HikeArizona.COM

There was a post at the old site (Don't recall who posted it.) recommending light hikers or trail runners on smooth, well maintained trails like Bright Angel and So. Kaibab. Well, I went with that advice and think it really paid off. Instead of boots, I wore a pair of NB 805 trail runners; figure every step I took I was lifting close to half a pound less than I would have had I been wearing my boots. Multiply that by the number of steps and it's gonna add up to a lot of weight saved.
Now I know Teva Joe's gonna say how much more weight I'd have saved in Tevas instead of trail runners.....but my toes still all point in the same direction!

I wear those shoes everywhere in the canyon--even off trail. I keep my pack in the ten to fifteen pound range. I use an internal because you can cinch it to your body and make it a part of you. With these shoes I like to think I dance down trails like the South Kaibab.

After my first rim-to-river-to-rim dayhike (I wore fairly heavy boots), I invested in a pair of trail runners, and since then all of my G.C. hikes have been in trail runners. I mostly hike in them all the time. I will wear boots on longer hikes where the terrain is rocky, like the Superstitions; or when backpacking (duh!). It's really does make a huge difference.

Man - the invention of te "Light-Hiker/Trail Runner" is the greatest thing ever. Light and fast - they get a great grip (better than most boots - largely because they are more flexible and can afford a stickier rubber) - they are what I wear if I am going to be moving fast and light over any terrain.

I too go for a slightly heavier boot if I am going into unfamiliar or exceptionally rocky terrain - but the light hiker/trail runner is definitely the boot/shoe of choice for me most of the time.

WOW! Wish I could "dance down trails" . Guess I'll have to work on that.

It's easy. First, Buy some light hiking shoes. Then, when your hiking make sure you do some spins and turns and some mombo.

Mombo, huh? My preferred boot is the Lowa Renegade., those and my Teva's.I have a pair of trail runners but I've only used these for running. Guess I should try them for hiking (duh?) Maybe then I can "dance".

I went hiking once with a gal who was a dancer - we did Picacho Peak - and literally, she danced almost the whole way up and down the mountain. Jumping and leaping and pirouetting and doing all kinds of dance moves. I was impressed - she was in TREMENDOUSLY good shape. It wasn't even a difficult hike for her.

But the dancing - that was an absolute riot. Before too long the whole group was doing it (there were about 8 of us), just jumping around and generally making fools of ourselves. All the other people we passed on the trail were laughing their butts off. By far one of the funnest days of hiking I have ever had.

I definitely recommend dancing down trails.

And what kind of hikers was she wearing? :

Actually - she was wearing some full leather mid weight hikers - if you can believe that. She still made them seem pretty light on her feet though.

What is an "anti-kokopelli"?

Not really sure myself. It sounded good at the time. I'm still waiting for that lightning bolt of creativity to hit me with a good title.

I'm perfectly willing to submit to the will of the populace though.

Snick - any good nicknames for me?