New here

[pigpen]

New to the forum. I've always appreciated the advice and discussions here so what better time to join than when my cabin fever morphs into excitement for my third trip onto the NLP trail! I am planning on a week long trip most likely in early may. I am transitioning from a 50lb pack weight to a more age friendly 25-30lbs. I have achieved this pack weight and have no doubts concerning comfort and safety, yet i am considering trail running/hiking shoes this time around as my load is much lighter. Any advice?

side note: i very well understand the trail conditions i.e. mud. Never been a real issue, just looking to trade ankle support for speed and agility

EDIT: This was more of an intro, but can i move this thread to hiking?

[Justin]

Hi Pigpen, welcome to Adkforum.
Good luck on your planned NPT trip!
As for moving your thread, that would be up to the moderators, but you can delete your own thread in the "Thread Tools" page, and then re-post (copy & paste) it somewhere else if you wish, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.
-Justin

[pigpen]

ah ok, yeah hadn't thought of that but i suppose ill just leave it be. Thanks Justin!

[mmaute]

I've known people who swear by hiking in shoes with ankle support, and I've also known people who just as soundly swear by hiking in something like a trail runner. So, I've always thought of it as a personal preference issue. It seems people go with what works best, and is most comfortable for them on this issue. So I don't think you'll get a definitive consensus from responders.

If you have shoes without ankle support, you could consider going on a shorter day hike (with your packed bag) in those shoes to see if you think it could work for you. Best of luck to you.

Edit: If you were looking for specific trail runner shoe recommendations, I've hiked in Brooks Cascadia trail runners and had good luck with them.

[pigpen]

Thanks for the advice, i will certainly check those out. I will test them out for sure like you said and at the very least they will be great for day hikes if i'm not comfortable putting hard miles on them. Would like the retire the clunkers to strictly firewood duty

[mmaute]

Thanks for the advice, i will certainly check those out. I will test them out for sure like you said and at the very least they will be great for day hikes if i'm not comfortable putting hard miles on them. Would like the retire the clunkers to strictly firewood duty

Last I knew EMS carried Cascadia's. So if you have an EMS nearby, you might be able to check them out there.

I did a day hike to Marcy (~15 miles) a few years back and wore my Cascadia's with no issue. In fact, I still have and wear the same pair now. Mine have seemed to hold up to high mileage (I also just run in them).

Best of luck.

[Telemarkmike]

pigpen - Welcome to the forum!

Like others have said, it comes down to personal preference as to whether trail runners will suit you for backpacking or not. If you try a trip with boots and a trip with trail runners, you'll probably have your answer.

I swear by the La Sportiva Ultra Raptors. Lots of folks on the ADK High Peaks forum have used them as well. Absolutely fantastic grip on all kinds of surface is what I love most about them.

Here is a link so you know which model I'm talking about. They are pricey, but for have been worth every penny for me.

[pigpen]

Thanks all! Some great leads on some quality shoes, i very much appreciate it. My ankles are pretty resilient on the trail and i'm always attentive to whatever surprises the terrain might throw at me ( rocks that somehow sweat WD-40, and ninja roots). I'm super excited to get into trail shape and try new equipment for this trip. I've had the most memorable times on this trail and it's all i can think about!