Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Footwear for MR in early September

In the interests of reaching more people, I posted the same message on the Whitney Portal Forum:

I have a permit for early September. I'm wondering if trail runners would work. I had to buy new hiking boots because my feet are wide at the front, and the Keen boots that I loved and wore for years are now narrower than they used to be, and started causing me problems. The only boots I could find that are wide enough are backpacking boots. They are comfortable, and solid, just heavy.

I recently bought some trail runners to try while hiking (Sportiva Wildcat 2). They have a fairly stiff sole, and were super comfy in the store (I haven't worn them yet in the real world).

To compare weights (with my orthotic insole): 1 of my new backpacking boots weighs 664 gr. 1 of my old Keen boots weighs 468 g, and 1 trail runner weighs in at 402 gr.

I have done a few hikes with the new heavy boots, and it was fine, but the longest hike was 8 miles, a far cry from going up the MR and down JMT.

All this to ask: Has anyone done the MR and/or JMT with trail runners? If yes, how was it? We have a day permit, so I won't be carrying a lot of weight.

Thanks, K

Hi K,

No question that others have gone up the Mountaineers Route (and the Main Trail), and down the Main Trail, in trail runners. I expect many of them would have it no other way. I personally prefer a 3/4 high boot, that offers some ankle protection, and increased shock absorption.

I have worn a light boot by Treksta for several years. I wear the Evolution Mid GTX unless I expect to need crampons (then I wear the Alta GTX). The women's model of the Evolution Mid GTX can be see at: https://www.trekstausa.com/node/29

They call their design "nest fit", based on many 3D scans of feet, and it is a wide design. It looks a bit unusual, but I've worn out several pair (and keep a spare pair in the closet), and have never had a blister or problem of any sort. They require no break-in, and offer great traction (good for MR final 400). The last pair I purchased I bought on-line from a Canadian On-Line retailer, so you may be able to find them in Montreal. Check them out if you can.

John

Those boots look great. That particular site has all sizes, apart from mine (8)! I'll check around for them in town.

I cannot wear anything narrower than a 4E. No stores carry that width, so I shop Zappos.com, and buy the New Balance hikers. Now I see they no longer carry the mid-height hiker, so not sure what I'll do when these mid-height boots wear out.

They have a low-top trail hiker that I should try: New Balance MW769v1

I've done the East Face of Whitney and the North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak in the Summer in my Tennies and they were perfect. I save the boots for the snow.

Good to know. I'll have to try out my new shoes and see how it goes. Unfortunately, a crappy weekend coming up, patience....K