I want boots that are fast, too. But, alas, they can go only as fast as I can move them. So they聮re never as fast as I want. I have the same problem with bicycles, kayaks, etc. I don聮t understand it.
Asolo Fugitive GTX Boot
Fugitive GTX BootI assume that when you say 聯hiking boots,” what you mean is a light hiker. By 聯backpacking boot,” you mean something, well, heavier. A real boot, as opposed to a running shoe in buff clothing.
With that in mind, the answer to your needs is聟either. Assuming you聮re taking the 聯standard” route, even though it聮s 11 miles to the summit at 14,494 feet, I don聮t see any real reason why a person with solid ankles couldn聮t wear a fairly light hiker such as the Montrail Namche ($100; montrail.com), a mid-ankle shoe that has a trail-runner chassis grafted to a light-hiker upper. They are very comfortable with adequate foot protection and good traction.
But, you can expect some wet stream crossings, a snowfield near the summit, and even the off chance of a sudden storm. So I think that overall you聮d be happier in something that gives your feet some real support and protection. That hardly means concrete overboots聴in this day and age, even fairly hefty boots have remarkably short to non-existent break-in periods. I think you聮d love Asolo聮s Fugitive GTX boots ($170; asolo.com), for instance. They聮re reasonably light, with nylon and leather uppers, but have reinforced toe and heel areas, a supportive shank (the backbone of the boot), a Gore-Tex liner, and grippy rubber soles. You could take them on Whitney after just a few try-out hikes.
Zamberlan聮s 189 Phenom GT ($165; zamberlan.com) tells a similar story: leather and nylon uppers, Gore-Tex inner booty, and a comfortable fit. And they add a slightly better Vibram sole for excellent trail-ability. You聮d be happy with either the Fugitive GTX or Phenom boots on light day-hikes in the future, as well as longer treks.
You聮d even do well with a heftier boot such as the Scarpa Escape ($229; scarpa.com), which is more of a rugged trail/light mountaineering boot. They have very rugged leather uppers, more stiffness in the midsole, a Gore-Tex liner, and deep Vibram soles. They聮d be mucho at home on Whitney or any other tough hikes you plan, but would hardly prove a hardship on day hikes. I聮ve been wearing a pair this spring on hikes in the Olympic Mountains聴at least, where it聮s not all snowed in聴and they聮re great.
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