Wearing trainers on a hiking holiday - AIBU?

[RangeTesKopeks]

Hi everyone,

I'm on a hiking holiday with friends at the moment, although it's all very relaxed and we can do our own thing if we like.

Everyone else has walking boots that they've brought with them and i haven't. I own a pair, but couldn't get it before the trip (long story, but it's somewhere in my parents' house, which is 6 hours' away from where I live).

I've brought a pair of trainers instead with me, but am a bit worried about hiking with these on. (All of the other people in the group are really keen walkers, and I'm not really).

AIBU to wear trainers on the hikes instead of buying another pair of walking boots? I don't go on walking holidays at all really, and don't really want to pay for another pair of boots as they're quite expensive. But I don't think it's very safe to walk up mountains in trainers and I'm quite nervous about the walking aspect in general (scared of heights etc.)

WWYD? Would you buy a new pair of boots?

[Hotheadwheresthecoldbath]

Go shopping,you can get decent waterproof fabric boots for £30-50.With some proper walking socks you shouldn't get blisters.
How do you know these people?

[caffeinestream]

If you don't have much cash, try Trespass in the town centre, opposite Costa. They do a fairly big range of boots/shoes in most sizes. Or Mountain Warehouse near the little house on the bridge.

[FineSally]

agree with the pp who say decent (heavy duty) trainers are OK on the gentler walks. I wouldn't go up Helvellyn in them though.

Also agree with decent socks. I've recently discovered the two-layer ones and now I won't wear anything else. One brand even guarantees no blisters (though I'm not sure what sort of evidence they would accept if you wanted to claim!)

[Hotheadwheresthecoldbath]

I have a 20%off code for mountain Warehouse if you want it,you just key it in at checkout.Got my dd £28 boots for Duke of Edinburgh last month.

[HipsterHunter]

I often just wear trainers, something like Nike air max with lots of cushioning is fine.

Approach shoes are fab and those are my go to unless the weather or terrain is really bad.

[HipsterHunter]

Honestly don't spend money on new boots if you are unemployed - you'll probably be fine in your trainers.

[BarbaraofSeville]

Lots of ideas for local, easy walks that trainers will be fine for here:

www.walkingenglishman.com/lakesambleside.html

www.amblesideonline.co.uk/tourist-attractions/local-walks/easy-walks/

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ambleside/lists/great-walks-around-ambleside-and-windermere

[frenchysummersun]

Yes Caffeine you're right - it's just my pet peeve at the moment!

I'll get off my soapbox 😬😂

[caffeinestream]

It bugs me too! The amount of tourists I see trying to climb mountains or do stuff when they're totally unequipped for it is ridiculous.

I saw someone tottering around Grasmere in heels the other week...she was clearly struggling and her partner/kids were in trainers so it's not like they didn't know where they were going!

[WomanWithAltitude]

Why not look at fell running shoes? I rarely wear boots in the hills anymore (only when I'm expecting snow), and fell shoes are designed for rough, steep terrain. They also don't need breaking in.

[WomanWithAltitude]

One thing's for sure - a pair of fell shoes will be infinitely better than a cheapo pair of boots.

[frenchysummersun]

Range - We're in the north west highlands of Scotland and there us literally hardly a week goes by where the team aren't called out. It's madness!

[BarbarianMum]

Umm, no she doesn't. Who are these avacado protecting nutters you are in holiday with OP? Are they friends?

[Silverthorn]

I just wear fell running trainers. But I am a fell runner and live in the peak district. Much lighter and allow me to move quicker.

[SafeToCross]

I would try and find a pair of tough looking trainers, they will be cheaper and won't need breaking in. Maybe chuck your old trainers in your bag just in case they do rub in day 1. And some thick or double layer socks as long as they fit in the trainer comfortably. Go and enjoy - as long as you are reasonably physically fit you shouldn't slow them down, and they would be idiots if they didn't adjust to a slower pace if necessary.

[user1492877024]

frenchysummersun - I suggest you read the thread. at no time does the op say she's going climbing.

[Mamagin]

I second the walking pole idea as well, especially if you are a bit worried about heights. They give you a bit more confidence. And don't look at the view, fix your eye on the path. (Terrified of heights, husband who loves cliffs)

[frenchysummersun]

User - I suggest you don't be so bloody nippy. Hillwalking & climbing aren't so dissimilar.

[user1492877024]

frenchysummersun

I guess you're not the outdoors type. They are ALMOST polar opposites.

[Ta1kinPeece]

Against the grain here

many years ago, went on holiday to the Julian Alps.
Hotel said "yeah, go for it" to the peak ( Vitranch - can see three countries)
so DH and I and the kids (6 and 4) hiked the mountain in velcro lidl sandals
everyone around us was in boots and double sticks
we and the kids had a blast
and DS sandals were not even a pair

if you are fit, the shoes fit, you have plenty of water and you are willing to check the path then trainers are fine.

proper boots protect ankles.

our tour guide on a monster hike once was in broken tennis sneakers as he knew the path in the dark ....

[timeisnotaline]

Haven't rtft - I hope you got some boots. I would first sports tape my heels and side of my big toe then double sock so no risk of blisters , so that isn't something that holds you up. The skin gets disgusting but you don't get blisters :) and remember you will wake up days 2 & 3 with everything hurting but it gets better from then!

[bertsdinner]

Unless its very rocky/rough ground, I think trainers will be ok. If they are fabricy trainers you could try applying Nikwax to them so they are more waterproof, if you get into any wet/boggy areas.

[TheFrendo]

On no account sport the comical full set of gaiters, boots, Gore-Tex, map case, walking poles and rucksack.

[user1492877024]

TheFrendo - very good. That made me lol.

[lljkk]

I have hiked up & down mountains in sandals. You have to be prepared for wet feet if you do that in UK. DC do long country walks mountains in trainers. Not so much fun in cold places with proper bogs, though, have to plan accordingly.

People were going up & down Scafell Pike in flipflops last summer (dry day).