Hiking Shoes vs Boots: A Detailed Comparison - Trail and Trek (2024)

Believe it or not, yourhiking gear, especially footwear,has a higher chance of impacting your outdoor excursion than the trail you choose or the friends you take along.

Before you plan your next hiking trip, you should think about rounding up the ideal gear to help you stay protected and comfortable.

That’s where the hiking shoes vs boots debate comes in.

Hiking Shoes vs Boots

We know what you’re thinking. If you’re a beginner, hiking shoes and hiking boots probably sound like the same product to you.

That’s precisely what confuses most buyers who end up making the wrong decision depending on their needs.

So, before diving into the detailed overview of both types, here’s a clear definition of each one to help you identify them individually.

What Are Hiking Shoes?

Hiking shoes are stylish footwear designed to provide both protection and comfort at the same time.

Typically, they’re the go-to footwear for millennials’ frequent hiking sessions.

Hiking shoes allow fast and effortless movement, along with the friction you need to tackle all kinds of trails.

Mainly, they’re a hybrid between high-protection hiking boots and lightweight running shoes.

You can find them in bothwaterproof and non-waterproof versions, but their highlight feature is breathability.

Even if they don’t provide complete protection from water, they work to release the moisture quickly.

This way, even if your feet are submerged in water, they’ll dry out quickly without hindering your hiking session.

Similarly, there are many categories to hiking shoes, including stiff toe caps, firm midsoles, heavier cushioning, or lightweight components.

You can choose from these categories depending on the trail you’re planning to take up.

We’ll get into further details about hiking shoes while discussing the hiking shoes vs boots debate.

What Are Hiking Boots?

Hiking boots are the most heavy-duty and high-end footwear available for outdoor enthusiasts.

Unlikehiking shoes or running sneakers, these boots are heavy and bulky-looking.

These shoes are the ultimate option if you plan to tackle mountainous trails or rocky terrains.

Along with their rugged soles and firm exterior, hiking boots also sport signature features like ankle protection and moisture-wicking technology.

Additionally, hiking boots are durably constructed with stiff toe caps and strong outsoles to provide the traction you need on long hiking sessions.

However, these boots can easily tire your feet out. And, if you end up getting wet, the weight on your feet will naturally increase and slow you down.

That said, while wearing hiking boots, there’s a lower probability of injuring your feet.

For example, you can be concern-free about spraining your ankle or receiving severe impacts on your sole.

To help you decide whether you should go for hiking boots or shoes, we’ll go into further details about both categories in our hiking shoes vs hiking boots comparison below.

Do You Really Need Hiking Boots?

If you were planning to go on your next hiking trip in a pair of sneakers, you’re probably thinking this hiking shoes vs hiking boots debate is useless.

Well, you’re right, but only to some extent.

Yes, running shoes or sneakers provide the comfort you need, and they are affordable.

However, they are not designed for rigorous use on rough terrains and let’s face it, smooth and effortless trails are no fun when it comes to hiking trips.

You cannot enjoy yourself if you don’t stomp through marshes, cross streams, or wring your way through lush vegetation.

That’s why you’ll need either hiking boots or shoes to make your trip memorable for the right reasons.

You’ll need specific features while going on a hiking trip.

The right pair of hiking footwear will provide good traction, ideal ankle and sole protection, water resistance, durability, and breathability.

While you might get one or two of these features in typical trainers or sneakers, you’ll need all these features if you’re planning to take up hiking as a serious hobby.

Now, if you’ve decided to invest in a pair of hiking shoes or boots, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of both types so you can make your purchase easily.

Are Shoes or Boots Better for Hiking?

How many times have you tried on the most expensive and highly-rated footwear only to find out they don’t feel good enough for you at all?

We’ve all been through that situation.

That’s why the most important aspects to consider while purchasing the ideal footwear for yourself are your personal needs.

For example, if your feet are prone to swelling during rigorous hikes, you should go for soft hiking shoes that easily mold around your feet.

On the other hand, if you’re clumsy and prefer some support around your feet to avoid accidents, hiking boots are the ones for you.

Additionally, the ideal pair of shoesshould fit snugly onto your feetwhile providing some room around your toes.

Besides that, thorough heel support and pressure point integration are also remarkable features to look for when shopping for your hiking footwear.

But will you find the features you’re looking for in hiking shoes or boots?

Here’s a quick overview of each with their respective pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.

Hiking Boots

If the harsh weather or the rugged nature of your trail are your primary concerns, then hiking boots are the ideal options for you.

Although these boots look quite intimidating, attributing to their long break-in period and heavy construction, they work well to protect your feet from the elements.

Particularly, if you’re preparing to hike through snowy areas or overnight trails, hiking shoes would not stand a chance.

They have comparatively thinner outsoles that put maximum strain on your feet.

That means, if you don’t choose hiking boots over hiking shoes for these conditions, you’ll end up with tired feet in no time.

On the other hand, hiking boots with their rugged soles and toe caps provide the traction, protection, and impact resistance needed to sustain you along with long hikes.

Although, their weight might slow you down. That’s why we’d suggest you practice walking while wearing your hiking boots before you set out on a hiking session.

This way, you’ll break into the shoes and get accustomed to the weight.

Similarly, hiking boots are made out of thicker and heavy-duty materials compared to hiking shoes.

That’s why they work well at keeping you warm.

If you’re planning to hike through marshes or wetlands, don’t submerge your feet inside the water at any cost.

That’s because once hiking boots are soaked, they don’t dry quickly.

Most especially if you’re hiking in a cold climate, getting your hiking boots wet might translate into an enormous setback and turn your trip into a disaster.

Thus, consider all the aspects of your trip before making your choice.

Below is a list of pros and cons of hiking boots that might influence your decision.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty
• Toe protection
• Ankle protection
• Weather-resistant
• Impact-resistant
• Durable construction
• Stiff soles
• Ideal traction
• Temperature regulation

Cons:

• Long break-in time
• Heavy
• Take time to dry out
• Bulky
• Expensive

Hiking Shoes

As we mentioned, the better option for you between the two categories is the one that fits your needs.

That’s why, if you’re someone who doesn’t like to take up tedious and exhausting trails, hiking shoes can easily keep you comfortable on the way.

What sets these shoes apart are their lightweight, flexible exterior that requires no break-in period.

You can set out on your trail as soon as you step out of the shoe store, and you won’t feel any strain on your feet.

But remember, if your terrain is rocky and uneven, hiking shoes can make your feet hurt.

That’s because they’re not as durably constructed ashiking boots.

On the bright side, these shoes are ideal for wet or hot conditions. That’s because, unlike hiking boots, they’re breathable and water-resistant at the same time.

Their breathable interior soaks in the sweat produced while you hike, keeping your feet free from infections and rashes in the long run.

Similarly, if your feet do get wet, your shoes will take only minutes to dry out.

That way, you can continue effortlessly on your trail even if you submerge your feet in the water.

Another appealing aspect of hiking shoes is their low price range.

The high-end prices of professional hiking boots can be back-breaking, especially if you’re just a casual hiker looking for some fun.

By purchasing hiking shoes, you can easily give yourself enough protection for short, hassle-free hiking sessions without burning a massive hole in your pocket.

Below are some pros and cons of hiking shoes to give you an exact representation at a glance.

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Snug fit
• Highly breathable
• Affordable price range
• No break-in period required
• Lightweight

Cons:

• No ankle support
• No heel support
• No stiff outsoles
• Moderate traction
• Less durable
• Moderate impact resistance

What Is the Difference Between Hiking Boots and Trail Shoes?

In the section above, we explained that the ideal footwear for you entirely depends on your personal needs, budget, and your terrain.

To make this decision easy for you, we provided an overview of the basic features of hiking shoes and boots, along with the ideal situations to use both footwear.

We know, the diverse list of features attributed to each type can easily confuse a beginner looking to make a quick purchase.

That’s why we’re making things easier for you in this section.

If hiking footwear were considered as a full spectrum, you’d basically see the lightweight, cheap, and breathable hiking shoes on one end.

In contrast, the heavy-duty hiking boots, with their high price tag and superior construction and protection features, would stand at the other end.

So, we’ve listed the significant differences between hiking boots and hiking shoes to further insight the subject.

Durability

The lightweight and comfortable hiking shoes are a go-to option for casual terrains and walking sessions, but this footwear lacks durability.

One hour on a rugged, rocky trail, and you’ll see your hiking shoes fall apart or make your feet feel uncomfortable.

On the contrary, hiking boots are durably constructed with materials like Gore-Tex and leather.

That makes them quite bulky and uncomfortable initially, but they provide maximum protection to your feet in the long run.

Weight

Carrying additional weight on your feet while taking up a problematic hiking track can be exhausting.

Believe it or not, but a single extra pound on your feet is equal to five pounds on your back.

As such, if you’re a beginner, using hiking boots on a casual trail is a bad idea.

In this case, you should go for hiking shoes that are comfortable and lightweight.

Similarly, if you’re planning to hike on wet areas where your feet are prone to get submerged, you should avoid heavy hiking boots.

Boots tend to get heavier when they are damp and can slow you down considerably.

Bottom line, go for heavyweight hiking boots while tackling rough and mountainous terrains.

On the other hand, go for lightweight, breathable hiking shoes while taking long, wet hiking trails.

Additional Protection

Hiking boots have many features that provide additional protection to your feet, while hiking shoes do not.

These features include stiff outsoles, toe caps, snug heel fitting, and reliable traction.

Hence, if you’re on challenging trails, hiking boots can easily protect you during a mishap.

However, flimsy hiking shoes without any of these features may fail to help you if you twist your ankle or slip on a damp surface.

Price Range

If you’re on a tight budget, professional hiking boots might be out of the question for you.

While a typical pair of hiking shoes will cost anywhere from $50 to $200, professional hiking boot prices start from around $400 and go up to $1000.

That’s why we recommend investing in a pair of professional boots only if you’re a dedicated outdoor enthusiast.

What Kind of Shoes Are Best for Hiking: The Conclusion

Coming towards the end of our hiking shoes vs boots debate, here’s all the information we shared with you in a nutshell.

Whether you choose hiking shoes or boots, both varieties provide excellent features in their respective spectrum.

The question is not whether they’re suitable for hiking or not, as both are equally productive and functional.

In the end, it all boils down to your personal needs.

If you’re taking up rocky, rugged trails with dangerous twists and turns, go for hiking boots if you can afford them.

Similarly, if you’re going for a casual one-time hike on even trails, hiking shoes will work well for you.

Consider listing down your planned routes and your needs before picking out the ideal footwear for yourself.

Happy Hiking!