The hiking shoes vs. boots debate is never ending. It is one of the most essential gears to invest in once you start with the hiking trip process. Your footwear determines how comfortable you are while hiking. It also requires scrutinizing a lot of other aspects which are important while hiking. 

My scout leader always used to emphasise on the part where he insisted everyone wear a pair of hiking boots while hiking. I always thought that every hiker wore boots and it is not important to invest in hiking shoes. It turns out that it is one of the most efficient and comfortable pairs of footwear which helps with your hiking process. 

Difference between Shoes and Hiking Boots

The difference between shoes and hiking boots can be determined under various aspects. Some of them are:

Upper

Sturdy hiking boots are made of strong and durable materials. Hiking boots are made of leather uppers, synthetic upper. Hiking shoes are known to have split leather-uppers. For fast hiking, leather uppers are usually not a good idea to have on hiking shoes. It becomes heavy for the fast hiking process. The best hiking shoes are made of thinner synthetic fabrics and are breathable in nature. They are flexible and include knits, mesh, as well as GORE-TEX technology which make them waterproof. 

Support to Your Ankle

Hiking boots are well-known to provide ample ankle support which is important for both hikers and non-hikers. There are padded uppers and gusseted tongue in hiking shoes which help you find comfort but less ankle support. 

Protection

Hiking boots usually come with protective features such as reinforced toes and heels. They also have shanks which are found between the mid and outer sole. Hiking shoes however, have some level of protection but they don’t have the same level of protection.

Traction

Outer soles which have grip help with traction. There are different types of hiking boot outsoles which tend to have fewer lugs and they don’t deal well with mud, dirt, and debris. There are shoes which provide a comfortable outsole. 

Types of Hiking Boots

  1. Mountaineering boots are similar to backpacking boots. Some of them have a higher cut. These boots also come with a waterproof feature which keeps you dry.
  2. Backpacking boots are one such pair of footwear which has thicker shanks. These shanks can bear more weight. Even with a heavy backpack. They also have cushioning inside the insole which offers enhanced comfort. 

Types of Hiking Shoes

  1. Trail running shoes provide you with an outer sole which has superior grip. It helps protect the underfoot from impact. These hiking shoes are usually made with mesh materials which are breathable and lightweight in nature.
  2. Minimalist hiking shoes are designed to fit well. It has a soft upper and protective midsole. These shoes are perfect for everyday hiking, walking, and running.

Boots and Hiking Shoes: Which one is Better?

Both boots and hiking shoes have their pros and cons.

Hiking Boots

  1. Offers high ankle support and increases stability. However, these are less breathable.
  2. Hiking boots have additional protection which can be found in the soles and heels. But they require a break-in period.

Hiking Shoes

  1. These are lighter than the boots and save you energy. However, they provide minimal ankle support which is required when you climb difficult terrains. 
  2. These are more breathable in nature and great for an autumn or spring hike. But these shoes have the possibility of getting wet while you cross streams or any water body.

Where are you Hiking Next?

Make sure to check on all your belongings and look at the type of essentials you are carrying. It is best to know how much weight you would be carrying to make it easier. You can also make a list of the things to know how much weight you would be carrying and the distance you would be travelling. If you have the budget for both, you can always opt for both hiking shoes and boots. Travel freely and have a great time hiking to your next destination.