Packing Help with Hiking Boots

are you sure you need hiking boots, some of the trails are pretty groomed, and good supportive runners will do.

I put one in each corner of my suitcase and stuffed each full of socks and underwear. They weren't a problem that way. (Don't forget to pack two plastic grocery bags in case you need to re-pack them muddy or wet.)

I either wear them on the plane, or pack them in the bottom of my day pack which counts as my " personal item" on the plane.

I had this dilemma, but I pack very light, and only carry on. We're doing a few fairly demanding hikes in Switzerland in June. We've been twice before and done some hiking, but non this demanding. I finally decided on a good pair of hiking shoes instead of boots. I've always traveled with just one pair of shoes. We're doing quite a bit of biking this trip also so I chose a low top hiking shoe with a very good tread. As others have said - most of the trails are pretty well groomed. We're doing the hike from Schynegg Platte to First, and all of the reviews I've read said hiking boots were a necessity, but when I've looked at pictures of the hike I see many people doing it in trainers so I really think I'll be fine! So - could you get by with just one pair of shoes?

I had my hiking boots along to a trip to Peru last fall. Not really necessary, as mentioned before on most touristy trails there like in the Alpes you'd be just fine with good hiking shoes. However, with my feet I have a very difficult time finding hiking shoes that work but do muich better in boot. I ended up wearing them on the flight and that worked out just fine. Also consider that your luggage might be delayed. Many things are easy to buy and replace in Europe (btdt) but finding well fitting hiking boots could be rather difficult and time consuming

As Cynthia said, one in each corner, but be sure to pack inside and around them so the space isn't lost.

A 24" suitcase and a backpack each in not packing light. Are you sure you need that much luggage. Most people on this site would suggest less, much less.

On deciding shoe gear, view your shoes as tools to get the job done in that particular situation. There are two distal joints you want to protect on uneven surfaces: subtalar joint and ankle joint. Running shoes are designed for straight linear motion. They work best on smooth, paved surfaces. They only support the subtalar joint. If the trails are fairly well-groomed, low cut boots may be sufficient. But, if the trails are uneven or there are rocks to climb, then high top boots are needed to decrease the risk of ankle sprains. Hiking boots have Vibram soles, which are needed in case of slippery rocks. If you have a history of chronic ankle sprains, then definitely pack high tops.
The deciding factors are the walking surface, the planned activity, and personal history.

Considering the consequences of checked luggage being lost or delayed, I carry-on critical equipment if I can. This would definitely include hiking boots. You can usually buy/rent replacements for lost/delayed gear like ice axes and crampons, but you would be better off with known boots. I wear my hiking boots on the plane, but pack trainers/hut shoes in my carry-on bag. I put the trainers on after boarding the plane for walking around on board. Wearing the hiking boots gives me more room to pack other essentials in my carry-on and lightens my bag for running through terminals.

I'm a big believer in carrying a pair of trail runners plus a pair of good walking shoes with some grip. I'd only pack hiking boots if the specific trails I plan have some caution about good boots being necessary, then I'd wear them on the plane and pack a light "camp" shoe, like trail runners.