Hiking Shoes or Boots? Discover the Surprising Truth That Could Change Your Next Adventure Forever!
Ever found yourself staring down a trail map wondering if your shoes are up to the task — lightweight hiking kicks or those bulky boots that look like they could survive a zombie apocalypse? Yeah, me too. Choosing the right footwear isn’t just about style points (although, let’s be honest, looking cool on the trail never hurts). It’s about comfort, protection, and making every step count when the path gets a little wild. Heavy-duty hiking boots offer solid ankle armor — but are they always necessary? Or does the speedy, nimble hiking shoe hold the crown for most trails? Let’s cut through the noise and lace up for the ultimate face-off: hiking boots versus hiking shoes. Ready to see which one’s gonna carry you farther without killing your vibe? LEARN MORE
HAVING THE RIGHT footwear might be the most important decision a hiker can make (that, and letting someone know where they’re going). But there’s plenty of debate about which type of footwear is “right” for the trail. Are lightweight, agile hiking shoes better? Or are heavier, but more supportive hiking boots the way to go? Let’s dive in.
“Boots offer more protection, especially around the ankle,” says Cris Hazzard, a professional hiking guide and author who runs the HikingGuy YouTube channel. But, on whether that matters, he confirms, “A few years ago boots were standard on the trail, but the truth is, on most groomed trails a hiking shoe or trail runner is all you need.”
While some people prefer the higher cuff of boots for support (especially with a heavy hiking backpack), Hazzard argues that it doesn’t actually make that much of a difference ultimately. But there are some very key differences between the two styles, and it also depends on what type of hiking you’ll actually be doing. So let’s dig in to settle the debate of whether you need hiking shoes or hiking boots.
Differences Between Hiking Shoes and Hiking Boots
In short, Hazzard says he looks for “something that’s light and feels like a sneaker.” He also prioritizes a decent stack height (25 mm to 35 mm is ideal), a wide toe box for avoiding blisters, and a quality outsole that maximizes grip. Here are some other key things to look for.
Height
The first and most obvious difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots is the height. Hiking shoes are lower with a cut that’s similar to a traditional sneaker, so they’re typically more comfortable without the rigid stiffness of their taller siblings. Hiking boots are available in low, mid, and high designs, offering good, better, and best ankle support, respectively.
Weight
All else being equal, hiking boots are almost always heavier than hiking shoes. Many of the best hiking shoes—especially those designed for fastpackers and ultralight backpackers—can weigh less than a pound, while the beefiest hiking boots tip the scales at more than three pounds each. The trade-off here is that heavier often means more rigid, more durable, and more supportive. If you prioritize speed and maximum comfort above all else, shoes are your go-to. If you’re looking for maximum ankle support and foot protection, opt for a sturdy pair of boots.
Breathability and Waterproofing
Breathability and waterproofing are two sides of the same coin. More breathability usually means less waterproofing, and vice versa. In general, hiking shoes are more breathable than hiking boots. They’re lighter, feature thinner soles, and there’s less overall material to “air out.” Most modern hiking boots, on the other hand, offer heavier waterproofing treatments, a dedicated (usually Gore-Tex) waterproof membrane, or both. It goes without saying that hiking boots are warmer, too, so they’re a better option for cold-weather hikes.
Durability and Stiffness
Durability and stiffness go hand-in-hand. Hiking shoes rely on lightweight materials like mesh and synthetics in the upper, with more flexibility in both the mid- and outsole. Hiking boots are usually crafted with heavier-weight materials in critical areas like the shanks, toe guards, and heel brakes. This makes boots not only stiffer but also more durable. You can expect decent hiking shoes to last around 500 miles, while a well-made pair of boots might go the distance for 1,000 miles or more. To maximize your investment, look for hiking boots that can be resoled, saving you from buying a brand new pair when only the sole needs replacing.
Foot Protection
Taking all of the above into account, it’s easy to see why hiking boots (even low-cut models) offer more protection than hiking shoes. They deliver better support underfoot and in the ankle and are almost always more durable and effective at repelling water. Still, hiking boots are typically only necessary when maximum foot protection is paramount. “I really only use boots if I’m off-trail or expecting rough terrain where I need more foot protection,” says Hazzard. “Most of the time I’m on trails, and for that, a hiking shoe or trail runner is lighter, more comfortable, and does the job.”
Insulation
If you live anywhere that experiences all four seasons, you know that at some point every year, you can expect to trade in your sneakers for a decent set of warm winter boots. For maximum winter utility, hiking boots deliver more waterproofing and better warmth, especially if they’re insulated (not all are).
Hiking Boots
- Casual/day-hiking boots: These are arguably the most common type of hiking footwear and the boot we’d recommend for most hikers. They usually feature a mid- to high-cut silhouette for reliable ankle support and foot protection. They’re lighter weight than their ultra-beefy counterparts, so are more flexible, require minimal break-in, and are reasonably comfortable straight out of the box.
- Backpacking hiking boots: For multi-day treks where you’re planning to carry a serious load on your back, you want a high-cut boot that’s rigid, durable, and supportive. Look for models with stiff midsoles that are better suited for off-trail exploration.
- Mountaineering/alpine hiking boots: The biggest, beefiest hiking boot style, mountaineering (a.k.a. “alpine”) hiking boots are the tallest of all with maximum stiffness and rigidity to protect your feet and support your ankles over the toughest terrain. They typically feature three-quarter or full shanks to support the entire sole. Many are single- or double-insulated for maximum warmth at elevation, too.
Hiking Shoes
- “Barefoot”/minimalist shoes: These “barely there” shoes are designed for purists and minimalist hikers who want to feel every bit of the terrain beneath their feet. They typically offer no padding or heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between the heel and forefoot), which usually takes some getting used to for anyone accustomed to traditional hiking footwear.
- Trail running shoes: We’ll sidestep the debate over whether trail running shoes can be considered hiking shoes. No matter which side you fall in, there are plenty of hikers who prefer trail runners over traditional hiking shoes. For good reason: They’re lighter, more flexible, and more breathable. They also deliver better traction and less foot rotation. The biggest trade-off? Durability. Even the best models wear faster than most hiking shoes.
- Approach shoes: This unique design combines the best qualities of a climbing shoe and a trail runner into a single hybrid alternative. It’s both comfy and ultra-sticky, with the wearability of a trail runner but the grip of a dedicated climbing shoe. Again, the trade-off here is the same as with most trail runners: They lack the durability of a traditional hiking shoe, so they break down faster, often requiring replacement (or resoling) in 500 miles or less.
Pros and Cons of Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots
Hiking Shoes
Pros:
- Breathable and lightweight
- Flexible, comfortable design wears more like a sneaker
- Minimal break-in required
- Fast-drying
- Can be less expensive than boots
Cons:
- Not as supportive, especially when carrying heavier loads
- Not as durable (often good for around 500 miles max)
- Less warm than hiking boots
Hiking Boots
Pros:
- Warmer and more waterproof than shoes
- Maximum durability (good for 1,000 miles or more)
- Excellent foot protection
- Mid- and high-cut designs provide solid ankle support
Cons:
- Heavy
- Don’t breathe as well as hiking shoes
- Rigid design can feel constricting
- Usually requires a longer break-in period
Which Is Right for You: Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes?
Tall, rugged, ultra-supportive hiking boots are the footwear most of us think of when we daydream about escaping into the backcountry. For hardcore trekkers looking to cover big miles with a big pack, they may be the right choice. But, for many—especially casual hikers, day hikers, and weekend warriors who aren’t interested in a marathon session on the PCT—a good set of hiking shoes is likely the better alternative. They’re often lighter, offer “sneaker-like” comfort, and require less break-in. Here’s everything we’d consider when deciding on whether hiking boots or hiking shoes are right for you.
How You Hike
Consider your hiking habits. If you tend to trek for long distances over multiple days, especially in wet or cold weather, hiking boots will offer the durability, support, and protection you need. If you’re more of a day hiker or casual explorer who prefers shorter hikes (in both time and distance), you may want a pair of comfortable, breathable, lightweight hiking shoes.
Terrain and Trails
The type of terrain you most often hike is another important consideration. Hikes over flat, mostly level (or even lightly undulating) ground, especially with little to moderate weight, often call for just a good hiking shoe. But if you prefer hard, uneven terrain—especially in the mountains—the added protection and support of a hiking boot is probably you’re best bet.
Backpack Weight
Hiking boots—especially those with a higher cut—are designed for maximum ankle support when carrying a heavy load. If you typically hike with only a daypack or something even lighter (like a hip pack), hiking boots are probably overkill.
Shoe Weight
Despite your own pack weight or the distances you frequently cover, you may still want to consider a hiking shoe over a boot just to save weight. Hiking boots can be very heavy, sometimes prohibitively so. While an extra pound on each foot might not seem like much from the comfort of your living room, it’ll feel like a world of difference on the trail.
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Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.
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