>>2408549>For harder or more technical tracks boots are often better.only if you need crampons or spikes.
lighter nimbler feet with no heel's usually favored for technical stuff.
>Usually better grip,i agree the average boot's lug pattern is way better than the average trailrunner's lug pattern.
on the high end they're about equal.
>Keep water out bettertrailrunners handle water better if its above freezing. they dry significantly faster & take much less time to take off for water crossings.
boots do have the advantage of letting you walk through ~1-3in deep creeks and puddles while staying dry.
but waterproof boots' other advantages don't shine until freezing is a factor.
>Boots will provide better supportbut they're also 2x+ the weight, on foot where weight feels about 5x heavier than in pack.
>More foot protection,significantly more upper protection, significantly less puncture protection. good runners have full length carbon plates or close to it.
>And for where tracks are overgrown or non existent become a weapon for stomping your way through.also boot midsoles have a lot longer of a lifespan than trailrunners. only 2 kinds of people thru hike with a boot: "i want the same shoe to last the whole time" and "its my first thru hike"
