Compare Hiking Boots

How is it important to have boots (or shoes for hiking) instead of just plain sneakers when hiking? total load, oh, say, 20 pounds or so ...

Has he ever tried to pack in just plain sneakers? Was it terrible?

I never found a pair of decent hiking boots in my life that have been completely comfortable with the sneakers. Not to mention the fact that their weight so freakin 'much and really slow you down.

Hiking shoes much better than just plain sneakers for hiking? And what brands do you recommend?

I love the Merrell hiking shoes. You are right, however, they are a little heavier. I guess it's just because they are a little more robust to withstand the terrain you might encounter, and it's a good thing. After hiking shoes instead of boots (which are even heavier) works for me and I like the comfort of Merrells.
It really depends on you personally. I mean, some people need boots for ankle support.
I was in sandals and no, it was not horrible, but I will say that my feet felt better after wearing the shoes designed for hiking.

Depends on the type of hiking. Hiking boots support the ankle on the rough tracks. If it is a kind of managed trails smooth isn't gross (I do not consider that hiking is just ... walk in the woods), and sneakers would be fine.
With the shoes you get what you pay for. You're right there are lots of hiking boots of shit out there who arent comfortable. Go there and find a pair of hiking boots or very good for 150-200 dollars. They will be comfortable.
Nothing less than about $ 100 isn't really a hiking boot. We call them "objects hiking boot-shaped"
Personally, I like and use the brand Mephisto hiking boots. Very strong, very comfortable and very lightweight. However, they will cost more than 300

Depends on the field. If its an easy walk smooth, without crossings of water or whatever, you'll be fine.

But if your hiking through difficult terrain difficult, so a good pair of hiking boots are hard to beat. Make sure they fit well (not loose). A pair of socks are really very important.

With the advent of ultra-light hiking, backpacks people now weigh less than 30, 20 and sometimes 10 lbs, it is quite possible and indeed beneficial to launch your heavy hiking boots for footwear light hiking shoes, athletic shoes, running shoes, sandals or hiking or even as Teva Keen.

There is simply no reason to spend $ 200 + on hiking boots, which overwhelm you, take breaks, should be treated with waterproofing and preserving leather before using it, take an eternity drying, need two layers of thick socks and still give you blisters after hundreds of miles of use, especially if you have not, fortunately, you can buy the perfect size for your foot.

I'd rather spend $ 50 - $ 100 for trail runners from New Balance, which are mostly mesh and thin material, dries quickly and does not require breaking in time or effort, to wear only thin Nylon dress socks, which can be easily activated, washed and dried twice a day, and rarely if ever give you a light bulb.

In action, I traveled throughout Sierra Trail and Teva sandals including talus slopes, crossing all sorts of flaws, from summit to multiple peaks, and hiking mile 20 days with a weight of 10 to 20 lb pack, and I've never had any injuries or foot problems and at most a couple of small blisters.

This guy has had a similar experience http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/hikin ...

They will protect you from an ankle injury, or to protect your ankle injury Hobler you return to civilization. Columbia is pretty good. Merrell Nike too much too. You'll be surprised at how light.