Trail running shoes?

[Carwash]

I've worn boots most everyday for the past 7 ish years and I find myself using a lightweight trail running shoe for hunting/ scouting more and more. I hunt western Washington state and I go into an area knowing I'm getting soaked no matter what gear I'm running. Does anyone else use just trail shoes as a primary in the field?

 

[Taudisio]

I've worn boots most everyday for the past 7 ish years and I find myself using a lightweight trail running shoe for hunting/ scouting more and more. I hunt western Washington state and I go into an area knowing I'm getting soaked no matter what gear I'm running. Does anyone else use just trail shoes as a primary in the field?

I wear Salomon’s. I feel they are a balance with the comfort of shoes, stiffer sole of a boot, and you get some ankle support. Hiking in shoes isn’t such a big deal. Packing meat and no ankle support is a bad deal for the ankles.

 

[waterjb]

I'm a big fan of Nike's ZoomX. High cushion, and super comfortable. You should try it.
Their trail running shoe model is the Nike Zegama.
I don't own the Nike Zegama 2, but I've tried them and they seem to fit and feel even better.

 

[madtinker]

I’ve thought about it, if I hunted earlier seasons. La Sportiva makes a waterproof version I sometimes wish I had when running in slush or after a monsoon. On the other hand, I like my boots not necessarily for the ankle support, but also for the protection from rocks and cactus. If those aren’t a part of your local terrain, I think it would be a lot more comfortable than boots.

 

[BigredRusch]

Yes, I think this is a trend that will sweep through the hunting industry in the next couple years. Companies need to products to market and let’s face it. Most people will buy and try anything influencer X is repping.

To answer your question I use high top trail runners for logging road based hunts and long on trail scouting trips. Comfy and quiet for miles. The downside is side hilling will tear up your feet, ankles, and shoes. I have strong ankles and have hiked in Nike Frees most of my life. Rock protection is another downside.


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[mxgsfmdpx]

Check out a few of the options for “approach shoes”.

I wear and use the La Sportiva TX3 shoes for anything feasible.

 

[P Carter]

Agree with the above. Trail runners are the way to go for most hunts. Not ideal for a packout. But neither are normal boots, and I'd rather optimize the 90% and deal with the 10% than vice-versa. But I've put un many thousands of miles in trail runners, so I think my accessory muscles are up for it.

I find myself getting annoyed with stack height - trail runners have gone to more cushion in recent years, which is tough on sidehills. I've done Salomon Speedcross, but the stack height got annoying so I picked up a pair of Salomon Forces Speed Assault 2. (<--- the Tacticool name was almost too much to handle...) I've only done one hunt in them, but I like them. Nearly all the positives of the speedcross, but with a shorter stack height.

Approach shoes might do it - haven't tried those.

 

[BigredRusch]

The am currently using the ALTRA Long Peak 2 and appreciate the foot room. The Crispi Mesa caught my eye but don’t want to fork out the money. Maybe worth a look.


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