AIBU - 22 mile hike in the summer. Hiking boots or hiking trainers?

[milkyman]

I will be doing a hike for charity and dh says I should get boots but I think they will be too hot. Any advice? Also and tips for preparing for a walk gladly welcome! The walk involves steep descents/ascents.

Boots for 22 miles, you'll likely need the ankle support. I've done similar in boots and trainers and my feet appreciate the boots, hot though they may be.

Boots and woolly socks.

When you say hike, what sort of terrain?

Trainers would be fine on paths/tracks etc. If you are going to be trekking through peat bogs and over scree boots would be useful to stop water getting in, and to protect your ankles.from getting bashed.

Will it be wet?

Hopefully not wet - it's along a coastal path so lots of cliff tops. Mainly short grass, paths etc... What about trainers with ankle support - sorry new to all this!

Boots. And buy and wear them now to get used to them.

I did the four peaks a long time ago. My boots were a God send. Make sure you wear them in first.

Ankle support won't stop you going over on your ankles. Comfy trainers with a decent grip should be fine.

Boots, and definitely buy now and wear them in.

I like boots for longer distances because they tend to have sturdier soles so less wearing when stepping on stones etc.

Ankle support is good as you get tired.

You can get lightweight hiking boots designed for summer use.

Proper walking boots, that have been broken in, proper walking socks & walking sock liners. I honestly wouldn't compromise, you'll regret it. And ensure you have a supply of blister plasters (compeed, or Boots' own).

I regularly walk on mountain paths in Summer, and even on hot days having boots on isn't a problem for me, though it does feel good when I take them off at the end! If you stumble at all you'll be glad if then ankle support the boots will give you.

Hope you have a great time, good luck with it.

Thanks all - does anyone have any links to loght weight hiking shoes and recommendations of socks?

Also which shops are goid to buy from?

Personally I'd do a walk like that in walking trainers. I use my boots for wet, muddy conditions or rocky terrain.

Trainers would be fine.

I do a lot of Hill walking and wear proper boots less and less. If I'm not on paths then I wear approach shoes but on paths I'd be happy with trainers.

Am planning a nearly 3000 mile walk on some rough terrain including river crossings and quite a bit of snow and will wear trail runners the whole way. Hundreds of people do the hike every year and nobody wears boots.

I have Meindl walking boots, i got mine from Go Outdoors where you do testing walks, they have little incline areas and advise you how to move your feet to make sure they're comfortable. They're high ankle for the support but also don't get hot, and very comfortable - although they are expensive, they do last!
hope the link works!

www.meindl.co.uk/products/category/womens-hill

Get decent boots, good socks and wear them in

If it's the South West coast path you're talking about, then definitely boots, especially considering the distance you're covering.

Now, if it's something like the Norfolk Coast path then you'd just about get away with wearing trainers.

I generally like either Merrell or Berghaus boots, but that's because I do a lot of hiking. There are plenty of cheaper brands out there too if you'll only be using them very occasionally.

If you're doing a coastal path walk, I'd go with boots, and second the advice already given on making sure you've broken them in and are used to wearing them. Decent socks are also a must. I have a pair of Salamon walking boots (second pair I've had - my first pair of the same brand lasted a good 16 years or so), and they are brilliant. They're not the cheapest (circa £140) but well worth every penny. Cotswold Outdoor are great for advice and fitting, and have a decent range to choose from, and also have the ramps and 'terrain' imitators to help you get a feel for walking in them.

PossumInAPearTree 3000 mile walk?

Tell us more!

I'd happily wear trainers for 22 miles on a coastal path if I knew it would be dry.

I'd wear boots and make sure they're broken in and that you have proper socks with them.

You can get some really good lightweight hiking boots now that give support without being too heavy.

You can also get "hiking trainers" which are a sort of trainer/walking boot hybrid, so that might be an option if it's nice easy terrain (and dry).

Appalachian trail maybe? That's 3500k

Pacific crest trail. 2660 miles from Mexico to Canada inc through the Sierra in often some serious snow. People wear trainers with micro spikes and carrying ice axes!

DEFINITLY boots - don't go with trainers or hiking sandals for that distance . You will really appreciate the ankle support and won't notice your feet overheating till you take your boots off (don't do this till the end, they'll be super-uncomfortable if you have to put them back on again).

Get a good pair of socks with liners to prevent blisters, pack plenty of compeed blister plasters, and above all make sure you wear your boots in sufficiently beforehand.