Winter footwear

Not sure if I’m doing it correctly, but hiking in the Smokies at elevation with maybe 6-8 inches, or just the possibility of snow, trail runners make me a bit  nervous. I’ve used GTX mids from Selewa, Hoka and this year plan to try Keen mids for a wider toe box. I’m also using MLD gaiters, for warmth as well as protection.  If things get hairy in the Smokies, dropping elevation is usually an option.

I did buy some used snow shoes and I’m actually praying for a big snow dump in order to play with them. For moderate snow the above set up has worked well for me. Interested to hear what others say.

I was a trail runner purist until I moved to Alaska.  Sometimes they are just more trouble than they are worth.

Your situation sounds like a good one for lighter weight GoreTex boots with gaters as needed for snow. I like a couple things about my Solomon boots. They are less fiddly then trail runners with liners. Also I appreciate the harder sole. It’s nice to be able to “edge” or dig into snow or half frozen ground. My soft Altras just didn’t do as well there.

Do make sure there is adequate toe room.  I find my toes get colder in stiffer or tighter boots. I upsized for my new boots and they are a lot better then last years model. I like my Steger Mukluks in really cold weather. Obviously they are more insulated but I also think the fact that your foot flexes more keeps blood flowing well through the whole foot.

All that said I have not tried VBLs but if I was in the lower 48 I might be interested. Going back to the Stegers there is something to be said for a more flexible shoe. I would shy away from ridiculously light waterproof shoes. I tried the Altra Lone Peak boots one year. Very comfortable and reasonably warm with double socks and foam insoles. The problem is the uppers are to flimsy. They quickly got leeks and water came in fast. My Solomon boots seem to have a slow leak but they are beefy enough that water isn’t pouring through. They still work in snow. If I step in slush I might get damp but my feet stay warm (not a strategy for 20 below obviously).

To sum it all up, its always a trade off but the simplest solution would probably be lighter boots. From there you can experiment.