[pct-l] The Weight of Boots

[elee at microsoft.com (Eric Lee (GAMES))]

Peter Haskell wrote:
>
Does anyone know of any rigorous research on the ipact of heavy vs.
lighter 
boots/shoes. I've assumed that Jardine is right that it's particularly 
important to get boot weight down, but my stepson, a Marine Lt. Col. , 
claims that's erroneous. (He also says that the new military boot
requires 
no breaking in and is the most comfortable he's ever worn.)
>

Sorry for the late reply.  All things being equal, light shoes are
definitely more energy-efficient than boots, and others have posted
links to research on that topic.  

However, you also have to consider the possible risk of injury with
reduced support and protection of shoes.  There isn't any hard and fast
rule; it's different for everyone and what works for some may not work
for others.  Lots of people complete thru-hikes in running shoes.  Good
for them!  I tried low-cut trail runners a couple of years ago on
Washington's Glacier Peak section and sprained my ankle so badly that my
podiatrist warned me that one more sprain like that could end my hiking
days permanently.  I've since gone back to mid-cut leather boots, though
relatively light-weight ones (Lowa Renegades at 2.2 pounds per pair).
These do a much better job of protecting my ankles, partly through
mechanical support and partly because I can more quickly feel when my
ankle is about to fold over and correct it. Not everyone has my
problems, but everyone should be aware of the limitations of their own
bodies.

I suspect (though can't prove) that a significant number of hike-ending
foot injuries each year (sprains, stress fractures, etc) could be
prevented with more supportive footwear.  On the other hand, it's
definitely easier to make 30 mile days in running shoes and some
running-shoe people manage to finish where they would have otherwise run
out of time.

I just finished a 100 mile length of Washington's Section H (Mt. Adams
and Goat Rocks) in five days.  My feet stayed warm and dry during the
one rainy day and I had zero blisters and zero injuries.  All of this
coming straight from a desk job to the trail.  I like my boots!  :-)

As always, do what works best for you, not what works for someone else.

Eric