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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[Claxton]

Vibram five fingers for just about everything

 

[Ferrulewax]

I think my next pair of hunting shoes will be altra lone peak mids. I love all my altra running shoes but have't had a chance to try the lone peaks yet. Low stack height with a little ankle protection seems about perfect.

 

[Questionablemorel]

I use the Hoka Challengers great feel and grip.

 

[Dave0317]

Im definitely experimenting with it for a while. I don’t think I like a purely “trail running” type shoe. But a hybrid of hiker/trail runner features would be best for me I think. Like the Topo Trailventure. Overall a trail run design, but has a higher ankle, not that I want ankle support, but rather just protection from sticks and debris. Has a full length rock plate as well. It’s on my short list to try next.

I have the Topo Pursuit right now, which is more of a pure trail running design. Great for jogging or walking, but it’s not what I would want for carrying a heavy pack.

 

[OctoberHouses]

Brooks Ghost 17 GTXs.

 

[BKM]

Check out Topo Ultraventures, shaped like a real foot like a Altra but better quality and very consistent sizing (Altra is terrible about that)

They have a good amount of cushion without being to soft

I put a lot of miles on this shoe last year trail running including some 20+ mile runs and never found them lacking

 

[cq0302]

I ran the on cloud cloud rocks all fall in the shoe height, killed an antelope in them, no issues, big fan of them. Comfortable and durable enough. Sole was shot before the Rand. Could go ankle high to keep more derbis out

 

[MtnW]

I have high arches and by far the most comfortable trail shoes I use (I have three pairs) are the Nike Pegasus Trail. Would never wear them sheep or goat hunting or where any side hilling in rocks is involved. Going to try them on early season elk and antelope hunts this year. Still will be bringing my Crispi Wyomings and Salomon GTX incase they have a blowout.

 

[cq0302]

I have high arches and by far the most comfortable trail shoes I use (I have three pairs) are the Nike Pegasus Trail. Would never wear them sheep or goat hunting or where any side hilling in rocks is involved. Going to try them on early season elk and antelope hunts this year. Still will be bringing my Crispi Wyomings and Salomon GTX incase they have a blowout.

I was thinking of trying my hoka speedgoats early elk.

On the arch part, I started rocking insoles in my running shoes this year under advisement from a PT, like I always had in my boots for the last 15 years. She made me feel pretty silly for not running with insoles when I won’t wear a hiking boot without them. Let me tell you, she was right. Ran a 50k in Colorado two weeks ago and it’s the first one I’ve done and not had foot pain lol

 

[WRO]

I trail run in the Nike ultra flys and road run in the Hoka Arhi 7s.

I really like the ultra flys, ain’t cheap but they’re pretty sweet trail runners.

If I’m not in boots I hunt a lot in la sportiva approach shoes tx4s and boulder x.


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[cq0302]

I’ve never tried the la sportiva stuff, but have had a few pairs of salewa alpine trainers that I use as a between before the kenetreks come out

 

[WRO]

I’ve never tried the la sportiva stuff, but have had a few pairs of salewa alpine trainers that I use as a between before the kenetreks come out

I’ve owned a pile of hunting boots and my favorite by far has been the la sportiva trango cube gtx, I’d buy 10 pairs if I could find them nib in my size..

The boulder x are super tough shoes, I get a year plus of daily use.


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