How Fast Of A Hiker Are You
If you are a fast mover, a hiking shoe or trail runner with more flexibility and give may be better for you.
Do you like to run on trails too? Or do you like to take your time and look around?
If you like to move slow and steady with very sure footing prepared for anything, hiking footwear that laces up around the ankle may be best for you.
Can Trekking Bootsbe Used For Hiking
Trekking boots can and should be used in hiking if you are planning to trek in the near future. Wearing trekking boots for hiking will enable you to get accustomed to trekking boots and will also break the boots inner walls so that you do not feel discomfort before going on trekking. Trekking boots can be worn in any weather, so it wont really matter if it rained the previous day.
Tip: If you only want to hike and the weather is clear and dry, hiking bootswill come in handy as they are lighter and will allow better movement with faster speed.
Hiking Shoes Vs Hiking Boots
Whether youre a weekend hiker or a die-hard hiking fan, you know how crucial it is to wear proper footwear while youre hiking. A lot of casual hikers quickly learn that they just cant use their regular sneakers for a serious outdoor adventure. When the terrain thats not flat, manicured or groomed, you need a pair of quality hiking boots or hiking shoes.
Fortunately, todays market offers a number of different types of hiking footwear. These include mountaineering boots, approach shoes, low hiking shoes, barefoot shoes, trail runners, thru-hikers, and lightweight hiking shoes for day hikers. While all of these different types can make anyones head spin, all of them fall into one of two main categories hiking shoes and hiking boots though I have also written a comparison between Trail Runners and Hiking Shoes.
However, for newbie hikers, it can be fairly difficult to make a choice between boots and shoes. Remember the wrong footwear is guaranteed to lead to an uncomfortable day trekking or even debilitating black toenails and painful blisters. While the right boots or shoes make it easy to walk hundreds of miles without any of these problems. So, should you get yourself a pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes?
Note: its all to do with your feet, the terrain, and the weather.
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How And When To Try On Trekking Footwear
Take your time when trying on new hiking shoes. The afternoon is best, as your feet normally swell a bit during the course of the day. Bring the socks you plan to wear in them. Using your own socks will also help you to assess the sizing, fit and feel of new footwear quicker. If you have orthotic footbeds, bring them along too. Spend as much time in them as you can in the shop: walk around, try them up and downstairs. Test them on a slope if there is one. Try to simulate how you will use them in the mountains. Obviously, its best to buy new shoes in a specialist store.
Hoka One One Trail Runners
These trail running shoes offer reliable trail performance and a cushioned ride, comfy from day one. I finally caved and bought some just to see what the Hoka Hype was all about.
After 75 miles, Im a believer. Id wear these HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 Trail Running Shoe hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim next time, thats for sure.
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 Trail Running Shoes feature:
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Vibram Megagrip outsole rubber won’t slip in wet conditions
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Outsole lugs provide tackles tricky trails on the way up and braking on the way down
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Lightweight foam midsole gives you a soft, responsive trek
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Wider forefoot adds stability and greater comfort for long miles
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Lightweight at only 18 oz. for the pair
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Great for easy to moderate day hiking and trail running
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May run a smidge big
Looking for more ankle support and HOKA hiking boots with Gore-tex? Check out HOKAs Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX Hiking Boots
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How Do You Choose What To Buy
As usual, what you choose to buy probably comes down to what you intend to do. If youre a rock climber and you love to spend your time in precarious rocky places, then the extra confidence and surefootedness of wearing approach shoes makes a lot of sense. If youre a hiker who likes to do a bit of scrambling, then the extra security and performance of approach shoes on more technical ground could be a big advantage. If, however, you spend most of your time on typical hiking terrain, then hiking shoes will almost certainly last longer and provide more grip and support on wet and muddy terrain.
Trekking Shoes For Women
Trekking shoe manufacturing companies are coming up with special trekking shoes that are designed for womens feet.
Where are they used:
The heel-to-ball length, as well as the width of in-step and heel is larger for men. So, shoe companies began designing a slimmer shoe that cater specifically to womens feet.
Features To Watch Out For:
- Special material at the in-sole and mid-sole for Q-angle
Recommended Brands: Some great shoes under this category are Trek 100 and MH100 for women by Decathlon. Apart from that, you may opt for Merrell Womens Moab 2 Mid Ventilator and Salomon X ULTRA 3 GTX W
| Heres a video that talks about the difference between Trekking Shoes and Sports Shoes, and which one is right for your trek:
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Hiking Shoes Vs Trail Running Shoes: Appearance
Hiking shoes tend to look less sporty, and are often available in more muted colours , so beyond the mountainside you could wear them around town to keep your feet comfy.
Trail running shoes are often brightly coloured, as if to proclaim ‘Im a runner!’ loudly at passers-by. As a result, they can be less useful as a multi-use shoe for people to wear casually elsewhere .
What Kind Of Weather Will You Be Hiking In
Will you be hiking in rain or snow a lot? Then you will definitely want hiking footwear made with Gore-Tex, so your feet stay dry.
If youre hiking in snow, youll want to be able to easily attach gaiters and crampons. You can do this with most any hiking boot, hiking shoe, or trail runners.
Hiking near the Palmer Lake Reservoirs in snow. Crampons and gaiters are super helpful.
Gaiters serve to keep pine needles and small rocks out of your shoes while you’re on the trail. Some ultralight hikers and thru-hikers who wear trail-running shoes will use these gaiters.
Crampons are a necessity to walk and hike on snow and ice. With them, you can cross glaciers and ascend snow slopes. Crampons are becoming more specialized depending on your activity.
Super-lightweight traction devices are made for everyday winter walking. More traditional crampons handle snow and glacier travel, technical hiking and mountaineering.
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Is It Ok To Wear Hiking Shoes Everyday
As with anything, theres a tradeoff between using your hiking shoes for walking around work or town vs. using your hiking shoes only for hiking on trails.
Its perfectly OK to wear hiking shoes every day. However, keep in mind that these shoes are not meant to be everyday shoes and they may not be the most comfortable to wear as more lightweight shoes. On the other hand, you might find your hiking shoes to be more comfortable than your casual shoes for certain circumstances
Lets break down some reasons for and against using your hiking shoes or boots for walking:
Why Use Hiking Boots
Hiking boots offer excellent durability and can wick away all problems the elements will throw at you. They offer better ankle protection than trail running shoes and generally have a much longer lifespan. In addition, they will keep your feet warmer and offer greater water protection due to the materials that are used to make this type of shoe.
These qualities make these boots better for rough and ready trips and are the perfect hiking footwear for those that need protection from the trails they walk.
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Who Would Benefit From Walking In Hiking Shoes
- People who want just one pair of shoes for all of their walking, whether on the street or on the trail.
- Those who mix pavement and trails on the same walk. Wear the shoes that will handle the roughest terrain you expect to encounter.
- Walkers in need of more support. The increased underfoot protection and foot stability will help people with ankle, knee and lower back issues.
- Older walkers. As we age we lose strength and stability. By improving the support at your feet it will help keep us walking longer. If you are finding balance an issue while walking consider adding trekking poles in addition to hiking shoes.
What You Really Need In Hiking Footwear
When youre picking hiking footwear, these are the factors that are important:
- They should protect your feet. That means no cuts or damage to your feet from the elements.
- They should be comfortable. You should be able to use them without getting blisters.
- They should be lightweight. You will step thousands of times when you hike. Every ounce saved on lifting your feet is more energy to hike farther.
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Go For Ankle Support In The Trekking Shoe
A lot of running shoes and sports shoes come with a lot of flexibility and good grip. But what they lack is ankle support. In the Himalayas you will be walking on rough terrain. You will be climbing up and down and your ankle is prone to twisting in unusual angles. And thats when your trek can end. And you dont really want that to happen. To prevent this, you need good ankle support and make sure your trekking shoes provide good ankle support.
Disadvantages Of Walking In Hiking Shoes
Hiking shoes tend to weigh more than walking shoes, especially the more supportive options. This will tend to be more fatiguing.
The hip flexor muscles at the top of your thigh can feel it if you are walking longer than usual. Over stressed hip flexors can lead to lower back pain so if you are susceptible then this will be a consideration for you.
Hiking shoes tend to be warmer. This is an advantage when it is cold but in the heat of summer, especially when humid can be both uncomfortable and lead to blisters.
In the summer I wear mesh topped trail running shoes for walking and hiking. I give up a little bit of support and durability but they are much cooler and my feet dont get as wet from sweat.
Quality hiking shoes tend to be fairly expensive so it budget is a concern then walking shoe can save you a bit of money upfront. Since hiking shoes will tend to last longer it is hard to say which is the better value over the long term.
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Is It Ok To Wear A Trail Running Shoe On Pavement
While a trail running shoe is suitable for walking and running on trails, that doesnt mean they cant work well as street shoes. They can work incredibly well on the pavement! I wouldnt pick a running shoe for hiking myself unless I had no other choice, though. Since a trail runner shoe is often heavier than street style shoes, they could tire me out faster.
Key Weaknesses Of Trail Running Shoes
They offer less protection against the elements than hiking shoes
They offer less ankle protection, even compared to short low top hiking boots
Runners can be worn out and need to be replaced more often
Although they have a versatile grip, they will never be as strong as the lugs on a good pair of boots
The materials do not offer protection against the elements and shouldn’t be used for winter excursions
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How Does It Benefit Me To Wear Hiking Boots Instead Of Tennis Shoes On The Trail
Headed for a walk in the woods but still debating with yourself about hiking boots vs. tennis shoes? The choice in footwear, whether it’s as stark as boots vs. sneakers, or the more subtle difference between hiking shoes and running shoes, can make or break your hike.
Video of the Day
Tip
Unless the trail you walk is unusually smooth and dry, tennis shoes are not made to handle hiking terrain. On the other hand, heavy hiking boots may be overkill for some trail conditions.
Hiking Shoes Good Bet For Most People
Hiking shoes take the best elements of hiking boots and trail runners and combine them into one. They are lighter and more comfortable than hiking boots, but generally offer the same level of protection . Hiking shoes are designed to last longer than a trail runner but are usually a little heavier because of the extra protection. Theyre also a bit stiffer than a trail runner. Overall the durability, lighter weight, and and protection offer the best balance for hikers.
I took my first pair of hiking shoes on a 14 mile hike in Yosemite right after buying them. Absolutely no issues at all. Very comfortable for the entire hike, my feet felt like they could have kept going, while the rest of me, not so much. Hiking Shoe Review
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Quechua Mh100 Trekking Shoes
This is another shoe that is branded as a hiking shoe. It falls within a good budget and ticks all the right boxes the sole has good grip, it has ankle support, a flexible sole and water resistance.
For most of our easy, moderate and even moderate-difficult Himalayan treks like Rupin Pass, these shoes will work. They are slightly on the higher end of budget trekking shoes though, costing around Rs 3,500.
Trekking Shoes Review: I have used the shoes on several Sahyadri treks in winters and rainy as well and also used them at Buran Ghati in snow as well. Its been almost a year since I bought it, and these shoes are in great condition. They are helpful in all kind of terrain, also they are zero maintenance, and easily washable. Raj Shah
What Is The Difference Between A Hiking Shoe And A Running Shoe
Boots, trail runners, and street-style shoes are all very different. There are some obvious differences in design and construction between hiking shoes and running shoes at first glance, and the difference between the two becomes even clearer when I put them on my feet.
Firstly, my hiking shoes are far more durable than any runners Ive ever owned. A trail running shoe is built to stand up to hazards like sticks, stones, roots, puddles, and anything else you might encounter on a trail.
Street-style shoes should be used on flat, even pavement. Even if I step on the occasional rock or pebble or pass the occasional pothole, my street shoes can handle it. Theyre lightweight, comfortable, and flexible.
A hiking shoe, on the other hand, has more support in its construction. They weather uneven terrain while trail running, and they add a bit more support for my foot arches in case I lose my grip. Some trail runners end higher on my ankle, too, to help protect me if I land wrong and twist it.
Boots, on the other hand, are a different beast altogether. While I could feasibly run in a well-worn pair of boots, that doesnt mean I want to! Boots are heavy and very supportive, and theyre for walking more so than running.
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Approach Shoes Vs Hiking Shoes: What Are Approach Shoes
Rock climbers are often on trails that have more technical approaches: steep, rocky, precarious and downright dangerous. The Five Ten 5.10 Guide Tennie was designed for this terrain. In fact, some approach shoes are so good that many climbers will use them instead of climbing shoes on easy crags, as theyre so much more comfortable.
In the same way that racing cars use softer rubber compounds on their tyres to stick to the race track, climbing shoes use softer rubber compounds, allowing significantly more friction between the shoe and the rock, enabling a better cling-on factor. Most approach shoes use similar sticky rubber to climbing shoes, providing more security and confidence on the rock, where the harder rubber compounds of hiking shoes, designed more for durability, will often slip or skid.
The other big difference between the Guide Tennie and most hiking shoes is the aggressiveness of the lugs on the sole. The Guide Tennie has a dot pattern on the base, closer to the smooth sole of a climbing shoe, rather than the deep lugs of a hiking shoe, which are designed for grip on muddy trails. Many approach shoes also have a protective rubber rand, which provides friction and prevents wear when jamming the shoes into cracks in the rock.
Hiking Shoes Vs Hiking Boots The Verdict
It goes without saying, that hiking boots are a better choice when it comes to technical terrain. A shoe will never protect your foot as well as a regular boot these are much more rugged and protective. They protect ones feet with a mixture of metal, rubber, and leather components. This also makes them more durable with proper care, a pair of hiking boots can last for years.
In addition, this type of footwear features tougher uppers and higher tops. This, in turn, makes them more stable than trail runners. Hiking boots are a particularly good choice for folks who need additional ankle support, as well as for first-time hikers, many of whom are still in the process of developing their foot skills.
Hiking shoes, on the other hand, are more flexible and stretchier due to their mesh components and lower tops. Not only does this make them more breathable, but also lighter on ones feet. However, remember that waterproof shoes take longer to dry you dont need a pair if youre not into winter hiking.
While a shoe cant really give your foot the same stability and protection as a regular trekking boot, it is far more versatile the stylish look of modern hiking shoes allows outdoor enthusiasts to use them both inside and outside the city.
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