You might recall that it was one year ago, while hiking the Coast-to-Coast and aliloop-of-the-lakes in England, that I became a true believer in using trail runners for backpacking. It turns out this is not just a fling. By day five, my Akyras were sandblasted and mud-caked beyond recognition. These babies kept me nimble and secure, one pair per island of over 2, miles walking. Akyras proved rugged, indeed even if the mesh near the toes ripped apart by day This is likely due to the stress from continuous lateral movement and the fact that La Sportivas run narrow in general.
It takes a few days for the shoe to conform to my foot. Though I sprung a leak, as it were, this was only in the top layer of mesh. The under-layer remained firm and strong, losing none of its shape or power. Running shoes made for mountain trails are essential over running shoes made for pavement due to the added protection of a rubber toe-box that the foot beautifully packaged all those stone-kicking kilometers. In combination with Balega socks, I suffered no trail-ruining blisters and my arthritic feet had just the right balance of support and torsional flex to allow me hours of continuous walking.
La Sportiva uses a patented rubber sole similar to its signature climbing-shoe, giving the hiker confidence and sure-footedness. I fell twice, once on mud-covered rock and once when a branch caught my trouser, causing my ankle to buckle and fold over on itself.
A concern many hikers raise about wearing trail runners as opposed to boots is the fear of rolling over on the ankle. I found the opposite to be true, that my feet felt stronger in the light, rugged Akyras and this is likely because the steep heel drop mitigates the need for heavier shoes. It places the foot in a more aggressive stance, focusing the power in forward motion rather than back on the heel. Although, I must admit next time I will probably not try to push so far on one pair, maybe putting my limit at miles.
I should mention that if your hiking is in predominately loose rock, you may want to consider using gators like the Kiwis do to keep stones from collecting in your shoes.
