For over 20 years, I've been using Salomon XA Pro 3D trail runners to both hike in and trail run.

I recently did two days of hiking in the White Mountains....one day doing the Franconia Ridge loop and the other day going up to Kinsman Pond. Both were done wearing the Salomons. Those trails are a perfect test lab for footwear.

Are there any shoe experts on WB who can answer this question? Would wearing real hiking boots leave my feet with less soreness than the XA Pro's? If so, why would that be?

Thanks