Would a pair of tennis shoes be ok for a 2 day backpack camping trip in the mountains?

Answer 1

Probably. As long as you're talking about a decent pair of running, cross training or hiking shoes made of nylon with maybe a little suede, and some type of tread on the bottom, not skate shoes or casual shoes?

The thing to consider is how much weight you'll be carrying. Hiking in light shoes is only recommended when you're carrying less than 30 or 40 lbs of gear. For a woman I would go with shoes if you're carrying under 30, but I don't even let my wife carry more than 20 lbs, including food and water.

Twisting your ankle is caused by carrying too much gear and plodding along and simply not watching where you step. I've been wearing sandals and running shoes hiking since 1996 when I gave up on hiking boots, and lightening my gear every year as well, and I've never twisted anything.

In addition to a much lighter load on your feet and extra energy from that, you probably won't have to worry about blisters while hiking in shoes. Moleskin, what's that? I don't get blisters anymore, even after 21 mile day hikes.

You'll also need socks and I recommend simple 1 oz. "dress" socks made of 100% polyester or nylon which you can get at Wal-Mart or other department store. I carry two pairs and switch half way through the day, washing one pair and letting it dry hanging from my backpack.

You won't need a second pair of shoes if your first pair is light enough to dry overnight. And even if it does get damp, which mine always do, since I tend to just walk through streams without taking off socks or shoes, they will dry on the trail, especially with thin socks.

Answer 2

It depends on what you mean by "camping". If you drive to a campsite and set the tent up 3 feet from the trunk of the car, and spend the next two days throwing rocks in the water, drinking beer and hanging out, then yeah.

If you mean putting 2 days worth of food, water and equipment on your back and walking up and down hills that are this >< far from being cliffs, absolutely NOT.

As other posters have indicated hiking boots give stability to the ankle and provide at least some degree of waterproofness.

Also make sure the boots fit right. Go boot shopping at the end of the day, and walk around for a while first. This will ensure that your feet are about as swollen as they will get and make sure you don't get a boot that is too small. You can tighten up a loose boot a lot easier than loosening a tight one.

Pack your tennys for after you're done hiking for the day to let both your boots and your feet air out a bit.

Have fun.

Answer 3

There are a lot of possible answers to this question, mostly because there are so many variables! Are you used to hiking in tennis-shoes? Do you have a good pair of hiking boots but don't want to bring them in case you don't need them? What kind of hiking are you going to be doing?

I bring sneakers, boots and flip flops when I go camping- each has their uses and you have the option of swtiching from one pair to another.

Some have suggested at going out and buying a good pair of hiking boots if you don't already have them- good idea- but I cringe at the thought of hiking in a new pair of boots- which almost always means painful blisters! If you can, wait until you've broken them in to fit you foot before you go on any long hikes. If you can't do that, bring lots of large, good quality band-aids. I've had some luck with putting the bandaids over the sections of my feet that usually end up blistered when I wear new boots and that helps to prevent them from forming - it saves a lot of grief later on! Good luck!

Answer 4

A lot of long distance hikers use running shoes or the like to save on weight. Heavy boots, while providing more support, will fatigue your legs more. I like mid range boots for most things. I believe it's a tradeoff. If you are a smart packer and have less than a 25 pound pack, and you aren't doing any hardcore scrambling, running shoes or approach shoes should be okay. Being aware of your footing, using decent trails, and being in shape matter, too.

Answer 5

Actual Tennis Shoes...no. Running shoes or Basketball shoes...yes. The basketball shoes give good support but have lousy traction. If it's muddy, expect to slip. The running shoes would be better. Many Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers wear trail running shoes.

Lightweight boots would be the best, but if it's your first time backpacking, don't blow the bucks on the boots until you know you want to do it again.

Answer 6

i wouldn't take "tennis" shoes but a if you don't want to go and buy big heavy boots you could go and get some good trail running shoes. they will have a better grip on the bottom the your tennis shoes. you'll need that esp. in the mountains where the terrain can get steep. also with trail runner shoes your less likely to get the blisters unbroken in boots will give you.

Answer 7

Probably not. I would suggest a pair of light to medium hiking boots. Wear them around for a few day before your trip to break them in. Make sure you wear good hiking socks. If your feet get wet change your socks. Don't use cotton socks as they will cause blisters. Make sure your boots fit properly and your feet don't slide around. Keep them laced tight. When you rest, take off your boots anf check your feet.

Answer 8

If the trail was paved. You need ankle support and arch support. You also may need warmth. Athletic shoes are also slippery on rocks, gravel and grass.

Get a decent pair of hiking boots.

Answer 9

it all depends if you are going to play tennis !! personally i've never played tennis in hiking boots either, nothing like twisting or breaking an ankle two days walk out in the bush , i suppose you could slide home on the tennis racket

Answer 10

Maybe. Depends on how good the trails are and how much hiking and climbing you plan on doing. It might be better to invest in some hiking boots though.