There has long been a debate among trail runners and hikers about the right footwear. Many trail runners prefer to wear their trail running footwear for running and hiking, while some hikers argue that hiking shoes and boots are a better bet thanks to the protection they provide against both injury and the weather.
Of course, some of us refuse to be pigeon-holed (good for us!). We head to the backcountry to do whatever we like. Perhaps we want to go fast and light, not necessarily running but certainly not taking it easy. If we want to break into a run when the mood takes us, great! Trail running shoes are undoubtedly better for this – it's certainly less comfortable to sprint in bulky boots – but then trail shoes do have a habit of getting rather wet and eventually uncomfortable in boggy and technical mountain terrain. So what's the answer?
Well, there is no definitive answer to the question but there are plenty of points to consider. It’s also worth noting that there is a huge of styles when it comes to the best trail running shoes, walking shoes and the best hiking boots, so this is a merely general overview of the differences and suitability.
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Meet the experts
Fiona loves both the pursuit of trail running and days spent hiking in the mountains. Based in Scotland, she often heads for the Munros, sometimes in her hiking boots, other times with a hydration pack and trail running shoes, and usually with her dog.
Alex enjoys a fast and light approach to his mountain exploits. For years, he did all his hiking in a pair of Salomon Speedcross trail running shoes, only buying his first pair of boots because he needed something that could take crampons. These days, he takes a more balanced approach and is well aware of the pros and cons of wearing trail shoes in the mountains.
Trail running footwear vs hiking footwear
There are many points to consider when choosing the right footwear for hiking.
Terrain and stability
- Hiking footwear tends to have a wider, stiffer sole for increased stability
- Trail running shoes feel more nimble a responsive to the terrain
While trail running shoes are designed to give traction and stability, when hiking you will move in a different way and most likely carry a hiking backpack, too. Walking shoes and boots tend to have a wider and thicker sole to provide a stable base for every footfall.
Traction will also be different when you compare trail running shoes to hiking shoes. When you run, your foot lands and rolls in a different way to when you walk. Runners will take shorter and lighter steps, too, as they move faster.
It might seem obvious, but the designers of running and hiking shoes will consider footfall and speed when creating shoes for specific activities and this can often be seen in the sole of the shoe. The sole of a hiking boot is usually wide, stiffer and more durable. Subsequently, it is usually heavier.
This is not to say that a walk in your favourite trail running footwear won’t be a success. Because the sole is narrower and thinner, you will feel more nimble and closer to the ground, and as a result, there is a decreased risk of tripping on uneven terrain.
But if you are hiking a longer distance, carrying a heavy pack and on rougher terrain, you might end up requiring footwear that offers more stability and less chance of you going over on an ankle.
Support
- Hiking footwear, especially boots, provide more ankle support
Trail running shoes are designed to be lightweight and easy to wear while running. Some will offer greater foot support than others, but if you compare a trail running shoe to a hiking shoe or boot, you’ll notice that the upper gives lower levels of support.
Hiking footwear is designed to give higher levels of support for the foot over longer distances and it is likely to be a more robust and heavier design. A walking boot will support the ankle much more than a trail running shoe or walking shoe.
Protection needs
- Hiking boots feature much more protective uppers and soles
- This helps to protect against rock abrasion, vegetation and sharp rocks underfoot
- Trail running shoes usually have a breathable upper that’s not overly protective
Because hiking shoes and boots are usually manufactured from thicker materials and generally have a tougher sole, they also offer greater protection from the terrain. The style of a hiking shoe or boot is also to give a larger coverage of the foot and ankle.
This means that the foot is more protected from vegetation, stones, roots etc. If you are going to be hiking in rough terrain, such as rocky mountains, muddy hills or rough forest trails, hiking footwear is likely to provide better protection.
Look at the materials on a trail running shoes' upper. They're usually a lightweight fabric, while hiking shoes and boots are made with heavier and more robust materials, including leather.
It really does depend what the terrain will be like because if you plan to walk on the type of trails that you usually run on, then your favourite running footwear will suffice.
Comfort levels
- In general, hiking footwear isn’t as flexible as trail running footwear
- A lightweight summer hiking shoe is very comfy for warm season day hikes
- Rigid winter boots aren’t as comfortable but they’re essential for adventures above the snow line
- After a long day on technical terrain, hiking boots end up being more comfortable than trail running shoes
The chances are your trail running shoes will feel more comfortable than a walking shoe or boot initially. But is that because you wear your running shoes more frequently and so they seem more comfy?
Many styles of walking shoe and boot these days can be very comfortable. There are plenty of choices and you will discover hiking shoes and boots that look a lot like running trainers.
Again, it depends on where you will be hiking and for how long. A lightweight summer hiking boot or shoe, which looks a bit like an enhanced running trainer, will be ideal for some lower level trails and hills in summer and will be perfectly comfortable. However, at the other end of the spectrum are winter boots, which are very rigid, designed for the rigors of winter mountaineering. Boots often take a bit of "wearing in" to get used to. It shouldn’t take long for you to do this, thanks to modern materials, and if you find they rub or they are too stiff or uncomfortable, the chances are they are not the right footwear or fit for you anyway.
In general, hiking boots are a lot stiffer and made from more durable and thicker materials so they might not feel as comfortable and flexible as a trail running shoe. As mentioned, boots are designed to protect the foot against technical, mountainous terrain.
However, after a long day on this kind of ground, a comparison between a boot and a trail shoe finds that a boot is often more comfortable by the end. This is because your foot is much more exposed to scrapes, impacts and the weather in a trail running shoe, which tends to get less and less comfortable on a long, technical adventure.
Seasonal changes
- Hiking footwear is better in the colder months
- Hikers are usually waterproof whereas trail running shoes usually aren’t
- Winter boots are essential for winter walks and mountaineering
- Some winter trail running shoes feature integrated gaiters and waterproofing
- Hiking footwear will keep your feet warmer too
Trail running footwear might well be fine for summer hiking because you're less likely to end up with wet feet. In addition, the lightweight design of running footwear allows your foot to breathe more easily when it’s a hot and sunny day.
But other seasons bring a greater chance of wet weather. In winter, there will be snow and ice to deal with while hiking, which is when winter boots are essential. Heading into mountaineering territory with trail running shoes is asking for trouble.
Some running shoes have Gore-Tex waterproof linings, but there is a greater chance of hiking shoes and boots keeping your feet dry because they are made from more robust materials. There are vey few hiking shoes and boots that are not waterproof – and you can also check out our guide to waterproofing hiking boots.
Another advantage of hiking boots in the wetter months is their higher cut, which stops water from getting in over the top. However, there are some winter trail running shoes, like La Sportiva's Cyklon Cross GTX, that feature an integrated gaiter, as well as Gore-Tex waterproofing. This makes them just as water-tight as some of the best hiking boots.
The thicker and heavier hiking footwear will keep your feet warmer, too, and protect against the cold, as well as wet and muddy ground.
Weighty matters
- Lighter trail shoes should allow you to move more efficiently
- The heavier boot provides more support
There is the weight of the shoe and also your own body weight to consider. Trail running shoes are likely to be lighter compared to hiking footwear. This can be an advantage in terms of comfort and energy use when walking in trails.
People who are a bit heavier themselves will probably be better off in a heavier walking shoe or boot because it will give greater foot and ankle support and durability when walking longer distances. This is especially true if you will be carrying hiking pack.
Verdict
There is a lot to consider when choosing between trail running shoes or hiking shoes or boots for a walk. In summer, depending on the kind of terrain you're taking on and how much you're carrying, trail shoes will probably be the more comfortable option and will allow you to take on the trails at speed. So, for day hikes in summer, there's nothing wrong with wearing trail running shoes.
However, when carrying a heavier load, the stability and ankle protection provided by hiking boots is hard to beat. Also colder, wetter adventures call for footwear that's better insulated and gives greater weather resistance. In these cases, hiking boots are the winner.
