If you’re new to hiking, you may be faced with one of the most important questions in hiking: hiking boots vs hiking shoes – what’s the difference? Understanding the difference and choosing wisely can be the difference between a trek filled with awe-inspiring vistas and one plagued by blisters and grievances. So, we’ve put together a detailed article to explain the key differences between the two types of hiking footwear and help you make an educated decision.
Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes - What's the Difference?
At first glance, hiking boots and shoes may serve the same purpose – protecting your feet on the trails. However, they cater to different terrains, weather conditions and hiker needs.
Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are, like the name suggests, boots. They feature an above-the-ankle design and are made with more durable materials and a more aggressive tread pattern, intended to protect and support your feet through rocky, uneven, and slippery terrains.
Advantages: boots offer much better ankle support, reducing the risk of injuries on treacherous trails. They’re more rugged and resistant to environmental elements, making them ideal for facing mud, snow, and water.
Disadvantages: for all their virtues, boots can be heavy, requiring more energy with each step. The above-the-ankle design makes them warmer in cold climates but maybe too warm in hot climates and they often take a little longer to break-in.
When to use them: hiking boots are better suited to entry-level hikers looking for extra support or for experienced hikers venturing on multi-day treks through rugged landscapes. They’re also the better choice in cold climates or winter hikes where you’re more likely to face mud or puddles.
Hiking Shoes
Hiking shoes look a little more like sneakers, but for hiking. Featuring a low-cut design with lighter materials and a less aggressive tread, they’re designed for comfort and flexibility.
Advantages: with hiking shoes, you’ll enjoy immediate comfort, minimal break-in time, and a freedom of movement that feels natural and unrestrained. They excel in breathability, keeping your feet cool on warm, dry treks.
Disadvantages: their lighter build means sacrificing some protection and support. they’re great on well trodden paths but they might leave you longing for the sturdiness of boots when the trail turns against you.
When to use them: hiking shoes are your go-to for day hikes and well-maintained trails. That said, they are an excellent choice if you’re an experienced hiker who wants to prioritise comfort of the need for extra support.
Comparing Hiking Boots and Shoes
- Ankle Support: Hiking boots typically offer more ankle support than hiking shoes, making them ideal for rugged, uneven terrain where a misstep could lead to injury.
- Weight: Hiking shoes win when it comes to weight. They are lighter, allowing for a more agile and less fatiguing hike, especially on well-maintained trails or during longer treks.
- Durability: Boots generally have better durability and are designed to withstand harsher conditions, both in terms of terrain and climate.
- Traction: Both boots and shoes are designed with traction in mind, but the deeper lugs and sturdier soles of boots provide better grip on steep, slippery, or uneven paths.
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Which Footwear is Best For You?
Choosing between hiking boots and shoes depends on several factors:
- Fit and Comfort: whichever type of hiking footwear you choose, the most important factor is the fit. Always try on footwear with the socks you’ll be hiking in, and walk around to ensure a snug, comfortable fit without any pressure points on your feet or ankles.
- Durability vs. Weight: consider how you value durability against the need for lighter gear. Boots are generally more durable but are heavier, while shoes are lighter but less durable.
- Climate and Terrain: match your footwear with your typical hiking climate and terrain. Boots are much more versatile, offering warmth and protection and can be used in pretty much any climate or terrain. Hiking shoes, on the other hand, offer greater comfort and coolness but are somewhat more limited to warmer climates and well trodden paths.
- Budget: while the price difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes has nothing to do with quality, your budget will play a role in picking your hiking footwear. Generally speaking, hiking boots are more expensive than hiking shoes.
Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes - Why Not Both?
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer and it depends entirely on the type of hiking you do most often and the climate you’ll be most active in. But maybe it’s not so much a question of getting one or the other, but rather when to use each type of hiking footwear.
Personally, I have a pair of hiking boots which are perfect for hiking in colder climates which I usually keep for more demanding hikes, as well as a pair of hiking shoes that are much more comfortable to wear on shorter day hikes in summer.
That said, if you’re a beginner just starting on your hiking adventure, I’d recommend starting with a pair of sturdier hiking boots until you’re more comfortable on your feet!
Whether you choose the protection and support of boots or the lightness and flexibility of shoes, using the right footwear on your hiking adventures can be the real difference between a nightmare hike riddled with pain and discomfort or an epic escape into the wilderness!
