In May my uncle and I are doing a 4 day hike in Grand Canyon National Park. In past hikes in Yosemite I've worn big clunky (expensive) hiking boots and they gave me horrible blisters. I'm thinking of going more minimal this year and wearing my trail running shoes, Brooks Cascadia. I'll be carrying a full pack full of gear and will be going through technical trails while carrying the pack. Still, I just don't want to wear traditional hiking boots again. As a runner they feel too heavy and I feel like they slow me down.

Thoughts?

i ran R2R2R in the cascadias. And I've hiked the OML and multi-day in the Guads with a full pack in the cascadia. I don't understand how people hike in boots. I hate them.

Wearing brooks caldera for my r2r2r attempt in may.

Agree on the boots thing. I just don't get it.

Boots provide ankle support. For me, when the terrain is uneven and I'm carrying 45-50 lbs on my back, the extra support is much appreciated. You don't need expensive ones, either. I usually find a pair of Merrell's at Marshall's that serve my purpose for less than $60. You do, however, need double knit wool socks for them.

I do most of my day hiking in a trail running shoe (wore out two pairs of the old yellow Cascadias when I lived in AZ) for sure. For me, it is really a matter of terrain and circumstance.

i understand that boots give you ankle "support," but that's what they thought about high-top basketball shoes in the late 80s/early 90s. However, what was found was that the shoes weren't doing much to prevent sprains at all. There's a lot of conflicting info out there on the whether or not boots really help. The articles are endless if you google, but what you'll see is that lately more and more, you are seeing people switching to running shoes to hike in. Boots are bulky, heavy, clumsy, and they make your feet sweat like crazy. I'm already carrying a bunch of weight on my back, so last thing i want is some heavy shoes on my feet. And all that "waterproofing" just keeps the sweat in and ensures your feet are wet.

The best prevention for ankle injuries to to strengthen the supporting muscles.

I've used boots and shoes on backpacking trips. I roll my ankle a lot less with boots and feel the stickier tread of the boot gives me more traction. Shoes are way better when I'm trying to cover a lot of ground quickly and only have a day pack.

You can talk articles all you want. Really, you show me literature supporting one theory and I'll show you plenty supporting the other. You are fully aware of how that goes. Kind of how no one knows the proper way to eat. But, I digress. I'm talking my personal experience and thoughts from my last 20 years of hiking and backpacking. It's fully a preference based on what has worked best for me in various situations. And, I don't disagree that strengthening your supportive musculature is the best way to avoid injury. 3/4 boots, for me, just add additional protection and are worth the few extra ounces when the trail is rocky and uneven.

All that said, I never made time to do the rim to rim hike (despite living there for nearly ten years). Assuming OP is going Kaibab to Bright Angel, I'd imagine the path is pretty worn and shoes would be fine. You'd know better than I. Just adding my two cents as to when I think boots are worth it.

Actually, OP is hiking a much lesser used route, assuming his plans have not changed. It'll be WAY more technical and bright angel/kaibab.

Then maybe he should wear boots.

We are hiking starting from Lipan Point using the Tanner Trail down to the Tanner Rapids then continue over to Lava Canyon Rapids and back. My uncle is in his 60's so we won't be in any hurry (he's actually in great shape though).

Cascadia 12's are the most slippery shoe I've ever worn on damp or wet hard packed soil and rocks, like ice skate slippery. I'm near the point of returning them despite the fact they are good when dry.

Just FYI.

Aggietaco said:

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Cascadia 12's are the most slippery shoe I've ever worn on damp or wet hard packed soil and rocks, like ice skate slippery. I'm near the point of returning them despite the fact they are good when dry.

Just FYI.

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haven't run in the 12s, but never had an issue with any other version. wonder what they changed?

Yikes.

Been running in Altra Olympus 2.5 and the tread doesn't look like much but it has performed well in some gnarly conditions - Wasatch, ABF. I'd take it anywhere without a second thought. Some gear is better than others but training and technique trumps all.

Go with your favorite hiking shoe...boots stink. I use brooks adrenaline now but I've managed the Sierras, Rockies, and Cascades in shoes not boots!

No clue, this is my first pair of cascadia's after getting tired of blowing out altras. I've taken to wearing my ghost 10's when it's moist out.

Came across this today from a hiking trip in the lower GC. Terrain was flat, thus, Cascadias were the call.

Solomons! Big fan. I have a pair of Quests for hunting, and want to add a light hiker like their Ultra Mid 2 GTX. Light. Great for hiking, light hunting, etc. Wonder if a trail-running shoe like their Speedcross would be a good fit? Check out their tread pattern. Pretty aggressive.