I’m not a hiking boot fan, especially when it comes to those Keens that cannot (generally) not be Resoled. Functionally, trail runners are now far superior across a broad range of trekking.
I don’t want to be caught in a situation in Southern Appalachia where I can’t get my shoebox dry. That’s a recipe for trench foot. Modern trail runners can dry while you walk in them.
Boots are also very heavy - sometimes 3x heavier than trail runners. Those pounds add up over multi day hikes.
The one scenario I see boots as superior is in post hole snow conditions.
On the other hand, trail runners with quality vibram soles only last for 300-500 miles. Many boots can be resoled and last thousands of miles.
I’m not a hiking boot fan, especially when it comes to those Keens that cannot (generally) not be Resoled. Functionally, trail runners are now far superior across a broad range of trekking.
I don’t want to be caught in a situation in Southern Appalachia where I can’t get my shoebox dry. That’s a recipe for trench foot. Modern trail runners can dry while you walk in them.
Boots are also very heavy - sometimes 3x heavier than trail runners. Those pounds add up over multi day hikes.
The one scenario I see boots as superior is in post hole snow conditions.
On the other hand, trail runners with quality vibram soles only last for 300-500 miles. Many boots can be resoled and last thousands of miles.