Does anyone have any experience with these? Are they sufficient for backpacking? I usually wear trail runners, so... Also, does anyone know how the sizing is? I wear a Merrell size 9.

Thanks

Just used these for three weeks backpacking the JMT.

Previously I had used the Montrail Hardrocks with Superfeet inserts for several seasons and that worked great. The newest Hardrocks I have are a lower volume shoe so they don't fit well with the Superfeet. So I decided to switch to a different shoe altogether and tried the Highlander.

Wore the Highlanders as my street shoes for several weeks before my hike. They felt great. On the trail though, my opinion of the shoe changed.

After a week of hiking I felt like I had bruises under my feet. Literally. I kept looking at the soles of my feet expecting them to be black and blue, which they were not, but they felt that way.

My backpack weight fluctuated between 20 and 35 pounds depending on how much food I was carrying.

Good to know, thank you.

Hey Damon, I had the same question about the Highlanders some time back. I currently use the Montrail Mountain Masochists for trail running specifically, which is quite similar in design to the Highlander of past. I think the minimalist design and low profile quality of shoe lends itself to light and fast trail runs on mixed terrain and trail, great trail feel underfoot with just the necessary amount of padding. On the other hand with a pack? I don't know, I think that can vary so much from person to person and pack weight and foot strength. There is very little padding and or support/stability in the Highlander, rather more akin to a flat soled track shoe or cross country shoe.