Packing Hiking boots and Hiking Poles

Hiking Poles will not be allowed. While they are not mentioned on the TSA website directly, ski poles, golf clubs, hockey sticks and lacrosse sticks, are mentioned and not allowed. I doubt you could bring hiking poles. Too easy to use as a weapon.

Did you contact TSA? You didn't mention whose customer service you contacted.

Your trekking poles will not be allowed in your carryon. You can still bring them in a checked bag. As for whether you will be allowed a carryon and a "personal item" (like your boot bags), that is up to your airline. Some airlines allow this, and others limit you to one single carryon bag. You are more likely to be limited to one bag coming back from Europe, or taking budget airlines while within Europe. Check with whatever airlines you are taking (look at their websites) to see what their policies are about carryon limits.

Bottom line: if you must have your own trekking poles, you'll have to check a bag. You might possibly be able to rent poles once you are there, or you could consider buying some once you get there.

I've always checked my trekking poles. I was told by my airline several years ago that I needed to check them. I wear my hiking boots on the plane, but take them off the minute I get on and use my sandals for the plane ride. I tied them to the outside of my pack and have not had a problem. You might have to put them on again if you are going through Heathrow. But I find that they are just too bulky to pack. But the comfort that they provide for hikes sure make it worth lugging them.

Pam

Pams idea is great, wear them on the plane, but have some slippers or flipflops in your carry on to slip on when onboard the plane. You could bring a plastic bag and carry them off the plane too.

I like Pamela's idea too. I wear a pair of soft sleepers in the airplane, they look like thick low socks and they fit in your pocket.
I know hiking poles are not allowed in the uS flights but I don't know about the rules overseas. I know it's more restricted over there especially about the luggage weight. Why don't you check with the ait line company you are going to fly?

For carry on, light weight hikers may be a better choice than the heavy hiking boots. We like to hike also but don't like the weight of heavy hiking boots in our carry on.

Merrill, North Face and other companies produce some really nice gore tex shoes that don't weigh a lot, have great traction and are water proof (but usually low around the ankles). For light weight ankle support you can find high top versions or add Volleyball/Basketball "T" braces to wear under your shoes.

I have been packing the light weight hikers in darker neutral tones for quite awhile. Now I'm going even lighter weight so I've been packing trail runners to use for hiking and as my backup casual shoe.

Thanks for the advice...

It's not just the weight that counts. Light or not hiking boots are still bulky.
Another good brand is Asolo. I got a pair high hiking boots and they are very light.A bit over 2lbs.
You can find reviews about this brand online.