Hiking Boots

[FLRomo]

Four of us are going to hike up to Upper Yosemite Falls in mid May, 2012. We are all in fairly good condition and are currently taking weekend hikes and doing the stadium stairs at our local college to get in shape. My question is about hiking boots. I've asked some other folks and some say just wear a good pair of sneakers and others say get ankle support hiking boots. Still others say to make sure they are very light, that it will make a difference in few hours in to the hike. Also I noticed Big 5 has hiking boots and REI has boots but there is a BIG difference in cost. Our little group is so confused. Can someone who has hiked to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls give me some tips?

[balzaccom]

It's a steep trail, but literally thousands of people do this hike in tennis shoes. I think it is more important that you wear a pair of shoes that fit you, and that you are sure will not give you blisters. Don't buy something new---just use a good pair of walking or running shoes that you have already broken in.

[P. Rana]

Years ago we hiked down this trail as the last part of a backpacking trip. Maybe it was having the extra weight of a pack but that downhill hike gave our feet more grief than any of the uphill sections on the entire trip. If your boots are a little too snug (or if they are perfect and your feet swell at the end of a long day) your toes will get smashed up to the front which won't hurt the entire way up or even maybe half way down, but eventually it will suck.
The trail is not technically challenging (as in needing sticky rubber soles or thick leather protection against sharp rocks/brush) so I second the broken-in pair of walking/running shoes.

[AlmostThere]

Here is my boot rant.

Unless you are getting full height boots, ankle support is a myth. Those mid height hikers are glorified shoes.

I do everything - nearly, winter is different - in trail shoes. Everything including granite filled trails in Yosemite. What makes a huge difference are the soles - you need something that will protect your feet from the trail. A good insole is also key. I am replacing the insole in new shoes within 6 weeks of getting them because the stock insoles wear out that fast (I hike a minimum of 8 miles per weekend). Superfeet, SOLE or other aftermarket insoles do a better job of providing support, and which one works for you is completely individualized.

For winter I will go with Goretex insulated boots that keep my feet dry. For the rest of the year I refuse to use Goretex, for the same reason - keeping the feet dry. My feet sweat when I hike. Goretex, contrary to hype, breathes very little and keeps moisture in the shoe too well, and my socks end up wetter with waterproof shoes than when I use regular ol' breathable trail shoes.

I tried a full boot - it was the only time I ever hurt my ankles while hiking. My legs had bruises on them and my ankles were sore. I stick to mids and shoes.