That聮s too bad, Tim. Most boots are made to fit what a boot-maker sees as the middle of the bell curve, foot-shape-wise. So people at the margins get left out. And you聮re in that crowd. You might try boots from Montrail, such as the Torre GTX ($165; www.montrail.com). Montrail boots are built on a last that seems to accommodate an unusually large percentage of people. L.L. Bean聮s Cresta Hiker ($169; www.llbean.com) are also a foot-friendly boot, and it comes in three widths. Maybe fiddling with boots and after-market add-ons, such as Superfeet insoles ($35; www.superfeet.com), can help you come up with a good combination.
Asolo’s Distance cross-trainer
Asolo Distance
I say that because I just don聮t like the idea of doing much real backpacking with trail-runners. Most shoes of that type have quite a bit of cushioning, which is fine when you聮re running, not so fine when supporting your body weight plus 30 to 40 pounds. And they don聮t have as much beef in the sole as hiking boots, so rocks and sticks are more apt to bruise and otherwise pound your foot. Without good support and protection, you聮re apt to find your feet are very sore and tired at the end of the day.
But, if you want to try it, just be sure to wear beefy trail-runners. Salomon聮s Trail Pro SCS shoes ($100; www.salomonsports.com), Brooks Cascadia 2 Trail Runners ($95; www.brooksrunning.com), Asolo聮s Distance cross-trainer ($115; www.asolo.com), and La Sportiva聮s B5 Approach Shoes ($95; www.sportiva.com) all have lots of heft in this range. I especially like the Asolo shoes because they have a full rubber rand around the shoe perimeter, affording you some extra protection.
The votes are in: , including the year’s hottest trail runners.