think the boot irritated her Achiles heel. I've seen another one she did where she says she uses mesh, as they dry out quickly. But I would not wear that outside summer.

Regarding ankle support. Mountain marathon, fell runners, and thru hikers on rough ground in trail runners, rely on physical fitness and skill. In fact, ankle support from boots is mostly a myth. Clinical research on the issue is inconclusive. Boots can actually weaken the training done by fell runners etc, in their opinion. Trail runners generally have a much lower stack height than boots. This means less torque if your heel hits the ground at an angle. The flexible sole means your foot conforms to the ground. Wider toe boxes help with balance. There are several other factors, eg the mass on your foot. Here is one article on this debate. https://www.advnture.com/features/ankle-support-hiking

Of course boots can protect your ankles from knocks, and keep your feet dry in mud or shallow water. And warmer in winter.

[pseudonym]

After wearing military boots for 22 years and trail runners for 16 years after I'll stick with the trail runners thank you.

Constant twisted ankles/weak ankles whilst wearing all the varieties supplied over the years have disappeared whilst wearing trail runners.

YMMV but I know what works for me.

[mcprepper]

Inov8 mudclaws- we don’t wear anything else in this house!

[Frnc]

Inov8 mudclaws- we don’t wear anything else in this house!

A very popular trail running shoe. But you wear them in the house?

[mcprepper]

Inov8 mudclaws- we don’t wear anything else in this house!

A very popular trail running shoe. But you wear them in the house?

Mr McPrepper would, happily, given half a chance!

[Frnc]

Inov8 mudclaws- we don’t wear anything else in this house!

A very popular trail running shoe. But you wear them in the house?

Mr McPrepper would, happily, given half a chance!

No doubt!

[rik_uk3]

Truth be told most boots give little real ankle support, for that you need to look at high string boots like 'Para' boots or from companies like Danner where your securing the boot well above the ankle,

Most time you will be fine with good 'trainers'/assault shoes/trail shoes or whatever label they tag on these days. The drawback to these is that they will wear out faster that leather boots so really...take your pick. Don't forget a pair of Crocs for around camp/home, your feet will thank you.

[Frnc]

For round the house I generally just wear socks, but I had a slip on the stairs, so I have a pair of barefoot running shoes (Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5), which are perfect. They run slightly large, I think, as mine are size 9 and fit perfectly. I think I'm supposed to be 9.5, but often buy 10s.

[GillyBee]

I used to adore the Vivobarefoots but did go a proper purler in my Gobi boots at a very muddy festival. Since then I have been looking for something that has better grip but still ticks the zero drop and wide toebox of barefoot shoes. Vivo have changed the womens range and it no longer fits me. Xero mens trail runners were perfect but no longer made in my size so if anyone finds a VERY wide and tall size 6 please let me know.