Footwear Index

Oh, those aching feet. Backcountry Skiers will anguish over whether to hike in their ski boots, or put said heavy boots on their backs and wear approach shoes. As a rule of thumb (which I often break), I switch to hiking boots when I expect to travel more than a mile or 1000 vertical feet to snow.

For summer hikes, I look for lightweight mids with enough support to carry a heavy pack (for overnights) or trail runners (for dayhikes). Whatever your needs, the cardinal rule for footwear is break your shoes in thoroughly before you go.

I am currently using Salomon's Speedcross and XA Pro 3D as my trail runner and hiking shoe, respectively.