(above) Agree on all, except one. Ray Jardine said in his book, that one reason for lightening his load was to walk in running shoes instead of heavy hiking boots, but that also allowed him to replace the shoes periodically at low cost, as the cushion soles do wear out and lose their cushion. He'd have replacements in his boxes sent ahead with other supplies. Since that book, though, the cost of running shoes has skyrocketed to same as hiking boots, so that may no longer apply. Me, I like a bit more support so use low or mid hiking boots with firm rubber traction sole and some microcellular polymer foam above that, that stuff is a lot tougher than older shoe foams. Inside is arch supports to (recover from and) prevent plantar fasciitis, with foam insoles above that which are replaced when needed.