Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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LetsGoMets wrote: ↑Tue May 18, 2021 1:37 pm
LS Crossover 2.0 - I believe this is built on a Mutant frame. Unbelievable traction in snow, have used on climbs like Castle/Conundrum in spring etc. Always get a blister on my upper heel in them like clockwork if I don't use protection in that area. Worth the quick protective band-aid for the non-weight of a boot in winter/spring where conditions allow.
yeah, totes Mutant with a different upper. Was the lacing a little weird? I found that built in gaiter not as good as I'd like it to be though. They've been discontinued for a while - I used them in '17 for early season scouting. After that were the Urangos, which again were very Mutant-like with a gaiter, but this one was more neoprene-like. I used that for the Mosquito/Tenmile Traverse. That's been discontinued to, to make room for the Blizzard which is such a bad-ass winter shoe, but really only a Winter shoe. I've stretched that one to use for some pretty frigid Winter Longs Peak ascent. I don't suggest it, but they worked and I still have my toes!
The Cyklon'slook positively from the future when compared to the Mutants. I haven't gotten my grubby hands on them yet, but Oh! I'm looking forward to them:
Mutants are still my fav, although the quiver selection is preeeetty nice.
All true things (lacing, gaiter etc). I also have pushed them pretty hard on cold days. They were an interesting shoe for sure with a few quirks but man, built for bagging peaks right up to the edge of needing a mountaineering boot (IMO)!
Used to be team trail runners all the way. Now that I’m getting off the beaten path, I’m 100% converted to team boots. The support for my ankles plus the ability to tackle off trail terrain head on makes a bit of extra weight worth it.
I'd love to wear my TX3 approach shoes all of the time, they feel like walking in slippers to me; however, I bash my ankles far too much in talus so mid lightweight hikers it is. I am starting this season off with a pair of the new Mid Ultra Raptors after having used the Salomon X Ultra Mid the past few years. I used to wear green superfeet insoles, but I have switched to the oboz ofit insole and couldn't be happier. They don't last as long, but are cheaper and way more comfortable.
EDIT: And if you have not switched to Darn Tough socks yet, try them out.
SkaredShtles wrote: ↑Tue May 18, 2021 9:48 am
I prefer solid boots due to trailrunners/lightweight boots not giving me enough under-foot support. On rocky, uneven terrain, lightweight shoes/boots really do a number on my feet. Even worse when carrying a significant load.
Same here. If I could find a trailrunner that replicates a boot under foot I'd look into switching.
I'm on like my fourth pair of Oboz now. I think they have a fairly stiff shank which is close to the support on a boot.
For what it's worth, and this is admittedly a shameless plug, I work for La Sportiva. So if any of you want to stop into the Boulder store, I can always talk shoes with you, or fit you for a pair.
If you are in Boulder, you should go to the LS Factory Retail Store just for the spectacle - it's pretty fun to see EVERY LS climbing shoe, boot, and trail runner all at once.
justiner wrote: ↑Wed May 19, 2021 11:02 am
If you are in Boulder, you should go to the LS Factory Retail Store just for the spectacle - it's pretty fun to see EVERY LS climbing shoe, boot, and trail runner all at once.
i disagree. when i did this, i ended up spending an extra $300
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
Hiking over rocky terrain in trail runners or even a boot with too much flex really beats up my feet. I've probably rolled an ankle just as much in a boot as in a trail runner but I like the security of feeling "locked in" to my footwear so I'm definitely a boot guy. I've been rockin' a pair of Vasque Scree boots for the past 7-8 years but the soles are almost smooth and they leak when wet so I'll be looking for new pair of something soon.
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.
-Will Rogers
Previously, from 2000 - 2017: trail running shoes (Salomon, Adidas).
These days: Approach shoes for the Class 3/4/5 stuff, bare feet or Chacos for Class 1/2/3. Mountaineering boots for the Cascades.
I tried trail runners the summer season after I had to retire my summer hiking boots. After a summer of going off the beaten and rocky ridges they got tore up and barely lasted the season. So last summer I bought another pair of my trusty, and I think pretty light, Merrell hiking boots. I would try trail runners again, but I would probably only wear them on very specific routes. I don't feel I have to be choosey with my boots...they can handle anything.
What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger...except bears, bears will definitely kill you.