[Scott Johnston]

The reason we suggest wearing stiff mountain boots for some of your training is because of the rigidity and lack of ankle flexion as compared to running shoes or light hiking boots.  The weight is a much smaller factor. Hiking in stiff boots is far less economical than in shoes that bend like your foot does.  You do not need to wear $800 Everest boots in your training. Just something stiff like a summer mountaineering boot.

Scott