[pct-l] Running Shoes vs. boots

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

Ok, everybody, help me out with understanding something,

>From what I have seen of trail running shoes and lightweight boots, their 
heels are virtually non-existent. Since the vertical face of the heel in the 
instep of a traditional boot is used as a tremendous braking device, I have 
to assume that these runners and lightweight boots must not work very well 
in a panic stop and slip on things like pebbles on hard trail.

How well do runners work with quick/panic stops on common trail conditions?

If their rubber is softer to be "grippy," don't they wear out fast, as 
compared to dense Vibram boot soles?

If they wear out fast and you have to leave the trail a few times on a 
5-month trip to find and buy more, won't the total expense of runners begin 
to equal or at least approach that of a decent hiking boot?

If the shoes feel great when you have a lightweight pack on, what happens to 
your feet when your weight goes up with your Sierra extra gear?

Mtnned
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Wes Rose" <wb104475 at sbcglobal.net>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 7:25 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Trail Running Shoes so great?


> Hi Ned,
>
> The bite of the trail shoe is grippy and rugged, designed to reduce 
> slippage.  The
> advanced flexibility of the typical trail shoe (as compared to a boot) 
> would should
> reduce foot injuries you mentioned.  Most trail shoes have an adequate 
> scree collar
> that, with gaitors, will reduce or eliminate debris collecting inside the 
> shoe.  These
> shoes are made with more cushion, additional stitching and thicker soles. 
> When
> I'm on a long, rugged descent I'll typically simply tighten up my laces to 
> reduce
> movement.  Plus trail shoes are lighter, they dry faster, they are 
> normally a little
> less expensive than boots and let's face it, they just look better!  : )
>
> Wes
> Ok.  It seems evident that trail runners are highly spoken of and their
> negatives are either not talked about or lived with.
>
> What I want to know is what are those negatives? All I've heard of is wet
> and/or cold feet for days. You mean the following don't occur with these
> shoes and no one has ever had an injury or had to leave the trail because 
> of
> shoe problems?
>
> Slip and Falls
> Frostbite
> too many rocks in the shoes
> Plantar Fasciitis
> Achilles Tendonitis
> ripped or torn uppers
> sole separations/delaminations
> Sprained/Strained Ankles/Tendons
> jammed toes from soft uppers
> numerous blisters from too roomy a shoe
>
> Just curious....
>
> Mtnned
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