I hunt primarily in early season (September) and I’ve migrated to light weight over the past 4 years. Started with kenetrek ME (still have them) and have worked all the way down to Salomon SpeedCross GTX trail running shoes.
I struggle with blisters in a bad way during elk hunts . I get in lots a training miles, but it’s all flat country or stairmaster. None of the side-hilling or incline/decline angles that cause your foot to rub. Plus, I sweat like a goat. Socks are always soaked which makes me most susceptible to the blisters, and tall heavy boots just make that situation worse. I found after giving my trail runners a try that my feet stayed dryer and I had way less problems. and the significant difference in weight made a tremendous difference in effort. I also found the softer, more flexible soles were way more quiet for stalking.
I’ve never had ankle issues so I’m comfortable with the low tops. Gaiters are pretty much a requirement with low top shoes though. Debris will constantly find its way into the shoe without them and you will be stopping every 20 min to shake them out. If you think you’re going to power through the discomfort of the debris b/c you’re too tired to deal with it, you will just end up with more blisters from being stupid. Ask me how I know.
The only downside I’ve found to hunting in running shoes is that my feet feel more “vulnerable”. When covering ground, especially in open grassy areas where I’m not paying close attention to my steps, if there is a rock hiding in that meadow you can bet I will find it with a swift toe-kick! The heavy boots tend to absorb the impact into the frame of the boot, but running shoes channel it directly into one unlucky toe. Lots of hoping around and cursing.
Having said all that, I did just order a couple things to try. After hearing all the great reviews I ordered a pair of Salomon 4D 3 GTX to try. Wore them around the house last night and They are very nice. Still heavier and hotter than I want to wear everyday, but I like to have a good hiking boot around for certain occasions so I’m keeping these. they won’t be my #1, But I will keep them at the truck for 2nd loads during pack-out or colder weather/light snow.
Secondly, I ordered these crazy ass looking Salomon trail runners called Alpine 2. They are essentially a trail runner with a built in gaiter. Only wore these for a few minutes in the house. I’m interested but not sure yet if I’m keeping them. There is some potential to be able to eliminate my Sitka gaiters as these will prevent the debris issue I mentioned above, but I’m Afraid they are going to be super hot.
Good luck with your decision!
You can’t cheat the mountain