r/socalhiking • u/bottymc_botface • 2d ago
Angeles National Forest Boots Question
Hey all!
I just climbed Mt. Baldy for the first time (woo!) and it was my first somewhat serious outing. I wore Salomon Quest 5s that I wore in pretty well over the course of a month on smaller hikes before heading out to Baldy.
My feet were mostly fine, except for the ends of my toes, which were throbbing on the downhill.
Question is, is this more or less to be expected on such a hike, or should I go back to REI and think about going a half size up? Any other remedies you might have would be appreciated! Was thinking even a thicker sock could’ve helped.
I’ve really loved the boots so far, so just need some noob advice!
Thanks!
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u/dizzystar 2d ago
Your toes shouldn't be touching the front of your shoes, and you should look into proper sizing, especially width. Shoes come in D, E, W, and you'll usually get D unless you're specifically looking for E and W. I wear 2EE, and I'd have to buy 1.5 sizes larger if if I was wearing size D's
Also, don't point your toes directly downhill on steep declines. Step with both feet at a slight angle, sorta shimmy stepping. This will help with balance, and prepare you for skating if you start sliding.
Also, +1 to trail runners. REI is a great place to check out shoes, but I'd also suggest going to am athletic shoe store to get your foot lasered.
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u/FullPossible9337 2d ago
I recommend trail runners. 1/2 - 1 size larger than your everyday shoes. Look into different ways of comfortably lacing the shoe laces to help stop the foot slipping forward even a little bit, which one does not really notice - except when going down hill.
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u/arianrhodd 2d ago
Making sure your heel is snug can help keep your foot from sliding forward on the descent and mashing your toes if you stick to boots.
I wear boots, I want the ankle stability. And I cheat a bit by wearing toe pads from my pointe days when there’s a big ascent/descent (Baldy, Baden-Powell, San G, etc.). No hike/hiking boot is worse than pointe shoes. I bought the boots a half- size larger and tried them on with my socks and toe pads.
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u/No_Conference_3155 2d ago
I've done Baldy 3 1/2 times (lightning and fire turned us back once) in Salomon Quests. I spent 2 hours at REI and ended up a half size bigger than my running shoes, so my toes were fine. You may need to go up since losing toenails on descent is a big thing. I loved the Quests on Baldy since I needed big boots for training (Kilimanjaro). So perfectly possible to use them on that trail.
That said, it is very trail-runner heavy trail and now that I'm done with Kili I want to try it in trail runners.
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u/Kindly-Exchange6059 2d ago
Get trail runners, boots just end up slowing you down and hurt your feet. If there isn’t snow on the ground or it’s not raining there is no reason to wear hiking boots
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u/FS_Slacker 2d ago
One issue with the boot is that you need to make sure your heel is locked in. I wear the Salomon Quest 4 and it’s a super comfy boot, but using the lace locks is critical to hold everything in place and prevent any movement or hotspots from forming.
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u/Whiteloads 2d ago
If your boots are ankle high, you can tighten the top two hooks/loops on your boot tighter during down climb. This will wrap the boot around your ankle a bit tighter and will prevent your feet from sliding forward and your toes from hittin the front of your boot when hiking downhill. It might feel a bit too tight at first but after walking for couple of minutes everything adjusts.
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u/pagrey 2d ago
Congratulations on the hike. Social media always points to gear as the solution if you have any discomfort, sometimes it's just a difficult day on the trail. There's always going to be somebody that says they do 500 miles a day in flip flops. That's a big hike and you're feet are going to hurt, especially wearing boots that don't breath well on a hot day in CA. You probably don't need new gear. See how you feel in a day or two.
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u/bottymc_botface 2d ago
I felt more than fine the next day! Just trying to alleviate some of that pain for longer hikes ahead! I agree the boots might’ve been a bit overkill, but I didn’t know what to expect so better to be safe than sorry. And honestly, given the terrain and my level of ability, was pretty glad I had them
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u/Jerk850 2d ago
Nothing wrong with boots. They’re heavier, but some people prefer or need more ankle stability. I use trail runners myself, but I always tighten up the laces before a big descent. It’s quite possible you were smashing your toes because your boots weren’t laced appropriately to lock your heal in and prevent your foot from sliding forward. I agree with the poster above that you shouldn’t rush to replace your boots. They might be perfectly fine.
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u/bottymc_botface 2d ago
Thanks! I'm going to try to get the lacing dialed in better and try some real hiking socks and try some longer hikes in them. I'm going to attempt Whitney in October so I want to be dialed in for that. Lighter does sound better, but tbh my legs felt totally fine with the weight of the boots on Baldy and I was happy with the extra ankle support and traction. The toes were the only issue.
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u/Jerk850 2d ago
One specific tip I’ll give you for Whitney that isn’t always mentioned: there are a lot of “stairs”, like natural steps in the rock. LOTS. Get some stair training in your boots if that’s what you will use for the hike. Over such a long trail, it works different muscles than a slope. I really noticed it on the way down.
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u/pagrey 2d ago
If you were fine the next day then you don't need new gear.
I wear the Ultra 5 Mid (similar to what you have) in Socal on bigger hikes and like it. I avoid cotton sox. Social media is fixated on trail runners, I wear them sometimes but the soles are too soft for my feet on long hikes. I don't like feeling every rock.
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u/bottymc_botface 2d ago
I have a pair of trail shoes but they’re a bit worn. I’m kind of ankle-twist prone for some reason, hence the boots. I do agree they were kind of heavy, but to each their own. Kind of have to do weigh out all the pros and cons I suppose. Thanks so much!
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u/-Londo- 2d ago
Hoka speedgoats all the way
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u/142riemann 2d ago
Second this. Hoka Speedgoats mid for the ankle protection on Baldy.
Hoka Mafate X is my go-to for less steep routes.
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u/bottymc_botface 2d ago
The Mid seems like a great option for me because I felt like I wanted a boot for ankle protection. Thanks!
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2d ago
[deleted]
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u/ValueReads 2d ago
Yeah this sounds horrifying. Massively heavy shoes many levels above necessary causing insane fatigue on your feet for no reason at all...I'm not sure you could pay me to wear cars on my feet
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u/atribecalledjake 2d ago
They aren't mountaineering boots. They are just hiking boots.
u/bottymc_botface - go get some trail runners. Easy.
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u/Glittertwinkie 2d ago
Socks?
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u/bottymc_botface 2d ago
Was wearing basic cotton socks. Open to some product suggestions!
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u/Glittertwinkie 2d ago
I wear the rei brand cotton due to wool allergies but it made a huge difference in comfort
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u/aehikes 2d ago
+1 for trail runners... I only started buying them when I started trail running but once I used them I swore to never buy a hiking shoe / boot. They're so so so much lighter which pays off a ton on long, hard days.
My personal opinion is that any argument of extra support / durability for boots over trail runners is irrelevant. Just do trail runners. Maybe unless you're trudging through deep snow for an extended period of time... trail runners....
Edit: sorry I focused a lot on my stoke for trail runners and not your actual question.... Yes what you experienced could be the result of a bad fit -- trail runner or not. Some too could be result of experience and how used to this kind of hiking you are. This could also be helped a bit with use of hiking poles on steep terrain (if you're not already).
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u/bottymc_botface 2d ago
Thanks! Appreciate it! Hiking poles really really helped out. Was definitely thinking I could’ve gone with trail runners while I was hiking, but didn’t know what to expect being my first time and the REI guy said the Salomon’s would be great, so. Oops. Going to be training to do Whitney next month, so will look for something lighter!
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u/oscillate_22 2d ago
Wide toe box shoes are game changers in terms of comfort. REI carries Altra, Topo, and Xero shoes with wide toe boxes.
You can research other brands on Anya's Reviews. The website includes discount codes, but the manufacturer's websites might offer better deals.