Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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Which do you prefer?

Trail Running Shoes
39
68%
Traditional Hiking Boot
18
32%
 
Total votes: 57
CG_old
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Post by CG_old »

One thing worth considering is that many "trail" running shoes are just road running shoes with more aggressive tread and a "trail look". Most road shoes use polyurethane outsoles which have incredible wear characteristics, but completely suck in the traction department (especially on wet rock).

Try to buy trail running shoes with real rubber (aka carbon rubber) outsoles instead of polyurethane outsoles. Montrail and LaSportiva come to mind as options (I'm guessing there's others too, just haven't looked beyond these). Real rubber soles don't last as long, but most people rotate out running shoes after 400-600 miles anyway, so it's not really an issue.

The LaSportivas are especially good in the "sticky" department... unfortunately I can't get them to fit my feet quite right.
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summitrunner
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Post by summitrunner »

I wore a pair of Nike Air Max Motos (regular running shoes) both attempts on Longs.
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." PRE
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Post by roozers42 »

I think the most important thing for longs keyhole is to have a good sole on the bottom of your shoe. The rock is rather polished and would get pretty slick if wet. I've done it twice in boots and if I were to do it again, I'd wear my Merrell trail runners. If you have good traction for the upper mountain, I think you'd be happier with light shoes on those last six miles.
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by myfeetrock »

I guess I missed this one.
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by SikYou »

myfeetrock wrote:I guess I missed this one.
You're only 7 years late.... #-o
I'm slower than Scott P.
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by RadioJay »

I like my waterproof LaSportiva trail runners for up to Class 3. Montrails were too flimsy (not stiff enough). Ganda Guide for everything else up to 5.6 (including Grand Teton Upper Exum route). Waterproof, insulated LaSportiva Trango S EVO if my feet are going to be in snow all day. The old stiff hiking boots were nice for keeping my ankles supported, but they gave me blisters.
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Broken Knee
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by Broken Knee »

SikYou wrote:You're only 7 years late.... #-o
Or maybe 7 years lucky.
When life gets you down, climb!
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codogg81
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by codogg81 »

I constantly have this debate with myself and therefore pack both trail runners and boots. It works out great.
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by estesmtnjim »

just did Long's Keyhole route a week ago in my original Teva sandals...much preferred over boots. 8)
teva originals.jpg
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by Broken Knee »

What crampons do you use with your tevas?
When life gets you down, climb!
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by tlongpine »

image.jpg
image.jpg (25.04 KiB) Viewed 781 times
I am unable to walk away from the mountain without climbing it. An unclimbed mountain tugs at my consciousness with the eternal weight of time itself. Until I've pressed my face into it's alpine winds, hugged it's ancient granite walls, and put it's weathered summit beneath my heal I'm unable to resist it's attraction.Knowing nature gives the mountain more time than she gives us adds urgency to the obsession. As has been said before; the mountain doesn't care.

It can wait forever. I cannot.
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Re: Trail Running Shoes vs. Boots for Long's Peak

Post by Broken Knee »

I dub thee: "The Necromaster"!
When life gets you down, climb!
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