I'm hiking around Skarvheimen/Jotunheimen in August this year (hiking the MASSIV) and am looking for some more advice on shoes. I will be on the trail for around 20 days. See pictures of terrain I am expecting for roughly a third of each day: https://imgur.com/a/BMu8YeY
Top priority is avoid injury/sprains or post-hike foot pain since I am on a sabbatical so have other activities planned… Secondarily, something lighter weight than a traditional heavy boot.
I see that there are many rocky sections of the trail in which boots or trail runners which are more adapted for this terrain (stiffer outsole) may be better suited. I assume it will be wet/muddy most days and even if something dries overnight in a hut, it probably gets wet again the next day haha. I know that much of this is also influenced by pack weight (10kg, 20% of my body weight) and foot placement, but if you have any advice let me know:
- Any recommended shoes? Some options I'm considering: Salomon X Ultra 4, Salomon Quest 4, HOKA Speedgoat 5, La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
- Gore-tex or regular boots? Many of the boots I looked up were GTX but I also know GTX doesn't dry after it gets wet once. Even if I'm not crossing rivers, won't the rain get into the shoe?
- Trail runners with stiffer sole vs. mid-rise boots with ankle support, what's your opinion in terms of the trade-offs?
by honey-combed