Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes

Blisters and ankle sprains are the two most common hiking injuries. A study found one in ten hiker sprain their ankle. While wearing the right hiking footwear will not prevent all ankle injuries, it is surely a good place to start.

Knowing the difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes is the starting point of a pleasurable hiking experience. 

But, what’s the difference between hiking boots and hiking shoes?

Hiking boots are designed for long-distance hiking on rugged trails. Whereas hiking shoes are intended for shorter hikes on well-maintained paths. 

Moreover, hiking boots and hiking shoes differ in terms of material, weight, stability, durability, comfort, and more.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between hiking boots and hiking shoes.

What is a Hiking Boot?

Hiking boots are designed to protect your feet and ankles from the rigors of hiking on rough terrain. They usually feature a higher ankle shaft than regular shoes, which provides better support and stability.

Hiking boots are usually made from tough, water-resistant materials to protect your feet from the elements. 

What is a Hiking Shoe?

Hiking shoes are designed to be worn when hiking on well-maintained trails. They can also be worn casually when walking around town.

Hiking shoes feature a lower ankle shaft. Hence, they don’t offer much protection from the elements. 

They are usually made from lighter materials making them comfortable to wear for longer periods.

Material

Hiking boots are generally made of tougher materials like full-grain leather, split-grain leather, or nubuck leather. These materials make hiking boots more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Nowadays, hiking boots are also designed using synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, etc. These materials provide good resistance to abrasion.

Hiking shoes are usually made of materials like leather (suede, nubuck, and cowhide), fabric leather, faux leather, synthetic leather, etc.

Materials like fabric leather, faux leather, and synthetic leather are lightweight. Hence, they make hiking shoes lighter in weight.

Weight

Hiking boots are typically heavier than hiking shoes. This is because hiking boots are made of sturdier material, which is heavier.

Hence, if you’re planning to carry a heavy backpack, you need to consider the weight of your footwear.

Comfort

Hiking boots offer more protection than hiking shoes. However, they can be quite bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long distances.

Whereas hiking shoes are lighter and more flexible than boots. It makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods.

Stability

Hiking boots offer excellent stability. This is because they have a higher ankle shaft, which provides good ankle support.

Hiking shoes are less stable than hiking boots. This is because they have a lower ankle shaft, which doesn’t provide much support to your ankles.

Durability

Hiking boots are designed for durability. Whereas, hiking shoes are designed for comfort. 

Hiking boots have a tough leather upper. It also features a deep tread on outsoles that can take thousands of miles of wear and tear.

In contrast, hiking shoes use a combination of fabric and leather on their uppers which is more prone to wearing out. It further decreases the durability of these shoes.

Protection

Hiking boots extend above the ankle, providing protection from the elements. It prevents rocks and debris from getting inside the boot.

Whereas hiking shoes don’t shield your ankles from abrasion and scratches. This can be problematic if you’re traveling through rocky, brushy, or otherwise sharp surroundings.

In general, hiking boots offer more feet and ankle protection than hiking shoes. Hence, they are a good choice for hiking in rugged terrain.

Ankle Support

Hiking boots extend above the ankle, covering more of your lower leg. This provides more support to the ankle and prevents injuries if you take a tumble while hiking. On the other hand, hiking boots restrict ankle movement, that leads to increased stress on knees and hips.

Hiking shoes provide lesser support to ankles than hiking boots. Hence, they’re not ideal for hikes that involve scrambling over rocks or long days spent on your feet. 

Outsole

Hiking boots typically feature a durable rubber sole that provides a good grip on rocky terrain.

Whereas soles on hiking shoes are made of polyurethane, EVA, rubber, Vibram rubber, etc.

Traction

Hiking boots provide good traction, making them ideal for walking on rugged terrain. They typically feature deep, multi-directional lugs that are made from hard-wearing rubber. This helps them grip better on loose or uneven surfaces.

On the other hand, most hiking shoes, have less aggressive lugs, making them more versatile. They provide good traction on most surfaces but may not perform well in mud or snow. 

Price

In terms of pricing, hiking boots can be quite expensive, with some brands costing over $300.

Whereas hiking shoes are generally less expensive, starting at around $82.

Hiking Boots Brands

Some of the best hiking boots available are:

Salomon Men’s Quest 4 Gore-Tex

If you’re looking for a tough, reliable hiking boot, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex is a great option.

It’s made with Nubuck leather for durability and features a rubber outsole for excellent grip and traction. Furthermore, it has a GORE-TEX membrane to ensure the shoes’ water resistance and breathability.

Best of all, the OrthoLite insole provides extra cushioning and breathability. This insole makes these boots extremely comfortable, even on long hikes. 

Altra Women’s Lone Peak Hiker

The Women’s Lone Peak Hiker is a tough hiking boot designed to withstand the rigors of the trail.

This boot provides comfort and support for your feet with a durable mesh upper and a balanced cushioning platform.

The DURATREAD rubber outsole offers grip and traction on technical terrain, making it an ideal choice for any adventure.

While this boot is not waterproof, the mesh uppers get dried quickly. 

The Lone Peak Hiker is a great choice for those looking for versatile, affordable hiking footwear.

Hiking Shoes Brands

Some of the best hiking shoes available are:

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Men’s Hiking Shoes

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator hiking shoes are perfect for any adventure, whether you’re hitting the trails or exploring the city.

The suede leather and breathable mesh upper provide durability and comfort. Whereas the VIBRAM rubber sole offers superior traction on any surface.

The removable contoured footbed provides medium support and cushioning, making these shoes perfect for short-distance hikes.

KEEN Women’s Steens Vent Hiking Shoe

The KEEN Women’s Steens Vent Hiking Shoe is perfect for women looking for comfortable, durable, lightweight hiking shoes.

The shoe is made of leather and mesh, which makes it breathable and quick-drying. Moreover, the removable EVA footbed provides arch support for all-day comfort.

The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole offers superior traction on any surface, making this an ideal choice for hikes in any terrain.

Pros and Cons of Hiking Boots

Pros of Hiking Boots

1. Hiking boots are great for longer hikes when you need extra support and protection for your feet.
2. Doesn’t allow debris to enter
3. Provide better ankle support.
4. They are made of durable materials.
5. Hiking boots provide good traction because of deeper lugs in the outsoles.

Cons of Hiking Boots

1. Hiking boots are not breathable.
2. They’re heavier and bulkier, making your legs feel more fatigued after a hike.
3. They are less flexible, so you might not have much range of motion.
4. They are expensive.

Pros and Cons of Hiking Shoes

Pros of Hiking Shoes

1. These shoes are lightweight.
2. They are comfortable.
3. More breathable
4. Hiking shoes are flexible, so you have a greater range of motion.
5. Less expensive
6. Suitable for shorter hikes or day walks.

Cons of Hiking Shoes

1. Doesn’t offer ankle support
2. Not durable
3. Doesn’t offer good traction on uneven surfaces
4. Provide less traction

Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes: Things to Consider

Both hiking boots and hiking shoes have their advantages and disadvantages. Hiking boots offer more support and protection, while hiking shoes are lighter and more comfortable.

Ultimately, the decision of which to wear depends on the type of hike you’re taking. 

Type of trail

Hiking boots offer better ankle support and stability, making them ideal for rougher terrain. They also tend to be better insulated, making them a good choice for winter hiking.

However, if you’re hiking on a relatively even trail in hot weather, prefer hiking shoes as they will be more comfortable.

Weight of your backpack

Every ounce counts when you’re carrying everything you need on your back.

A heavy backpack puts extra strain on your ankles, particularly on downhill sections. For this reason, hiking boots are generally better than hiking shoes for hikers with heavy packs.

Not only do they provide more support and stability, but they also have thicker soles that help to absorb the impact of each step.

Distance

When choosing the right footwear for a hike, the distance you plan to hike is an important factor.

Hiking boots are a good choice for longer hikes, as they offer more support and protection than hiking shoes. However, they can be heavier and more difficult to break in.

Hiking shoes are lighter and usually more comfortable right out of the box. Still, they may not provide as much support or protection on longer hikes.

Ultimately, it’s essential to choose the right footwear based on the specific conditions of your hike and your own preferences.

FAQs

What is the difference between hiking shoes and walking shoes?

Hiking shoes and walking shoes differ from each other in various ways.

Hiking shoes are designed for rough, uneven terrain. They have thicker soles and offer more protection than walking shoes. They also tend to be heavier than walking shoes.

Whereas, walking shoes are designed for smoother surfaces. They have thinner soles and provide less protection than hiking shoes.

What is the difference between boots and shoes?

Shoes are typically lighter and more comfortable than boots, and are often less expensive. Boots are usually more durable and offer more support, but can be less comfortable. Check our article on shoes vs boots for a detailed explanation

Conclusion

Hopefully, this blog post helped you decide whether to buy hiking boots or hiking shoes for your next hike.

Both have pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of off-trail hiking, then hiking boots are probably the way to go. However, if you mostly stick to trails and you’re looking for a lighter option, then hiking shoes might be a better choice.