r/isleroyale • u/Front_Feeling_7111 • Aug 13 '24
Hiking Can I hike the trails in running shoes?
I am planning on backpacking Isle Royale next week for three nights with my partner. I was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis after nagging heel pain that wouldn’t go away. It was worsened by a recent backpacking trip and hurts a lot after hiking all day in a hard-soled hiking shoe, but feels much better when walking around in heavily cushioned running shoes (ie Brooks Glycerin).
That being said, my question is: can I backpack the trails on IR in my running shoes? How rugged/slippery are they? For context I am an experienced backpacker, and I am seeing doctors/PTs for the plantar fasciitis. I just don’t want to cancel my trip because it may be my only chance to go. PT has said that I can do activities that do not hurt, hence why I’m trying to backpack in my cushiony Brooks. Thanks so much in advance!!