Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes (And Trail Runners)
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Hiking is one of the most loved adventure sports that allows people to travel by foot to different regions of their country land. It is a mid-level energy-consuming outdoor activity that involves traveling long distances on different paths and trails. Whether you are a novice in hiking or a professional hiker, you might often look for the best hiking gear. One of the most essential elements of hiking gear is footwear. Hiking footwear is broadly classified into hiking boots, shoes, and trail runners. While the trail runners are exclusively for long-running activities, the debate for hikers mostly seems to revolve around hiking boots and shoes. Any hiking footwear is intended to provide protection, strength, and comfort to the wearer. It prevents the feet from underside injuries, bruises, and painful conditions like ankle twists. When a hiker decides to start a journey (either on their own or in a group), they must be fully equipped with relevant knowledge.
Choosing the right footwear is supremely important to ensure a smooth, painless, comfortable, and enjoyable trip. There are various factors involved in the making of hiking footwear. Hiking boots and shoes come in different types, and each of them has distinct features. The great variety of stores often makes it difficult to choose what's best for ourselves. While hiking boots are undoubtedly the most functional footwear ever designed to combat harsh conditions, modern hiking shoes are no less than their counterpart boots. Not everyone likes trekking with heavy boots, so lightweight, breathable, and waterproof hiking shoes may be your shoe.
If you are still figuring out the dilemma of hiking shoes vs. boots, this article provides the most comprehensive resource for understanding the different types and features of hiking boots and shoes.
Types of Hiking Boots
Day Hiking Boots
Day hiking boots are the premium choice for people going for day-day hikes or weekend trips. These boots are easy to break into and provide enough support for one day adventure. Day hiking boots come in two types: mid-cut hiking boots that wrap below the ankle and high-cut hiking boots that extend above the ankle.
Light Weight Boots
Lightweight boots resemble more a shoe than a boot. They are great for beginners and hikers with light backpacks. They are made of synthetic material that is more flexible and comes in a great variety of colors and shapes. The lightweight boots provide mid-range support and are not preferred with heavy packs or long trails.
Mid-weight Boots
More popularly known as backpacking boots, they are designed to survive a multi-day trekking trip. A thick material placed in the shank provides support for carrying heavy packs. The mid-sole is cushioned and lined with plates to give extra support and durability. They have high-cut ends that cover the upper end and provide extra protection to the ankle.
Mountaineering/ Heavy Weight Boots
Mountaineering boots are quite similar to backpacking boots but carry more weight. They are made of leather that adds to the weight part (5-6 pounds per pair). These provide exceptional support to the ankles. These are highly durable and functional for hiking in mountain regions with a backpack of more than 50 pounds. The heavyweight boots require some extra care to maintain the quality of leather. Moreover, their waterproof material makes the run easy in a muddier terrain.
Types of Hiking Shoes
Barefoot or Minimalist Hiking Shoes
If you are looking for the lightest type of hiking shoes on the market, ask for a barefoot or minimalist shoe. The barefoot shoe slides in and feels like a glove fitting in the right, imparting the natural barefoot experience. They are wider from the toe-end and have a soft upper sole, with little to zero cushioning in the mid-sole. The outsole is thin but provides a good grip on the feet. Minimalist shoes are generally stiffer in the mid-and outsole part and provide flexibility. The barefoot shoes are less-breathable and not suitable for hot weather.
Hiking Sandals
What's better than a good pair of sandals on a summer trekking trip? Well, we are talking about a soft and lightweight pair of hiking sandals. These have been a preferred choice for many hikers in hot seasons. Hiking sandals are breathable, tend to dry faster, and are made of light synthetic material. The sandals are lined with straps for a good fit and comfort. They are suitable for crossing regions with water areas like a river as they will dry faster in wet conditions. You can always find some average to good quality hiking sandals in the market.
Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes are designed for longer runs and quick moves along the terrains. They are lightweight and breathable to avoid sweating in warm climates. They have a rigid outsole that protects them from rocky and uneven surfaces. The midsole is lined with soft-foam-like material that absorbs shock and protects the under-feet from injuries. Although they are best for summers, they can be used in other except winters. The upper sole is made of air-permeable soft-mesh material that prevents excessive sweating but is more prone to wear and tear. They are less energy-consuming for longer hikes but should be avoided on muddy terrains.
The Classical Hiking Shoes
Hiking shoes are the perfect choice for beginners or someone looking for lighter options than backpacking boots. They lie between trail runners and mid-weight boots and provide greater stiffness in the midsole. They are suitable for treks on rough terrains as they prevent the sole from bruises and injuries from sharp rocks. A good pair of hiking shoes also provides immense support to the ankles and can protect them from ankle twists and sprains. Some hiking shoes are waterproof but less breathable and can promote sweating.
Hiking Boots vs. Shoes: A Brief Comparison of Essential Features
Weight
Hiking boots are heavier than hiking shoes due to their manufacturing properties. Hiking boots are designed to be more durable and carry more weight than hiking shoes. However, on days when you feel like walking light and plan to go long distances, carrying less weight on your foot will give a pleasant effect. Lightweight shoes have less cushioning and uppers made o synthetic fabrics. Also, it's easier and more convenient to pack lighter and less bulky shoes and can be a good choice for weekend trips.
Comfort
The comfort aspect of any hiking footwear depends on your need and the shoe's design. Several factors affect footwear comfort: foot shape, the fit difference between the footwear, weight of the shoe, muscle activity, temperature, and foot sensitivity. If you need lightweight, breathable, and flexible footwear, you can opt for a hiking shoe. Similarly, the hiking boots are made to survive in extreme weather conditions and rocky terrains; they can provide adequate comfort for the relevant tricky experiences.
Ankle Support
Ankle support is the most important component in selecting any hiking footwear. The hiking boots have a characteristic stiff design and padded upper soles that provide solid ankle support during technical trails. In contrast, hiking shoes are less equipped with ankle support as the uppers do not cover the part above the ankles.
Protection
Hiking boots provide a greater level of protection when compared with hiking shoes. Hiking boots can carry heavier weights; they strengthen your toes and heels and are lined with plates to prevent foot injuries. Boot designs have a higher cut that wraps around the ankle, protects against twisted ankle incidents, and acts as a waterproof barrier. Hiking boots have sturdy and thick mid-soles with a cushioning effect that enhances the protective effect. In older times, rubber was used as cushioning material. Nowadays, EVA and PU are the most widely used stuff for cushioning as they tend to absorb shock and decrease the damaging effect on the shoe.
While hiking boots always seem to win the race against shoes, some hiking shoes appear to have good quality outer soles, with a plate set between the inner and outer layer that prevents underside foot injuries from sharp stones and rocks. Moreover, the hiking shoes made of GORE-TEX are more breathable and waterproof for better protection from wet mud and trails.
Traction
The Traction property means how well your footwear can draw your feet over a surface while providing enough grip. It is a measure of slip resistance and friction under varying surfaces. The outsole is the part that comes in contact with the surface. Usually, it is made with soft and durable materials like rubber, especially blown rubber and carbon rubber. In general, hiking books have an outsole made of hard rubber and multi-directional lugs that imparts a solid grip on the surface. While hiking boots are better in traction, some hiking shoes also have grippy outer soles and can be a good choice for hiking on flat plains.
Uppers
Another important feature to look into in a hiking shoe vs. boot debate is the material and quality of uppers. Hiking boots are made from strong and durable leather or other good-quality synthetic material. In contrast, the hiking shoes are designed from lighter and thinner synthetic stuff to keep them user-friendly for fast hiking experiences. Also, most models of hiking shoes are made of GORE-TEX waterproof material or lighter knit, mesh fabric.
Balance
Hiking footwear that can balance your weight on steep slopes and uneven rocky surfaces is the foremost need for a smooth hiking experience. Generally, if you are taking along heavy backpacks, you will need hiking boots as they seem to balance your body weight more effectively. If worn with heavy backpacks, any lightweight hiking shoe can increase the risks of multiple falls and injuries.
Hiking Boots vs. Shoes: What Suits You Best?
Whether you are a novice in hiking or an experienced one, you might often find yourself in a boot vs. shoe conversation. Here is a comprehensive list of things to consider while choosing the right footwear to keep things simpler.
New to Hiking?
If you are new to this adventurous sport, you will have a hard time mastering a good balance while carrying a backpack on the trail. A wide-toed, thick sole boot will help you travel a long distance while avoiding falls.
Know the Terrain on Your Trail
Technical trails require a sturdy pair of boots to withstand uneven surfaces and harsh conditions. Their robust soles can prevent you from getting hurt by hard rocks and stones. But, if you are planning a nice forest walk with lighter feels, then a good pair of hiking shoes like barefoot or sandals are a good choice. It would be best to consider climate conditions on longer trips where boots will be suitable for cold weather.
Know Your Body Type
Understanding the strength and endurance of your body helps you make a good decision. If your legs require more support from footwear, and you also plan on carrying a heavy backpack, then hiking boots will suit you best. However, if your body is good at stability and provides ankle support, you can try a pair of trail runners.
Is It a Slow or Fast-Paced Trail?
If you are hiking in a group (which is usually the case), try to know how fast you will be going? Lightweight trail runners support a moderate or brisk speed. For slow-paced and energy-consuming trips like mountaineering, a heavyweight hiking boot is required to strengthen your feet and stand up with wear and tear.
Tips for Choosing the Best-Fit Hiking Boots and Shoes
None of us wants an ill-fitted hiking boot to ruin our day on treks. Finding the best-fitting boot seems a little challenging, as a great variety is available in the online market and store. Here, we have compiled a list of things to consider (and some actions to be taken) while choosing a brand new hiking boot.
Know your correct size. It is important to accurately measure the foot's length, width, and volume. It is advised to carefully read the size chart of the given shoe store/ brand to match your size parameters. Some brands offer special consultations to get the foot volume, so always look out for such options. Also, you can take out the insole from the boot and measure the length and width of your foot by placing it on the insole. Ideally, there should be a thumb's width space between your insole and the longest toe.
Wear the right pair of socks. When choosing a pair of boots, wear an old pair of socks that fits properly so that you can adjust to the new footwear. The fabric of socks should always be compatible with the type of boots you intend to wear.
Try to keep your purchase at the end of the day. This trick helps buy the correct pair of boots as the feet are usually swelled and larger after a long day of trekking. It's always better than buying smaller-fit boots.
Try to consult with a sizing specialist to address your needs. If you feel some discomfort from the front end of the shoe or pitching on fingers, you should contact the size specialist to avoid any inconvenience during hikes.
Choose familiar brands for online shopping. Always prefer those brands you've tried before and are familiar with their size patterns.
Try your shoes at home. This means you can try breaking into your shoes before your first trip. Also, look for some lacing tips available online, as the right knot strategy can help you get the perfect fit.
Final Two Cents on the Hiking Boots vs. Shoe Debate
The choice for your next best purchase greatly depends on knowing your trek conditions and what you most like wearing. Professional trainers with years of hiking experience find the ultimate solution is to own a pair of both hiking boots and shoes. Although not budget-friendly, this approach will make it easier for you to switch between the two options per trekking conditions. On technical trails with a heavy backpack, the hiking boots will be the best fit for the day. However, on days when you plan to trek on low-level green forests, coastal areas, and plain tracks, hiking shoes are a better choice.
While the hiking boots are extremely durable and provide high-level protection and ankle support, some people are taken aback by their heavyweight. Hiking boots are preferred for slow-paced trails as it is not convenient to walk faster in heavy boots. In contrast, hiking shoes are lightweight and highly suitable for fast-speed trekking. They can be easily carried in a backpack and make the experience more fun and comfortable for you.
The choice of the preferred product is very essential as the whole adventure depends upon it. If you are comfortable and easy in your shoes or boot, only then you can experience your hiking to its full. Thus, get acknowledged of the mentioned guideline and choose your product accordingly in order to enjoy your adventure. Also, don't forget to try both of these to be best assured.
